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Rig Welding Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... rig" testing to support product validation. The position is hands-on and requires a strong ... Fabrication skills including welding, saws, drills, grindersModerately proficient with computers ...

... rig" testing to support product validation. The position is hands-on and requires a strong ... Fabrication skills including welding, saws, drills, grindersModerately proficient with computers ...

Construct, maintain, install, inspect, alter, adjust, repair, build, operate, rig and lubricate ... Welder: Perform duties necessary to plan lay out, and complete assignments related to burning ...

Mechanic II

Filer City, MI

$40.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Construct, maintain, install, inspect, alter, adjust, repair, build, operate, rig and lubricate ... Welder: Perform duties necessary to plan lay out, and complete assignments related to burning ...

Mechanic II

Filer City, MI · On-site

$40.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Construct, maintain, install, inspect, alter, adjust, repair, build, operate, rig and lubricate ... Welder: Perform duties necessary to plan lay out, and complete assignments related to burning ...

Journeyman Machine Repairman

Grand Rapids, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... welding tasks as needed. Responsibilities * Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair a variety of ... Rig and move machinery safely when required, supporting equipment relocations and installations.

Mobile Maintenance Mechanic

Michigamme, MI · On-site

$24.25 - $31/hr

... CANBUS/RCS/TCAD drill rig systems and instruments * Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and ... Ability to weld, use cutting torch, and fabricate. * Train and mentor junior mobile maintenance ...

Rig Welding information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$40

$72

How much do rig welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for rig welding in Michigan is $40.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.38 and $41.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rig welding?

Rig welding refers to welding work performed on oil rigs, pipelines, or other remote job sites, often in the oil and gas industry. Rig welders typically use their own welding trucks ('rigs') equipped with specialized tools and equipment to perform welding tasks in various environments. The work can be physically demanding and may require travel, long hours, and adherence to strict safety standards. Rig welders are skilled in multiple welding processes, such as stick, MIG, and TIG welding, to repair or construct equipment and structures. This career often offers high pay but can be challenging due to the work conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rig welder?

To thrive as a Rig Welder, you need advanced welding skills, strong knowledge of safety protocols, and typically a welding certification such as AWS or NCCER. Mastery of welding equipment, blueprint reading, and experience with specialized tools like arc, MIG, and TIG welders are essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensure high-quality welds, maintain safety standards, and meet the demanding conditions of rig environments.

What are some typical challenges rig welders face when working on remote job sites?

Rig welders often work in remote or challenging environments, such as oil fields or construction sites, where weather conditions, limited access to supplies, and long hours are common challenges. Adapting to different types of welding projects and equipment, while maintaining high safety and quality standards, is essential. Additionally, collaborating with diverse teams of engineers, inspectors, and other tradespeople requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Being prepared for travel and extended stays away from home is also a key aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Rig Welding vs Pipe Welding?

AspectRig WeldingPipe Welding
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
Work EnvironmentOffshore rigs, oil platforms, construction sitesRefineries, pipelines, industrial plants
Industry UsageOil & gas, energy, constructionOil & gas, water, and gas pipeline industries

Rig Welding and Pipe Welding both require similar certifications and are used in the oil and gas industry. However, Rig Welders typically work on offshore rigs and platforms, while Pipe Welders focus on pipelines and industrial piping. Both roles demand strong welding skills and safety knowledge, but their work environments and specific applications differ.

What do rig welders make?

Rig welders typically earn wages based on their experience, location, and the complexity of the work, with salaries often ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. They are paid for their skills in welding, often using specialized equipment in industrial or construction environments, and may receive overtime or hazard pay depending on the job conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Rig Welding jobs in Michigan?

For Rig Welding jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rig Welding jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Rig Welding jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Rig Welding job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $84,444 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Engineering Technician

Tenneco

Grass Lake, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Tenneco rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Candidate will work on second shift in the Engineering Test Department to conduct thermal cycle testing and full exhaust system "rig" testing to support product validation.  The position is hands-on and requires a strong technical and analytical background. Testing will support emission system program launch for passenger car and truck, heavy duty truck, off-highway vehicle, locomotive, and marine applications with the potential to cross-train in other areas of the Test Department.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Fabricate test fixturing for full exhaust system setups and thermal testingSet-up test samples, sensors, test rig control, acquisition hardware/software and perform tests per work order, engineer direction or customer specificationAssess general test data validity with respect to test request requirements and report test data to internal customersHelp troubleshoot and service facility, test hardware, and software issues that interrupt testingMaintain test log sheets for area of responsibility and communicate daily shift results to next shift personnelSupport continuous improvement activity involving test rig to improve test efficiency, capacity, and costMaintain servo hydraulic system through preventive maintenance, rebuilding hydraulic actuator, hydraulic hose inspections, etc.Support and adhere to environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION:Associate degree or higher in a technology discipline or +5 years of experience working in a comparable test environmentEXPERIENCE:Experience with servo hydraulics or natural gas burners for validation testing or comparable test rigAbility to work in a fast paced/dynamic environmentREQUIREMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS:Fabrication skills including welding, saws, drills, grindersModerately proficient with computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Strong communication skills for interacting with internal and external customers.Ability to work in a team atmosphere and be able to execute complex tasks without supervisionAbility to lift and physically manipulate exhaust system components and test equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during the workdayMust be able to occasionally bend, stoop, reach as neededMay be required to lift or move materials up to 25 poundsMust be able to work safely around manufacturing equipment and in an industrial environmentRequired to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areasMust be able to work in conditions that may include noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and proximity to production activity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This role is based in the Grass Lake Technical CenterOccasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.

Other Duties: Additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be required.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. 


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