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Subcontractor Welding Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Quality Control Technician

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

Leading visual, technical inspection processes for welding, paint subcontracting & other sheet metal operations * Assist in planning/developing inspection plans, monitoring inspection or quality ...

Estimator

Hartford, WI

$75K - $95K/yr

Obtain and review supplier and subcontractor quotes, ensuring pricing and lead times meet customer ... Experience with metal fabrication, welding, and large weldments is highly preferred. * Ability to ...

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We also offer welding & fabricating services, carpentry, locksmithing, specification writing ... Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing * Review addenda and other architectural ...

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Identify required tooling, workholding, fixtures, steady rests, subcontract services, and special ... Account for welding, metal buildup, straightening, stress relief, grinding, balancing, milling ...

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Subcontractor Welding information

See Wisconsin salary details

$15

$30

$45

How much do subcontractor welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for subcontractor welding in Wisconsin is $30.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $34.47 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Subcontractor Welding jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Subcontractor Welding jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Subcontractor Welding jobs in Wisconsin? For Subcontractor Welding jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subcontractor Welding jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Subcontractor Welding jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Subcontractor Welding job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,540 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Senior Site Quality Specialist - AZCO

Burns & McDonnell

Appleton, WI • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description
The Senior Site Quality Specialist is responsible for the implemented quality program on projects to confirm projects are fabricated/installed, examined, tested, and documented in accordance with the project specifications, governing codes of construction, and contract documents.
  • Provide guidance to quality personnel relative to the scope, complexity, and logistics of work.
  • Support specification reviews to develop the Construction Quality Plan for the project.
  • Effectively communicate with project personnel to ensure specifications and code inspections are understood and met.
  • Participate in preparatory meetings to communicate contractual requirements to subcontractors to ensure quality objectives are achieved.
  • Proactively evaluate the implementation of the quality program (e.g. document management, material management, special processes, etc.) and when required, bring the attention of noncompliant processes to the project team.
  • Inspect fabricated/installed products and services to confirm they are in compliance with project specifications and drawings and results documented, as required.
  • Proactively evaluate installation activities and participate in project schedule look-ahead meetings to identify and discuss any upcoming complexities with the project team.
  • Evaluate quality verification documents to confirm all attributes are addressed as they are issued and confirm compliance with the specifications and drawings.
  • Generate accurate inspection reports daily. Update inspection databases to accurately track inspection status, results, and metrics.
  • Participate in the walk-down and turnover process and when required, perform and document acceptance inspections.
  • Lead quality meetings with client and subcontractors, if required.
  • Recommend enhancements and changes to the Quality Management System.
  • Confirm conditions adverse to quality (nonconformances) are identified, segregated, documented, dispositioned, and tracked through acceptance to closure.
  • Lead the development of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) with collaboration from the project team and confirm their implementation.
  • Review and confirm compliance of applicable materials, procedures, subcontractor quality submittals, and ITPs.
  • Assign Welding Procedure Specification to the weldments, if applicable.
  • Test and qualify welders in accordance with company welder testing procedures and code requirements, if applicable.
  • Monitor the implementation of the site welding program.
  • Manage and track welder to weld traceability.
  • Proactively communicate quality opportunities or concerns to the project team.
  • Understand and interpret discipline-specific codes, specifications, and client requirements.
  • Manage tracking project quality metrics.
  • Manage the project turnover deliverables are populated and correspond to project activities.
  • Lead Quality orientation on a project site, as needed.
  • Comply with all Safety & Health requirements and participate in the Task Safety Observations (TSO's) to ensure adherence to safety standards.
  • Responsible for coaching, training and mentoring field quality personnel.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to less experienced staff.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma/GED and 11 years relevant experience in construction and fabrication quality management required or
  • Associate Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Welding Technology, Nondestructive Examination, or related field and 9 years relevant experience in construction and fabrication quality management required or
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Welding Technology, Nondestructive Examination, or related field and 7 years relevant experience in construction and fabrication quality management required.
  • Previous experience with welder testing and qualification in accordance with applicable codes required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be detailed oriented.
  • Advanced technical writing skills required.
  • Certified Welding Inspector-AWS required.

Job Quality
Primary Location US-WI-Appleton
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 100 % of the Time
Req ID: 262005
#LI-CD #ACO N/A

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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