Who Are The Highest Paid Underwater Welders? | Top Countries

In contemporary times, skilled jobs such as welding are being neglected in most parts of the world. General office jobs have been the craving of the present because of the enticing work environment. What is less obvious is that welders, especially underwater welders are among the highest-paid professionals.

Welding is diversified; underwater welders are the highest-paid of the varieties before the tedious nature. Underwater welders from certain countries are classified to be the highest-paid welders.

Underwater welding is the process of welding on elevated pressures. This can be done in the water or inside a dry pressure enclosure in a dry surrounding.

It is referred to as “hyperbaric welding” when done in dry surroundings and “underwater welding” when done in water. 

WHAT IS UNDERWATER WELDING?

Underwater welding has existed since early 1930, yet carried out in many parts of the world today for sustaining marine facilities in the water.

Inland welders work on bridges, dams, and small water vessels, while offshore welders handle pipelines, oil rigs, large ships, underwater habitats, and nuclear power facilities.

Welding underwater uses the same basic technique and processes on dry land, which is why to become an underwater welder, you must first become a certified welder on land.

Though having the same technique, underwater welding is dangerous and requires years of training to gain the necessary skillset and certification.

IS UNDERWATER WELDING WORTH IT?

Underwater welding,, though not the best job due to the risks and hazards surrounding the job, such as drowning, explosion, and electric shock, is a great job for those willing to take the risk and earn fat within a short period time. Because of this risk, there is a huge salary attached to it.

It also gives room for travel and tours as most jobs are done in water which spans across the globe and is not limited to a location of work. Every profession has its pros and con. There is no perfect system in the world we exist in.

Weighing the balance between its advantages and disadvantages, it is worth taking the risk because life is a risk.

WHAT DO UNDERWATER WELDERS DO?

Welding is a highly sought-after skill in the engineering and manufacturing industry for structural application.

Various techniques are being carried out during welding, but more advanced techniques and processes are used while working underwater.

The best forms of welding in relation to water are buttressed below.

Also read: What is the Highest Paid Sport in The World? | 10 Best in 2023

1. Dry welding:

Dry hyperbaric welding is performed with a mixture of gases sealed around the structure being welded in a chamber.

A variety of techniques are employed during dry hyperbaric welding, such as flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) which could be operated at hyperbaric pressure but tends to suffer as the pressure increases.

The most common and widely used process method is gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).

Dry hyperbaric welding is limited because it cannot be operated at a great depth, but special control techniques have been introduced to achieve that.

2. Wet welding:

Wet underwater welding exposes the underwater welder and equipment directly to water.

Various arc welding techniques are employed to achieve great welding results, but shielded metal arc welding is widely used during wet welding because of the waterproof shielding of the electrode due to the direct current used to power the electrode, which is around 300 to 400 amps.

Wet welding uses the same equipment as the dry welding process, but electric holders are heavily insulated and designed for water cooling. If used outside, water would be overheated.

The challenge surrounding the wet welding process is the fast cooling which could result in welding of less quality some of the time.

HOW MUCH DO UNDERWATER WELDERS MAKE?

It isn’t easy to come across the highest-paid and high-paying underwater welders.

An underwater welder lives a comfortable life with the pay attributed to the job. Underwater welders can earn hourly, weekly, monthly, or annually as agreed with the contract agent but sometimes get paid per job done.

The average hourly rate of an underwater welder is about $30. Considering the normal work hours to be 8 hours a day, they earn about $250 daily.

The estimated weekly pay of an underwater welder ranges from $1,200 to $1,600.

Again, the monthly estimated pay of an underwater welder ranges from $6,000 to $10,000.

Lastly, the estimated annual pay of an underwater welder ranges from $50,000 to $300,000. The high rate depends on the skills and experience. It also depends on the type of underwater welding project.

Experience on the job for a long time as an underwater welder can lead to jobs such as consultants and management positions in big oil and gas companies, which gives improved rewards.

Below, we will list the highest paid underwater welders.

Also read: Highest Paid IT Jobs in the World | Top 10 IT Careers in 2023

WHAT ARE THE BEST J0BS FOR UNDERWATER WELDERS?

The oil and gas industries are the major benefactors of the work being done by underwater engineers. Buttressed below are a few of the highest-paying jobs associated with underwater welding/welders.

1. Rig Welder:

Rig welders are about the highest-paid underwater welders due to their difficult and long work hours. Their job is hazardous and done with maximum carefulness.

They undergo the most advanced welding education and qualifications before being employed to avoid catastrophic happenings that would be a major natural disasters.

Therefore, companies call on the best in the field to carry out operations.

Rig welders earn as much as $52,000 to $207,000 annually.

2. Quality Assurance Inspector:

Quality Assurance Inspectors most times carry out managerial or administrative duties. They also inspect rudders and test valves to confirm the underwater repairs’ quality, reliability, and safety. This ensures the smooth running of all operations.

To become a quality assurance inspector, you must have undergone the necessary training and certifications as a welding quality assurance inspector and be highly experienced before being considered for employment.

The mean earnings of a quality assurance inspector are about $70,000.

3. Certified Welding Inspector:

This is another underwater job for highest paid welders. It is not a major duty to perform welding operations as a certified welding inspector. Still, I will ensure all welding operations are up to the required standard and quality is in line with safety and compliance protocols.

To be a certified welding inspector, one must undergo training and get certified as a welding inspector after years of experience.

The pay of a certified welding inspector ranges from $42,000 to $104,000.

Also read: 8 Highest Paid Physician Assistant Specialties in 2023

4. Nuclear Plant Maintenance Specialist:

Nuclear plant maintenance specialists are typically ex-military or experienced divers with a good knowledge of welding underwater.

This job is because of the nature of the job dealing with major components of the nuclear plant. This is one of the highest paid underwater welders.

They earn about $60,000 or more annually.

5. Marine Pipefitter:

To earn as huge as $60,000 as a marine pipefitter, you must be a qualified diver and have a good knowledge of underwater welding and ship piping system, including the installations and repairs.

It is one of the highest-paying entry jobs for underwater welders.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHEST PAYING COUNTRIES FOR UNDERWATER WELDERS?

The profession is being practiced in a few countries because of its unusual nature. Each country shares a difference in the amount being paid to the professionals.

The highest paid countries for underwater welders are;

1. United States:

The United States possesses the largest number of professionals and the best training centers to be an underwater expert.

It is also ranked the country with the highest paid amount being offered to the professionals to perform the delegated tasks of underwater welders. It ranges from $50,000 to $300,000 annually.

Read: Who Are The Highest-Paid Esports Players In 2023? | Best Games

2. United Kingdom: 

The inland salary is 50,000 GBP, and the offshore salary is 67,000 GBP yearly.

3. Australia:

In Australia, the inland salary is 65,000 AUD, and the offshore salary is 180,000 AUD.

It is one of the highest paid underwater welders in countries.

4. New Zealand:

In New Zealand, the inland salary is 65,000 NZD, and the offshore salary is 135,000 NZD.

5. Russia:

In 1932 Russian metallurgist Konstantin Khrenov invented underwater welding. It is referred to as the origin of underwater welding. The annual pay is 3,600,500 RUB and above, depending on the experience level.

6. Ukraine:

Having an extensive experience in underwater technical work of any complexity. They include inspection, cleaning, and repair of ships underwater, inspection, and repair of hydraulic structures, provision of ships, etc.

The annual pay ranges from 1,400,000 UAH and above, depending on expertise and experience.

Read: Highest Paid Bartenders in 2023| 10 Best Countries

HOW TO BECOME AN UNDERWATER WELDER

Becoming a certified underwater welder is interesting and packed with loads of adventures. An opportunity to acquire the most needed job skill in an environment and facilities unique and well-equipped.

Completing base-level education is essential in stepping through the path of becoming an underwater welder.

Many companies would like to see at least a higher school diploma. Having a college degree is not necessary but stands you out from other underwater welders.

Having the basic educational requirement, the next step is getting certified as a topside welder.

Learn skills in a formal and recognized training welding school. It may take as long as 7 months to 2 years to complete the welding training and get certified factoring on the choice of school or chosen program.

You’ll pass the necessary written and practical exams to be awarded the certificate of completion as a certified welder.

Afterward, gain a few years of experience under a welding company that would offer the privilege to practice what was learned and become proficient to prove to future employers how grounded you are as a welder.

Run preliminary dive physicals to test your fitness and wellness. Most times, it is done with the institution you intend to bag a certification in commercial diving.

The examination includes the test for drugs, alcohol, or infectious illness in your system, cardiovascular condition, if you show signs of asthma, collapsed lungs, congestive heart failure, claustrophobia, and also your swimming skills and abilities.

Additionally,

Upon passing the examination, you may become a certified commercial diver by enrolling in a commercial diving academy. The duration of the programs varies, but most times, potential commercial divers qualify in 5 to 6 months.

On completion of the program, you are awarded a certificate in commercial diving recognized by the industry.

Being certified as a welder and a commercial diver, the two skills would be required to attend an underwater welding school.

The program would comprise theoretical study and practice, including diving sessions of about 20 to 50 hours to receive a certification in underwater welding.

On becoming certified as an underwater welder, it is of wise thought to apply for internship positions at companies that require your service as an underwater welder beginning from the tender dive aspect of the job.

Working with prominent companies with big projects would sharpen you to becoming an expert in the field, uplifting you to the peak of your chosen career as a certified underwater welder.

This is how to become an underwater welder, making you eligible to be among the highest paid underwater welders.

Also read: 10 Highest Paid College Professors in the U.S in 2023

IN CONCLUSION

Underwater welding of a surety is a dangerous choice of job, especially in the past when technology was not advanced but it has been easier and safer with the advanced technological processes and techniques in recent times.

The nature of the work of underwater welders is so tedious and consuming both physically and mentally, which is why the pay is unarguably one of the highest-paid/paying jobs considering the attached difficulty and risk.

In future times, we hope for robots and machines to perform the task of underwater welders. As the quest for more advanced technology uncovers, underwater welders will always be needed.

Having buttressed so much on underwater welding, the benefits and risks, career path, salary structures, and technique processes, it is worth trying out an adventurous job.

There is no short path to becoming an underwater welder. And they make up for the highest-paid underwater welders.

REFERENCES

RECOMMENDATION

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like