An underwater welder is an individual who combines his diving skills with welding. In most cases, these individuals are offshore workers. Welders perform welding in hazardous environments. They utilize different methods and equipment for welding. Drives for the welder are used to perform various duties like nondestructive testing, fitting rigging, and much more.
But the question is, how much does an underwater welder make? In this article, we will discuss this.
Duties of the underwater welder
This welder should undergo training because they have particular responsibilities in underwater welding.
The duties of the welder include:
- Underwater rigging
- Underwater fitting
- Underwater drafting
- Underwater cutting
- Underwater photography
- Inspection
The welder must have good communication skills and talents to do their job efficiently.
Education
Education is 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 also need great welding skills. Several welding and diving courses are 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?
Four factors determine the salary of an underwater welder.
- 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 based on 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 in rivers, lakes, and ponds are called inland underwater welders. The welders usually work on bridges, big dams, small vessels, etc. 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 determines the ocean; welders may earn between USD 40,000 and USD 100,000 or more.
Offshore welders weld large marine vessels or oil rigs. They work for over eighty hours per week. Due to their busy schedules, they return to the land once every month. In the inland, they do jobs like cleaning, installation, and pipe welding. Offshore welders work in hazardous environments like hurricanes and tides, which is more dangerous than for inland workers.
If you are interested in this career, start it immediately. Becoming an expert and earning a sizeable salary takes a few years. As mentioned earlier, they are paid according to the hours worked and depend on the company they work for.
The pay amount offered to underwater welders is closely linked to their expertise. Experienced welders command high pay rates because 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, which makes it good for employers to pay high salaries. Unions in one area may demand higher wages than others. Larger firms have more money to pay the welders; therefore, working with a large company produces very high wages.
What does it feel like to work as an underwater welder?
As you begin your commercial diving career, you will realize that most commercial divers and underwater welders have employment contracts with leading diving contractors.
Underwater diving and commercial diving jobs vary, but you may report for work at the docks with your gear on a typical day. From there, the transport vessel will get you to the site, perhaps many miles from the shore. Once you get to the diving site, you will suit up, go through the checklist, and dive in the water.
After submerging, you will reach the proper depth, review the project, report to the top, and go to work making the needed welds or repairs.
After completing the job, you will communicate with the top-side that 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 and getting 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, similar to those present in carbonated beverages.
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