Underwater Welder Career Profile
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Job Overview
Underwater welding is one of the most thrilling and technically demanding careers in the welding industry. Combining diving skills with advanced welding techniques, underwater welders work on structures like offshore oil rigs, ships, pipelines, and dams. These professionals often operate in extreme environments, where precision and safety are paramount.
Whether you're already certified in welding or just beginning your career journey, underwater welding offers an adventurous, high-paying path that few other jobs can match.
What Does an Underwater Welder Do?
What Does an Underwater Welder Do?
Underwater welders—also known as commercial divers with welding specialization—perform maintenance, repairs, and construction on submerged metal structures. Their work often takes place in offshore, marine, or industrial environments. Common tasks include structural repairs on ships, underwater pipeline welding, and cutting or installation on offshore platforms.
This field requires both welding certification and commercial diving training. Projects may be carried out in open water (wet welding) or in pressurized dry chambers (dry welding or hyperbaric welding), depending on the job and location.
Career Requirements
Career Requirements
What Skills or Credentials Do You Need to Become an Underwater Welder?
To pursue a career in underwater welding, you'll typically need:
- AWS welding certification (especially in structural or pipe welding)
- Commercial diver certification from an accredited diving school
- Proficiency in wet and dry welding techniques
- Excellent physical conditioning and comfort in confined or pressurized environments
- Strong understanding of safety protocols and dive planning
Success in this role requires focus, precision, and the ability to work effectively under physically and mentally demanding conditions.
Salary & Career Outlook
Salary & Career Outlook
How Much Does a Pipeline Welder Make?
Underwater welding is known for offering high earning potential, especially on complex or deep-sea projects. Underwater welder salary can vary significantly based on experience, location, depth, and risk level.
- Entry-level underwater welders may earn $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Experienced commercial diving welders can earn $80,000 to over $150,000 annually
- Hazard pay, per diem, and overtime may increase total compensation
- Saturation diving welders, who work at extreme depths, may command even higher salaries
This niche profession is expected to remain in demand as infrastructure maintenance and offshore development projects continue to grow.
Training & Certifications
Training & Certifications
How Do I Get Started in Pipeline Welding?
Most underwater welders begin with foundational welding skills before completing commercial dive training.
The path typically includes:
- Earning AWS welding certifications
- Attending an accredited commercial diving program
- Gaining real-world experience with underwater welding techniques
- Continuing education to maintain safety and technical skills
AWS offers resources, certifications, and guidance for welders looking to enter the underwater welding profession. Combining strong technical ability with underwater capability can lead to a rewarding, specialized career.
Underwater Welder Job Demand
The heat map below showcases the total number of job postings for underwater welders in the last twelve months by state. As shown, the darker the color of the state, the higher the concentration of job postings. The heat map is intended to provide insight into areas where underwater welder careers are currently in demand.
Learn More About Underwater Welding Careers
Learn More About Underwater Welding Careers
If you’re seeking a unique, challenging, and financially rewarding welding job, underwater welding may be the right path. This career offers opportunities to work around the world, contribute to vital infrastructure projects, and operate in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable.
Explore AWS training programs, browse certification paths, and take the plunge into a one-of-a-kind welding career beneath the waves.
Minimum Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Recommended Education
Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, machining, etc.
Preferred Education
Underwater welding and commercial diving program
Advanced Education
Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, machining, etc.
Minimum Training
Commercial diving certification
Recommended Training
Related work experience as welder or diver’s tender
Advanced Training
Apprenticeship program
Recommended Certification
AWS Certified Welder