As an underwater welder with several years of experience, I’ve had the chance to work with different companies, on a wide range of projects, and in various challenging environments. One thing people are always curious about is the underwater welder salary per hour—and it’s no surprise. Underwater welding is a unique profession that combines welding skills with diving, and the pay reflects the challenges and risks involved.
In this post, I’m going to share my experience and insights about how much underwater welders make per hour and what factors affect the underwater welding salary.
What Is the Underwater Welding Salary Per Hour?
From my experience, the underwater welding salary per hour varies a lot depending on where you’re working, the type of project, and your level of experience. On average, you can expect underwater welders to make per hour between $25 to $40. In some cases, however, it can go much higher.
When I started, my welding hourly rate was lower, closer to $20 an hour. That’s pretty common for beginners in this field. However as I took on more challenging jobs and gained more experience, my underwater welder hourly pay steadily increased. Now, when I work on more demanding projects like deep-sea welding or welding in extreme temperatures, I can make upwards of $50 per hour. It’s tough work, but the underwater welding salary per hour can add up.
| Beginner (0-2 years) | $20 – $30 |
| Intermediate (3-5 years) | $30 – $45 |
| Advanced (6+ years) | $45 – $60+ |
How Much Can an Underwater Welder Make Per Hour in Different Locations?
Where you work plays a big role in determining your underwater welder pay per hour. For example, when I was working on an offshore oil rig, the underwater welding hourly pay was significantly higher than when I was doing repairs near the shore. Offshore work tends to be more dangerous and physically demanding, which is why companies are willing to pay more. In these high-risk jobs, I’ve seen welding hourly rates go as high as $50 to $60 per hour.
On the other hand, closer to the shore, where the conditions are a bit easier and the risks are lower, the underwater welder salary per hour is usually lower. Even in these jobs, though, you can still expect a decent welding pay per hour—anywhere from $25 to $35 an hour depending on the complexity of the job and your experience level.
| Location | Risk Level | Hourly Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore (Oil Rigs) | High risk | $50 – $60 |
| Nearshore (Repairs) | Moderate risk | $25 – $35 |
| Deep-Sea Welding | Very high risk | $60+ |
| Shallow Waters (Construction) | Lower risk | $25 – $40 |
What Affects the Underwater Welding Pay Per Hour?
Several factors impact how much underwater welders make per hour. One of the most important is experience. I remember when I first got into the industry, my underwater welding salary per hour was on the lower end, which is typical for beginners. But as I gained more experience, took on more specialized tasks, and worked in tougher environments, my pay increased.
Certifications also make a big difference. For example, when I completed advanced training in hyperbaric welding (which is welding at extreme depths), my underwater welding pay per hour saw a noticeable jump. The more specialized and qualified you are, the better your chances of landing high-paying jobs.
Location is another key factor. I’ve worked in different parts of the world, and I can tell you firsthand that underwater welders make more per hour in certain regions. Offshore work, especially on oil rigs or gas pipelines, tends to offer the highest welding hourly rates. However, even jobs in warmer, calmer waters still offer solid pay. The specific conditions, including water depth and temperature, can also influence the underwater welding salary per hour.
Read Also: How Much Do Underwater Welders Make A Year?
The Impact of Risk on Underwater Welder Hourly Pay
When talking about how much underwater welders make per hour, it’s not just about how skilled they are at welding. The risks involved in the job are significant, and companies compensate for that. In the beginning, I didn’t fully appreciate the level of risk that comes with working underwater, but over the years, I’ve come to respect the safety protocols and the need for constant focus. The higher the risk, the more the underwater welding pay per hour increases. Deep-sea welding, for example, involves working in harsh, sometimes unpredictable environments, which is why the welding pay per hour for those jobs is much higher.
Certifications That Impact Pay
Certifications are essential in determining how much an underwater welder can earn. They not only ensure that welders are qualified to handle complex tasks but also open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs. Here’s a breakdown of the key certifications that can significantly impact an underwater welder’s pay:
1. Commercial Diver Certification
This certification is required for all underwater welders, as it proves that the welder is capable of working underwater and handling the challenges that come with it. This certification ensures safety and competence, which increases job opportunities and salary potential.
2. Welding Certifications (AWS D3.6M, ASME Section IX)
Having specific welding certifications like AWS D3.6M (American Welding Society) or ASME Section IX (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) increases a welder’s credibility and earning power. These certifications show that the welder can perform quality welds in underwater conditions.
3. Hyperbaric Welding Certification
Hyperbaric welding, which involves welding in high-pressure environments, is one of the most challenging and dangerous forms of underwater welding. Obtaining this certification can lead to specialized, high-paying jobs, as it shows that the welder is trained to work in extreme conditions.
These certifications not only make underwater welders more qualified but also give them access to higher-paying jobs, such as deep-sea welding or work on offshore oil rigs.
The difference in Pay Between Underwater Welding and Regular Welding
People often ask me how underwater welding salary per hour compares to regular welding jobs. The difference is substantial. Traditional welders typically earn anywhere from $15 to $30 an hour depending on their skill level and the region they work in. Underwater welding hourly pay, on the other hand, starts higher because of the added complexity of diving and working in underwater conditions. Even the simplest underwater jobs tend to pay more than regular welding.
| Underwater Welding | $25 – $60+ | High (Includes diving, risk factors) |
| Regular Welding | $15 – $30 | Moderate (Standard welding jobs) |
Personal Review
In my opinion as an underwater welder, the underwater welding salary is more than fair for the work we do. It’s not just about welding—it’s about being a skilled diver, handling tough underwater conditions, and being able to perform in risky environments. The underwater welder pay per hour reflects that balance between skill and risk. For anyone looking to enter the field, know that the underwater welding hourly pay will likely start modest, but with time, experience, and certifications, it will grow.
I’ve enjoyed the work and the pay has been a great motivator. It’s a unique career path that offers both adventure and good compensation. If you’re someone who’s not afraid of a challenge and you’re willing to put in the effort to learn and grow, the underwater welding salary per hour is worth it.