Chris, Just a heads up $20.00 /hr. on a 1099 is worth about $14.00/hr. because YOU are responsible for ALL taxes at the end of year!!!!! Companies SHABBY, why you ask? Because they don't want to carry employees on the books, get out of paying workers comp., FICA contributions, Fed. & state unemployment comp. , Liability ins. , and the list goes on. Not the same as a rig welder but your being considered a contract employee which the Fed. Gov. has STRICT guidelines to qualify you as such. Being in business I hate companies that try and cut corners like this and WISH the FED. GOV. would crack them GOOD!!!! From: PITTSBURGH HOME OF THE STEELERS!!!!!