Whenever I talk about welding, one question I hear again and again is: “How much do underwater welders make?” And honestly, I understand why. The job sounds exciting, dangerous, and very different from normal welding. So naturally, people are curious about the pay.
Let me give you a quick answer first: underwater welders can make a lot of money compared to regular welders. But the truth is, not every welder makes the same. Some earn around the same as a normal welder, while others, especially those who work offshore, can make very high pay. It all depends on experience, location, and the kind of projects they work on.
What is Underwater Welding?
Underwater welding is the process of joining or repairing metal while being submerged in water, usually by using special welding equipment and diving gear. Instead of fixing metal on land, welders do the same job while diving in oceans, rivers, or lakes. Most of the time, it’s for things like repairing ships, oil rigs, or underwater pipelines.
It’s very different from normal welding. On land, you just need your helmet, machine, and steady hands. But underwater, you also need scuba or diving gear, special training, and a lot more safety steps. The job is harder, and the risk is higher.
If you want to learn more about what underwater welding really is and how it works, check out our detailed guide: 🡆 What is Underwater Welding?
How Much Do Underwater Welders Make in 2025?
Underwater welding is famous for paying well, especially on tricky or deep-sea projects. But the exact salary can change a lot depending on your experience, where you work, how deep you dive, and how risky the job is.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Entry-level underwater welders: around $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Experienced commercial diving welders: about $80,000 to over $150,000 per year
- Extra earnings: hazard pay, per diem, and overtime can add a lot to your total pay
- Saturation divers: those working at extreme depths can earn even more
This job is expected to stay in demand because the U.S. keeps needing infrastructure repairs and offshore projects.
Want to Learn the Basics?
If you’re new to welding or just curious about how it all works, check out my guide: What is Welding?
It’s a simple, beginner-friendly post that explains everything you need to know before diving into advanced jobs like underwater welding.
Why Pay is Different for Each Welder
Not every underwater welder earns the same amount of money. Your pay depends on a few important things, like where you work, how much experience you have, and how risky the job is. From my own experience, I’ve noticed that the more dangerous or challenging the project, the higher the pay tends to be.
But at the same time, these jobs are much harder and require extra skill, training, and focus. So while the money can be tempting, it comes with bigger challenges that you need to be ready for.
List of Top 10 Countries with Average Annual salary of Underwater welders
If you want to know which countries pay underwater welders the most, here’s a quick list. In the United States, welders make about $100,000 a year. In Canada, it’s a little higher, around $101,829. Australia pays about $80,000, and Norway around $90,000. In the UK, it’s about $75,000, and Germany pays $77,635. Netherlands gives $70,000, Brazil about $60,000, Malaysia around $50,000, and in South Korea, it’s about $45,000.
These numbers show that underwater welding can pay really well, but it depends on where you work.
Take a look at the chart below to see all the top-paying countries in one view.
Responsibilities of an Underwater Welder
Being an underwater welder is not just about holding a welding torch under the water. There’s a lot more to it. Here are the main responsibilities:
- Inspecting Metal Structures: Check ships, pipelines, offshore platforms, and other underwater metal parts for cracks, rust, or damage.
- Welding and Repairing: Fix broken or damaged metal parts using special welding equipment while underwater.
- Following Safety Rules: Always use diving gear, safety lines, and follow strict procedures to avoid accidents.
- Reading Blueprints and Plans – Understand the project before starting, so you know exactly where to weld or repair.
- Cleaning Surfaces: Remove rust, dirt, and debris before welding to make sure the weld is strong.
- Recording Work: Keep notes or take photos of repairs for project records and quality checks.
- Working with a Team: Communicate with dive partners, surface support teams, and engineers to get the job done safely and correctly.
From my experience, underwater welding is challenging but exciting. You’re not just welding you’re solving problems in a very risky and unique environment.
Want to know what makes underwater welding so risky? Check out our full guide on the Top 10 Risks of Underwater Welding to see the challenges every diver faces and how to stay safe while working underwater.
Pros and Cons of Working as an Underwater Welder
- High Pay – You earn more than most other welders, especially on risky or deep-sea projects.
- Adventure – You get to dive underwater, see marine life, and work in places most people never go.
- In-Demand Work – Companies always need someone to fix pipelines, ships, and offshore structures.
- Learn New Skills – You’re not just welding; you’re also learning diving and problem-solving underwater.
- Travel Opportunities – Jobs often take you to different cities or even other countries.
- Dangerous Work – Electric shocks, deep water, and strong currents make it risky.
- Hard Training – You need special courses and certifications before you can start.
- Physically Demanding – Carrying gear and working underwater is tiring.
- Time Away from Family – Offshore jobs can keep you away from home for weeks at a time.
- Unpredictable Conditions – Cold water, low visibility, and changing weather can make the work harder.
How to Search for Underwater Welding Jobs Online
- Choose the Right Job Platforms
Start with popular job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or welding-specific boards like Weld.com. Offshore companies’ websites are also great to check directly. - Use Specific Keywords
Type keywords like “underwater welder,” “commercial diver,” or “offshore welding” to get relevant results. - Set Location and Filters
Narrow your search by country, city, or distance from your location. Use filters for salary range, experience level, and job type (full-time, contract, or freelance). - Check Job Descriptions Carefully
Read each posting to see the requirements, responsibilities, and pay. Make sure you meet certifications and diving experience needed. - Prepare Your Resume
Update your resume to highlight welding experience, diving certifications, and any specialized training. Upload it to job platforms to apply quickly. - Apply and Follow Up
Apply directly through the job site or company website. If possible, follow up politely via email or LinkedIn to show interest. - Stay Organized
Keep a list of the jobs you applied to, deadlines, and contact information. This helps you track responses and follow up on applications. - Network Online
Connect with other welders or industry professionals on LinkedIn or forums. Sometimes, referrals lead to hidden job opportunities.
Tips for Advancing in Your Underwater Welding Career
- Get More Certifications: The more certifications you have, the more jobs you can take. Look for advanced welding and commercial diving courses.
- Gain Experience: Take on different types of projects shallow water, deep water, offshore, pipelines to build your skills.
- Learn New Skills: Knowledge of inspection, blueprint reading, and safety procedures can make you stand out.
- Network with Other Welders: Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, or local welding communities. Sometimes connections lead to high-paying jobs.
- Be Reliable and Safe: Employers value welders who follow safety rules and complete work on time. A good reputation can lead to promotions or better projects.
- Consider Offshore or High-Risk Jobs: These jobs pay more and give you unique experience, but remember, safety comes first.
- Keep Learning: Technology and welding techniques change over time. Stay updated to stay ahead in your career.
Is It Worth It? (Doing Underwater Welding Job)
Underwater welding can pay really well, but it’s definitely not an easy job. It’s dangerous, and you often spend weeks away from your family while working offshore. From my own experience, the money is tempting, but the lifestyle and the risks make it a hard choice. If you love adventure and can handle the challenges, it can be worth it but it’s not a job for everyone.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, underwater welding can be a very high-paying career in 2025, but it’s not for everyone. Entry-level underwater welders can earn around $40,000 to $60,000 per year, while experienced commercial divers make about $80,000 to $150,000. Top offshore or saturation divers working at extreme depths can even make $150,000 to $300,000+ per year.
If you enjoy adventure, challenges, and don’t mind the risks, it’s worth considering. But always remember safety comes first. The job can be exciting and rewarding, but you need the right skills, training, and mindset to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do underwater welders make per hour?
Pay can vary a lot depending on experience and location. Entry-level welders may earn around $25–$35 per hour, while experienced or offshore welders can make $50–$100+ per hour.
Is underwater welding dangerous?
Yes, it is one of the riskiest types of welding. Risks include electric shocks, drowning, strong currents, and working in cold or low-visibility water. Safety training and proper gear are very important.
How do I become an underwater welder?
You need to learn regular welding first, then get commercial diving training and certifications. Many programs combine both skills to prepare you for underwater work.
Do you need to travel for underwater welding jobs?
Often, yes. Many jobs are offshore, on ships, or at remote locations. Some welders work in local lakes or rivers, but the high-paying jobs usually require travel.
Is underwater welding worth the risk?
It depends on your priorities. The pay can be very high, especially for experienced divers, but the work is dangerous and often keeps you away from family. If you love adventure and can handle the challenges, it can be worth it.
Hello Everyone! I’m Seo Jun, a professional welder with over 7 years of hands on practical experience in South Korea. Right Now, working in Seakor Corp. Ltd. I created myweldingtips.com to share real-life welding tips, safety advice, and techniques. My goal is to help others learn faster and work smarter through practical, easy-to-understand welding guides. Contact me
