Hi, I’m an underwater welder and have been working in the North Sea for a few years. People often ask me how much we earn doing this job. Work’s not easy — the water is freezing, the pressure is intense, and the job is risky — but the pay is worth it. I’ll explain it all simply, including how much we make hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
What It’s Like to Work in the North Sea?
The North Sea is not an easy place to work. The water is freezing, and the weather is often rough. As an underwater welder, I go deep into the sea to repair or build structures on oil rigs and pipelines. It’s hard work but also exciting. Safety is very important, and we follow many rules to stay protected.
How Much Do Oil Workers Make?
So, how much do North Sea oil workers earn? In general, oil workers make good money. Most earn between $50,000 to USD 87,000 per year, depending on their job and experience.
The General North Sea Salary
The average North Sea salary includes all types of workers, like drillers, engineers, and operators. The pay depends on your skills and how long you’ve been working offshore. Some senior workers earn over USD 125,000 a year.
Salary of Regular Workers
A regular North Sea worker salary can start around USD 44,000 and go up with experience. Electricians, pipefitters, and mechanics often fall in this range.
North Sea Welder Pay
If you are a welder working above water (topside), your North Sea welder salary is usually between $56,000 to $75,000 USD per year.
Underwater Welder Salary in the North Sea
Now comes the exciting part. The underwater welder salary North Sea starts from about $75,000 and can reach over $125,000 if you’re skilled and take on deep or risky dives.
Here’s a breakdown of how the pay looks at different levels:
North Sea Underwater Welder Salary Breakdown
| Experience Level | Hourly Pay | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay | Yearly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (New) | $36/hr | $1,440 | $6,240 | $75,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | $45/hr | $1,800 | $7,500 | $90,000 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $50/hr | $2,000 | $8,333 | $100,000 |
| Expert/Saturation Dive | $60/hr+ | $2,400+ | $10,000+ | $125,000+ |
What Is the Pay for Deep Diving Welders?
If you’re doing saturation diving, the pay is even higher. So, a North Sea underwater welder salary can go beyond USD 125,000 per year. Some of my friends who do long saturation dives even make close to USD 150,000.
My Pay as an Underwater Welder
So, what is the real North Sea underwater welder salary? Personally, I started earning around USD 75,000 in my first year. After gaining more experience and diving deeper, I now make close to USD 112,000 a year. It depends on the project, dive depth, and hours worked offshore.
Is the Pay Worth the Hard Work?
People often ask if North Sea pay is worth it. My honest answer is yes — if you are okay with being away from family, working in tough conditions, and always staying alert. It’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy hands-on work and the ocean, the rewards are real.
What Percent Of Underwater Welders Die?
Final Thoughts
Working as an underwater welder in the North Sea is difficult but pays well. From my experience, it offers one of the best wages for people who love physical work and adventure. If you’re considering this career, start by learning welding, then train for commercial diving.
It takes time, effort, and courage, but if you stick with it, this job can change your life, both in experience and in income.