How Much Does an Underwater Welder Make?

The individual that combines his skills of diving with welding is known as an underwater welder. In most cases, these individuals are offshore workers. The welders perform welding in environments that are hazardous. This welder utilizes different methods and equipment for welding. Drives for the welder are being used in performing various duties like nondestructive testing, fitting rigging, and much more. But the question is how much does an underwater welder make? here in this article we will be talking about this.

Duties of the underwater welder

This welder should have to undergo training because they have particular responsibilities to be carried out with underwater welding. The duties of the welder include;

• Underwater rigging
• Underwater fitting
• Underwater drafting
• Underwater cutting
• Underwater photography
• Inspection

The welder needs to have good skills of communication alongside talents for them to do their job efficiently.

Education

Education is very crucial for an underwater welder. The leading educational requirement is a certificate in commercial diving. They need the ability to use all types of diving equipment, diving communication, underwater inspection, hyperbaric chamber operations, emergency procedures, and diving physiology. They need to have great skills in welding. There are several welding and diving courses on the market to help the individual finish the required course before starting welding.Still confused? read this extensive article  how to become an underwater welder

How Much Does an Underwater Welder Make?

The salary of an underwater welder is determined by four factors.

• depth of the dive
• Location
• Employer
• Diver experience

When you check the logistics bureau, underwater welders and commercial divers have an average hourly rate of USD 26.32, while the annual wage can be USD 54,750 on average.

Also, the top percentile of underwater welders can make over USD 90,000 annually on average.

The underwater welders usually work according to the individual project. The salary varies on the bases of work hazards. It may also vary by project length and methods of diving. With the right experience, the welder will earn serious money. The salary varies based on the location of the job. They are;

• Offshore income
• Inland income

Inland income

Welders that work in rivers, lakes, and in ponds are called inland underwater welders. The welders usually work on bridges, big dams, small vessels, and much more. The salary of these welders varies from USD 40,000 to USD 80,000. These individuals have to work for forty hours per week. They have a great luxury schedule. As welders work on water, they require a lot of practice to do welding.

Offshore income

Offshore determine the ocean and welders may earn between USD 40,000 to USD 100,000 or more.

Offshore welders weld large marine vessel or oil rigs. They have to work for over eighty hours per week. Due to the busy schedule, they get back to the land once every month. To the inland, they do jobs like cleaning, installation, and pipe welding. Offshore welders work in environments that are hazardous like the hurricane and tide, which is more dangerous than inland workers.

In case you have an interest in this career, start it immediately. It needs a few years to become an expert and get pay that is sizeable. As earlier mentioned they get paid according to the worked hours and depends on the company you are working with.

The pay amount offered to the underwater welder has a close link to the expertise of the welder. These welders with experience command high pay rates since they can work more efficiently and faster than novice welders.

The salary for the welder also varies according to the job location. Some areas have a high cost of living as compared to others, which make it good for employers to give high salaries. Union in one area may demand higher wages than another area. Larger firms have more available money to pay the welders, therefore, working with large company results in very high wages.

What does it feel like working as the underwater welder?

As you begin your commercial diving career, you will realize that the majority of commercial divers and underwater welders have employment contracts with leading diving contractors. Underwater diving and commercial diving jobs vary, but on a day that is typical, you may find yourself reporting for work at the docks with your gear. From there, the transport vessel will get you to the site, perhaps a lot of miles from the shore. Once you get to the site of diving, you will suit up, go through the checklist, then dive in the water.

After submerging, you will get to proper depth, get a review of the project, report to the top, and go to work to make the needed welds or repairs. After completing the job, you will communicate with the top-side the task is complete, and they will start ascending you to the surface.

In case it is necessary, you will complete the in-water decompression after getting to the surface, get into the decompression chamber to make sure that you do not display symptoms of decompression sickness. This may be as a result of the formation of bubbles in the diver’s tissues, which is similar to the one present in the beverage that is carbonated.