I’ve been an underwater welder for many years, and people are often curious about our profession. They frequently ask questions like, “How many underwater welders are there in the world?” and specifically in the United States, “How many underwater welders are there in the U.S.?”
Unfortunately, most of the time, they can’t find clear answers. Underwater welding is a unique career that combines welding skills with diving expertise, and the number of underwater welders varies depending on the country and the demand for underwater construction and repairs. In this discussion, I’ll share insights about whether this is a good career choice, how many underwater welders there are around the world, and provide estimates for the United States. I’ll also cover information about underwater welders in many other countries, so stay connected.
Global Overview of Underwater Welders
Globally, it’s estimated that there are around 20,000 to 25,000 underwater welders. These professionals work in various sectors such as oil and gas, marine construction, and infrastructure maintenance. Each country contributes differently to this total based on its industrial needs and available workforce.
In the United States, there are 3,000 to 5,000 underwater welders. This reflects the high demand for underwater welding services across several industries, making the U.S. one of the leading countries for underwater welding professionals.
Why does the Number of Underwater Welders Vary by Country?
The number of underwater welders in each country depends largely on industrial demand and the availability of skilled workers. In countries with large maritime industries, such as the United States and Canada, there’s a constant need for underwater welders to maintain and build underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, countries with less coastline or industrial demand will naturally have fewer underwater welders.
Read Also: Why Do Underwater Welders Die Young?
Number of Underwater Welders by Country
Below is the number of underwater welders in various countries:
| Country | Number of Underwater Welders |
|---|---|
| United States | 3,000 to 5,000 |
| Canada | 1,000 to 2,000 |
| United Kingdom | 1,500 to 2,500 |
| Australia | 1,000 to 1,500 |
| Norway | 1,000 to 1,500 |
| Brazil | 500 to 1,000 |
| South Africa | 500 to 1,000 |
| India | 300 to 800 |
| Japan | 300 to 700 |
| Russia | 500 to 1,000 |
| Mexico | 300 to 600 |
| Singapore | 300 to 500 |
| Germany | 400 to 800 |
| France | 400 to 700 |
| Italy | 300 to 600 |
| Indonesia | 200 to 400 |
| Philippines | 200 to 400 |
| New Zealand | 200 to 300 |
| Thailand | 200 to 300 |
| Saudi Arabia | 300 to 600 |
| UAE | 300 to 500 |
| Vietnam | 200 to 400 |
| Argentina | 200 to 400 |
| Chile | 200 to 300 |
| South Korea | 300 to 500 |
| Nigeria | 200 to 300 |
| Ukraine | 300 to 500 |
| Sweden | 200 to 400 |
| Denmark | 200 to 300 |
| Finland | 200 to 300 |
| Other Countries | 100 to 200 |
Personal Review
As an underwater welder with years of experience, I can confidently say that the number of professionals in this field varies greatly depending on the region and its industrial needs. The demand for underwater welders is closely tied to the infrastructure requirements and the availability of trained experts. With the growing need for underwater construction and repairs, I’ve seen firsthand how this profession continues to be both exciting and rewarding. For those who are passionate about diving and skilled in welding, this career offers a unique opportunity to work in a challenging but fulfilling environment.