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Subcontractor Welding Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Thermo-Vac Inc

Fabrication Cost Estimator

Oxford, MI · On-site

Read and interpret weld symbols, fabrication callouts, tolerances, and other technical requirements that impact cost and feasibility. * Work with vendors and subcontractors to obtain current pricing ...

MAC Trailer

Maintenance Manager

Mount Pleasant, MI · On-site

They are responsible for keeping accurate inventory of shop and welding supplies, and small tools ... and subcontractors if needed. * Keep a welcoming and clean grounds inside and outside of the ...

Dunigan Bros Inc.

Auger Bore Foreman

Jackson, MI · On-site

... subcontractors, and construction workers. * Safety and quality are a reflection of who you are. * Must be able and willing to travel. * Must be able to use torches and perform various welding tasks.

Dunigan Bros. Inc.

Auger Bore Foreman

Jackson, MI · On-site

... subcontractors, and construction workers. * Safety and quality are a reflection of who you are. * Must be able and willing to travel. * Must be able to use torches and perform various welding tasks.

Barnes Aerospace

NDT Technician

Troy, MI

This position is responsible for processing and evaluating welded and machined components using the ... MB Aerospace is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defense services ...

Barnes Aerospace

NDT Technician

Madison Heights, MI

This position is responsible for processing and evaluating welded and machined components using the ... MB Aerospace is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defense services ...

Barnes Aerospace

NDT Technician

Center Line, MI

This position is responsible for processing and evaluating welded and machined components using the ... MB Aerospace is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defense services ...

Barnes Aerospace

NDT Technician

Royal Oak, MI

This position is responsible for processing and evaluating welded and machined components using the ... MB Aerospace is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defense services ...

Barnes Aerospace

NDT Technician

Sterling Heights, MI

This position is responsible for processing and evaluating welded and machined components using the ... MB Aerospace is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defense services ...

Barnes Aerospace

NDT Technician

Warren, MI

This position is responsible for processing and evaluating welded and machined components using the ... MB Aerospace is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defense services ...

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All JobsSubcontractor Welding JobsSubcontractor Welding Jobs in Michigan

Subcontractor Welding information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do subcontractor welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for subcontractor welding in Michigan is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $29.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a subcontractor welder?

To become a subcontractor welder, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete welding training or an apprenticeship, and obtain relevant certifications such as AWS or ASME. Experience in welding techniques, safety knowledge, and the ability to work independently are essential, along with establishing a business license and insurance if working as an independent contractor.

What are some common challenges subcontractor welders face when working on-site with general contractors?

Subcontractor welders often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules with other trades, adapting to varying site conditions, and meeting strict safety and quality standards imposed by general contractors. Communication and flexibility are crucial, as project timelines can shift and priorities may change rapidly. Additionally, subcontractor welders must be proactive in clarifying job specifications and documentation to ensure their work aligns with the overall project requirements and passes inspections.

What Does a Welding Subcontractor Do?

As a welding subcontractor, you provide welding services on a contract basis. Your responsibilities are to weld pipes or metal during a construction project. However, your specific duties may vary depending on the requirements of each project or contract. Some welders specialize in fitting and welding pipes or structural steel installations, while other professionals weld or solder steel or aluminum pieces together as part of a manufacturing project. In addition to operating welding equipment, clients may expect you to prepare surfaces for welding as well as inspect and test your work after completion.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding jobs that pay $50 an hour typically include skilled positions such as pipeline welders, industrial welders, and underwater welders, often requiring specialized certifications and experience. These roles are usually found in construction, manufacturing, or energy sectors and may involve overtime or hazardous environments to reach higher pay rates.

What are subcontractor welders?

Subcontractor welders are skilled tradespeople or companies that are hired by a primary contractor to perform welding work on a specific project or part of a larger job. They typically bring their own tools and expertise to handle welding tasks such as joining metals, fabricating structures, or repairing equipment according to project specifications. Subcontractor welders work under a contract for a set period or for the duration of a particular project, rather than as permanent employees. This arrangement allows primary contractors to access specialized welding skills as needed and manage labor costs effectively.

How much do independent contractor welders make?

Independent contractor welders typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Annual income can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 for those with specialized skills and steady work, often influenced by the industry and location. Many welders also charge higher rates for overtime or hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Subcontractor Welding vs Welder?

AspectSubcontractor WeldingWelder
CredentialsWelding certifications, often specialized for projectsWelding certifications required, varies by employer
Work EnvironmentOn-site, project-based, often outdoors or in industrial settingsWorkplaces vary from factories to construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageHired by contractors or companies for specific projectsEmployed directly by companies or as independent workers

Subcontractor welders typically operate as independent contractors or part of a subcontracting firm, focusing on specific projects and often working on-site in industrial or construction environments. Welders may work directly for an employer or as freelancers, performing welding tasks across various settings. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Subcontractor Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Subcontractor Welder, you need strong welding skills, a solid understanding of blueprints, and relevant certifications such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with various welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick), safety protocols, and tools like welding machines and plasma cutters is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating with clients and other contractors. These skills ensure high-quality workmanship, adherence to safety standards, and successful project completion within deadlines.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Subcontractor welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially if they work on high-paying projects, have specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience. Earnings vary based on location, project complexity, and workload, with some top-tier welders in the industry reaching high income levels through overtime and premium contracts.
More about Subcontractor Welding jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Subcontractor Welding jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Subcontractor Welding jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Subcontractor Welding jobs in Michigan? For Subcontractor Welding jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subcontractor Welding jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Subcontractor Welding jobs in Michigan are:
Subcontractor Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subcontractor Welding job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,005 per year, or $26 per hour.
Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Energy Steel & Supply Co.

Rochester Hills, MI

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Engineering Manager is a working position at Energy Steel & Supply Co. (ESSC). In order to fill this position, the candidate must have a working knowledge and understanding of material fabrication methods such as welding, heat treating, nondestructive examination, metal roll forming, cutting, machining, and other industry practices common to the metal fabrication industry. He/she must be able to develop and/or assist with welding and fabrication procedures. The candidate for this position must also be able to read, understand and interpret customer design drawings and develop shop drawings for fabrication. He/she should have a general knowledge of metallurgical science and must be able to interpret ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Sections III and IX and AWS Structural Welding Codes. Additionally, this candidate must have a minimum of 10 years relevant engineering management experience. The following are the duties and responsibilities of the Engineering Manager position at ESSC.
Job Description and Duties
Responsibilities for the engineering and coordination of projects assigned.
  • Responsibilities defined in the Energy Steel & Supply Co. QA Manuals
    • Overall responsibility for design activities, coordination, planning, and engineering design and drawing records.
    • Coordinate with the Director, Quality Assurance on all project matters affecting quality.
    • Oversight of project activities with all departments responsible for specific project activities including those performed by subcontractors, consultants, and clients to include such actions as:
  • General engineering activities for projects.
    • Coordinating on technical matters such as, but not limited to, engineering functions associated with technical procurements, evaluation of conditional release of nonconforming items, performance of detailed design reviews, preparation of detailed job travelers (instructions), and preparation of fabrication documents such as detail/shop drawings.
    • Interpretation of customer design specification and drawings
    • Development, review, and distribution of ESSC shop drawings required for Code project activities.
    • For fabricated Code items, review nonconformance reports prior to disposition approval and document concurrence of the disposition on the nonconformance report. Ensure use as is and repair recommended dispositions include sufficient technical justification.
  • Supervision of the following positions within the Engineering Department:
    • Weld Engineer’s responsibilities including preparation, implementation, and maintenance of welding program; qualification of welders/weld operators in accordance with Code and regulatory requirements.
    • Establishing, certifying, and maintaining Welder Qualification Records (WQR).
    • Preparing, reviewing, and releasing Weld Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR).
  • Engineering Personnel
    • Project Engineer
    • Engineering Technician – Welding
    • Engineering Technician – Drafting
  • Assisting the Sales Department:
    • In securing customer contracts.
    • In the preparation and performance of Technical Welding and Fabrication Sales Presentations to customers in person and via phone communications.
    • On trips to customer and/or vendor sites for presentation meetings if needed.
  • Contract oversight/administration:
    • Performing contract communication activities with the other departments and subcontractors.
    • Technical communications.
    • Expediting fabrication activities.
    • Development of Shop Drawings
    • Managing and controlling in-house and subcontracted fabrication and welding activities.
  • Equipment purchase consulting
    • Assessing equipment needs for contract fabrication performance and obtaining equipment source and cost information for procurement. Submitting cost studies to management for procurement approval.
    • Other duties as assigned
Minimum qualifications:
  • Due to Federal Contract requirements, US Citizenship is required for this position.
  • BSME or BSWE and 10 years of welding engineering experience in a commercial nuclear, defense or similar manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise technical personnel.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple technical projects.
  • Professional Engineer Registration or ability to gain registration.
  • Concentration in the nuclear and power generation industries desired.
  • Demonstrated experience establishing, certifying and maintaining Welder Qualification Records (WQR) and preparing, reviewing and releasing Weld Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR).
  • Exhibit a thorough understanding of pertinent codes, governing regulations and industry practice. Demonstrated experience utilizing and interpreting ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Sections III, VIII and IX and AWS Structural Welding Codes desired.
  • Ability to read & interpret engineering drawings, standards and specifications.
  • Expected travel is up to 10% annually.
  • Proficient in SolidWorks, MathCad, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the Internet.
  • Highly ethical with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Detail oriented, organized, works independently, and highly motivated.