Updated 2024 · Welding
How to Become a Underwater Welder
Underwater welders (commercial divers who weld) perform welding and cutting operations beneath the surface of water for offshore oil platforms, ships, pipelines, and bridges.
Steps to Become a Underwater Welder
- Meet basic requirements, You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program, Underwater Welder apprenticeships last 5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training, Complete 10000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications, Required certifications include: ADCI Commercial Diving certification, AWS D3.6 Underwater Welding certification, First aid and CPR for divers, Hyperbaric welding certification.
- Pass the journeyman exam, After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Underwater Welder Do?
Underwater welders (commercial divers who weld) perform welding and cutting operations beneath the surface of water for offshore oil platforms, ships, pipelines, and bridges.
Daily Duties
- Perform wet and dry (hyperbaric) welding underwater
- Inspect underwater structures for damage
- Cut and remove damaged metal components
- Install underwater pipelines and platforms
- Operate diving equipment and maintain life support systems
Skills Needed
- Commercial diving
- Underwater welding (wet and dry)
- Underwater cutting
- Pipeline inspection
- Hyperbaric chamber operation
Required Certifications
- ADCI Commercial Diving certification
- AWS D3.6 Underwater Welding certification
- First aid and CPR for divers
- Hyperbaric welding certification
Underwater Welder Salary (2024)
The national median underwater welder salary is $54,982 per year. Pay ranges from $48,340 in the lowest-paying metro to $64,510 in the highest-paying metro. See the full underwater welder salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Underwater Welder apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $21,993 |
| Year 2 | 53% | $29,140 |
| Year 3 | 65% | $35,738 |
| Year 4 | 78% | $42,886 |
| Year 5 | 90% | $49,484 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $54,982 |
Union vs Non-Union Underwater Welder Pay
Union underwater welders earn 20% more than non-union workers, $42.60/hour union vs $35.50/hour non-union. Approximately 15.2% of underwater welders are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Underwater welders work in oceans, rivers, lakes, and tanks. Extremely hazardous, risk of drowning, decompression sickness, electric shock, and hypothermia. Extended time away from home on offshore rigs.
Career Outlook
Niche but well-paying specialty. Demand driven by offshore energy, ship repair, and infrastructure maintenance. Inland dive welding for bridge and dam maintenance growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a underwater welder is $54,982 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $48,340 to $64,510 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 5 years to complete a underwater welder apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn, starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a underwater welder. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: ADCI Commercial Diving certification and AWS D3.6 Underwater Welding certification.
Underwater Welder earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Niche but well-paying specialty. Demand driven by offshore energy, ship repair, and infrastructure maintenance. Inland dive welding for bridge and dam maintenance growing.
/methodology