best travel welding jobs

How to Become a Traveling Welder: Guide to a Welding Career on the Move

• Career Tips
• By Mike Davis
• Published on November 2, 2023

Traveling welders occupy a distinctive niche in the welding profession, characterized by mobility, diversity in work environments, and unique job opportunities. Unlike stationary welders who work in a single location, traveling welders take on projects in various settings, often finding themselves in different parts of the country or even abroad. This career path combines the technical skills of welding with the adaptability required to work in diverse locations and conditions.

The role of a traveling welder includes working on a range of projects such as infrastructure development, pipeline construction, and shipbuilding. These assignments can range from short-term contracts to longer engagements, depending on the project's scope and the employer's needs. While this career offers the excitement of travel and the chance to work on a variety of challenging projects, it also demands a high level of flexibility. Traveling welders must be prepared to spend extended periods away from home, adapt to new working environments quickly, and manage the logistics of a mobile lifestyle.

Despite the challenges, a career as a traveling welder can be exceptionally rewarding. It offers the chance to develop a broad skill set, network with professionals from various regions, and gain experience in different sectors of the industry. For those with a passion for welding and a desire for a dynamic work life, becoming a traveling welder presents an exciting and fulfilling career path.

In this article, we will delve into the steps necessary to embark on this unique career journey, covering the essential skills, training, and mindset required to succeed as a traveling welder.

Understanding the Role of a Traveling Welder

Traveling welders, often referred to as road warriors of the welding world, are skilled professionals who specialize in taking their expertise to various job sites, often far from their home base. This mobility allows them to work in diverse industries and on a range of projects that require their specialized skills.

What Traveling Welders Do

A traveling welder’s primary role involves performing welding tasks, but the nature of these tasks can vary significantly based on the project and location. These professionals are adept in various welding techniques, including but not limited to TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), MIG (Metal Inert Gas), and stick welding. Their work often includes reading blueprints, understanding the specific welding requirements of each project, and executing precise welding according to the specifications. Additionally, traveling welders must be proficient in setting up their equipment in new environments and ensuring that their work adheres to all safety standards and regulations.

Where They Work

The work settings for traveling welders are as varied as the projects they undertake. Some common work environments include:

Construction Sites: Many traveling welders find themselves on construction sites, contributing to the building of structures such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and sports stadiums. They play a crucial role in erecting the steel frameworks that form the backbone of these structures.

Shipyards: In shipyards, traveling welders are instrumental in shipbuilding and repair. Their work is crucial in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of vessels.

Oil Rigs: Welders may work on offshore oil rigs , performing critical maintenance and repair work. This environment demands high levels of skill and safety awareness, given the challenging and often hazardous conditions.

Pipelines: Pipeline welding is another common area where traveling welders contribute significantly. They are involved in the construction and maintenance of pipeline systems that transport oil, gas, and other substances across long distances.

Types of Projects and Environments

Traveling welders encounter a wide range of projects and environments. Some may work on large industrial projects, while others may find themselves in more remote locations working on smaller, specialized tasks. The variety of work can range from short-term assignments lasting a few days to long-term projects extending over several months or even years.

The environments in which traveling welders operate can also be diverse – from indoor settings in manufacturing plants to outdoor locations in extreme weather conditions. This variety not only adds to the job's appeal but also requires welders to be highly adaptable and prepared for any situation.

Traveling welders must be ready to tackle the unique challenges of each new environment, whether it's working at heights on skyscrapers, in confined spaces within ships, or in the isolated and rugged terrain of pipeline routes.

In summary, the role of a traveling welder is dynamic and demanding, offering a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. It’s a career that requires not only technical welding expertise but also flexibility, adaptability, and a readiness to face and overcome the challenges presented by diverse work environments.

Educational Requirements and Skill Development

Basic educational requirements.

The journey to becoming a traveling welder starts with a solid educational foundation in welding. Typically, this involves completing a high school diploma or GED, followed by vocational training or an associate degree in welding technology. These programs, offered at community colleges and trade schools, provide comprehensive knowledge in welding fundamentals, metallurgy, blueprint reading, and safety procedures. They also offer practical training in various welding techniques, which is crucial for building a strong skill set.

Specialized Training and Certifications

For those aspiring to be traveling welders, additional specialized training and certifications can greatly enhance employability and skillset. Certifications from recognized bodies like the American Welding Society (AWS) are highly regarded in the industry. These certifications can include:

AWS Certified Welder Program: This certification is fundamental and covers various aspects of welding. It doesn't require any specific educational background and is based on performance tests.

Underwater Welding Certification: For welders interested in more niche roles, like underwater welding for offshore projects, additional specialized training is required. This involves not only advanced welding skills but also diving certifications.

Certification in Advanced Welding Techniques: Specializations in specific welding techniques, such as TIG, MIG, and stick welding, can open more opportunities and are particularly useful for traveling welders who may encounter a variety of welding tasks.

Importance of Continuous Learning

The field of welding is continuously evolving with new technologies and techniques. Therefore, continuous learning and skill advancement are crucial for professional growth. This can involve staying updated with the latest welding technologies, attending workshops, and pursuing advanced certifications. Continuous learning not only keeps welders competitive but also ensures adherence to the latest safety standards and efficiency in various welding processes.

Gaining Experience in the Welding Field

Hands-on experience is invaluable in the welding profession. New welders can start by working on local projects or in fabrication shops to gain practical experience. This phase is critical for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and developing proficiency in different welding techniques.

Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Positions

Apprenticeships or entry-level positions are excellent ways for aspiring welders to gain experience. Many welding apprenticeships combine classroom learning with on-the-job training, offering a comprehensive experience. Entry-level positions, while sometimes basic, provide a platform to hone skills and understand the nuances of professional welding work.

Leveraging Local Welding Jobs for Travel Opportunities

Local welding jobs can serve as a stepping stone to becoming a traveling welder. They provide an opportunity to build a professional portfolio and network with industry professionals. Welders can use this experience to demonstrate their skills and reliability, which are crucial for securing traveling welding positions. Additionally, local jobs can offer insights into different industrial sectors, helping welders to identify areas they may want to specialize in for traveling roles.

Finding Traveling Welder Opportunities

Navigating the job market to find traveling welding jobs requires a strategic approach, combining active job search methods with networking and industry connections.

Strategies for Finding Opportunities

Networking: One of the most effective ways to find traveling welder jobs is through networking. This can include connecting with former classmates, instructors, colleagues, and attending industry events or trade shows. Welders often hear about job opportunities through word-of-mouth in this closely-knit community.

Job Boards and Online Platforms: Numerous online job boards like Jobs for Welders and platforms cater specifically to the welding industry. Regularly checking these sites can provide a wealth of job listings for traveling welders. Websites like Indeed, Monster, and even specialized welding job forums are good resources.

Unions and Professional Associations: Joining a welder's union or professional association can offer access to exclusive job boards and resources for traveling welder positions. These organizations also provide networking opportunities and can be a gateway to high-quality job offers.

Role of Recruitment Agencies and Contractors

Recruitment agencies and contractors play a significant role in the welding industry, especially for traveling positions. Many companies hire through these agencies to find skilled welders for project-based work. Building a good relationship with reputable recruitment agencies specializing in technical and trade professions can lead to more consistent job opportunities.

Evaluating Job Offers and Contracts

When considering job offers, it's important to evaluate them critically. Look at the project duration, location, compensation, and any provided accommodations or travel stipends. Understanding the contract terms, including work hours, safety protocols, and termination policies, is crucial. It's also wise to consider the reputation of the employer and the project's scope to ensure it aligns with your career goals and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a career as a traveling welder is a journey filled with unique challenges and exciting opportunities. It's a career path that not only tests your skills and adaptability but also rewards you with diverse experiences, the chance to meet new people, and the satisfaction of seeing the direct impact of your work in various settings.

As an aspiring traveling welder, embrace the journey of continuous learning, skill improvement, and network building. Remember, each project you undertake enriches your experience and opens doors to new possibilities. The road may be demanding, but the rewards of a career as a traveling welder—both personal and professional—are immeasurable. If you have a passion for welding and the spirit of adventure, the world of traveling welding awaits you.

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7 Traveling Welding Jobs: Welding Careers With High Salaries

Welding is a field that gives more choices for industries to do your work.

Additionally, it offers a variety of opportunities for advancement than most of the career choices.

You should note that welders are required in almost all industries and this serves as a guarantee that one will get employment after finishing the welding program. In this project, we will look at some of the traveling welding jobs and they are as follows.

Article Table of Contents

• 1 Welding at Shutdowns
• 2 Shipyard Welding
• 3 Pipeline Welding
• 4 Underwater Welding
• 5 Motorsports Welding
• 6 On-Board Ship Maintenance and Repair
• 7.3 Air force
• 7.4 Marines
• 8 Popular Degree Programs
• 9 Conclusion
• 10.1 Can you be a traveling welder?
• 10.2 What type of welders travel?
• 10.3 Do welders get free time?
• 10.4 Do underwater welders travel a lot?
• 10.5 How do I become an international welder?
• 10.6 Do underwater welders get attacked by sharks?

Welding at Shutdowns

People who have worked in this type of job have a lot to explain about it.

Depending on how hard you work, you can get up to $15,000 in a short period of time.

Sometimes, the company supplies the required resources for working but you can as well have your tools.

It is important to know that large plants prefer to have a short shutdown period which is roughly a week.

They try their best to finish all the available jobs in the short available time.

As a result, they have to bring in contractors and ensure that they work in shifts for 24 hours a day.

In regards to what you can earn, it depends on how much you want to work in a day.

You are the one to take control of your schedule and figure out how much time you need for a break in between the shutdowns.

It is advisable to suspend other activities that may take much of your time during this time.

Being so much involved in family issues may reduce the time you take during the shutdown period.

Shutdown Welder Average Salary: $52,800

Shipyard Welding

In this job, welding plays a crucial role in repair and shipbuilding.

Welders under this job must follow specified strict rules and regulations for safety.

Due to the kind of job, they have to be familiar with the modern technology that the company has chosen to use.

It is imperative to get proper training since most companies are looking for people who have undergone formal training.

Knowledge of physics and chemistry is required in this particular job.

On the job, one should always ensure to work in a safe environment.

Safety should be assured by inspecting the environment to check whether there are sufficient tools for firefighting and if they can be accessible.

Additionally, the workers should ensure that all the openings of the deck are surrounded by rails since it is an important regulation for occupational safety.

Welders should also protect themselves by using appropriate UV protection and checking on sufficient ventilation in work-spaces that are closed.

Shipyard Welder Average Salary: $45,087

Pipeline Welding

Pipeline welding job entails repairing and joining tubular and metallic pipes as well as assembling.

Welders that work with pipelines use various processes and equipment in a wide range of commercial and industrial environments.

The job is so important in the modern world since things like keeping yourself warm, driving to work, and even cooking depend on it.

In different ways, pipelines can be seen as the veins of all our infrastructure, distribution of oil, natural gas, and water which are important in life.

Welder in this job uses their skills to make it possible for us to use these resources by repairing, maintaining these pipes in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.

The job has various welders working on the pipelines, oil rigs, and refineries that make up the industry of gas.

Welders are also required to work in other fields like nuclear energy, automotive, fabrication, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries.

The welder is likely to get a job since pipelines can be used in almost all the places where people live and work.

For you to be successful in the job, you need to be proficient at welding and know different materials for the processes.

You have to begin training in a welding or technical school.

Pipeline Welder Average Salary: $66,280

Underwater Welding

The job requires the welder to use common processes of arc welding to cut and weld in different aquatic environments.

They have to use their welding knowledge and intricate knowledge of the procedures of diving to lay down long-lasting welds.

It is a job that is different from dry welding since welding is done in open waters going deep up to a hundred feet.

The underwater welders are important since they repair dams, military and commercial ships, and nuclear power plants.

They also help in creating oil rigs and many other things that are important to the current infrastructure

The job has a variety of career opportunities that are available for the welders.

They can choose to work in any of the industries in the field, for instance, marine salvaging and oil and gas.

Construction industries often require the unique blend of skills of underwater welders to dismantle vessels, lay pipes, and build bridges.

Most of the jobs are found in the coastal regions and therefore job seekers need to consider location requirements before getting the job.

Certification is also a requirement for both a commercial diver and a welder.

Underwater Welder Average Salary: $58,730

Motorsports Welding

Welding has done a great job in the success of motorsports since there are cups won and other countless wins.

For instance, it is known that Hendricks Motorsports is one of the largest, most successful, and most sophisticated racing operations in the world.

This is because they have the best welders in their operations.

After their races, they need the best welders to work on their severely damaged vehicles which should be done within a week.

Their activities, therefore, rely on welders with skills and the best welding equipment.

For one to work in the motorsports welding job, there have to be enough skills that are attained from technical institutions.

You have to get certification since the kind of job you do is expected to be of high quality.

In this case, Miller welders are seen to be the critical aspect in the success of the motorsports industry.

Motorsports Welder Average Salary: $42,125

On-Board Ship Maintenance and Repair

The ship needs its machinery to be kept up to date and therefore maintenance is important for smooth operation conditions.

The engine room of the ship houses the maximum machines and the crew helps in maintaining the conditions.

Each machine has to be maintained by the crew and that has to be done at certain intervals of time.

There are different types of procedures of maintenance which include a scheduled maintenance system which is done as per hours or intervals of like six times a month.

There is also breakdown maintenance and also condition maintenance system.

The machines are checked with the help of sensors and therefore experience is required.

On-Board Ship Welder Average Salary: $43,237

Military Welding Careers

Lately, the military of America is engaged heavily overseas, and therefore there is great demand for skilled trades in the four military branches.

The military will provide you with the best education and training and also give you a real-world project that is meant to boost your experience.

You will end up getting a quality education on welding which can help in launching your welding career.

Welders in the army are always called upon to work in repair shops, working on-site construction, and also repair work in the fields.

The army welders can be called to make vehicle and equipment repairs in the field.

They can also work on repairing bridges and other structural repairs.

Many people consider the navy as the main training ground for welders.

The navy has its own school which is different from the other three branches.

Just like in the army, navy welders work repair machines and work in repair shops.

They also perform repairs and maintenance in the field.

The air force welders work on the tasks that are performed by the army but also work on the aircraft.

The nature of most today’s aircraft is sophisticated but there is, however, the work related to aircraft is less than you think.

Most of the parts are mostly replaced and not repaired.

Some projects that are highly critical need to be farmed to civilian shops for repair by specified technicians.

This is the smallest group of the four branches of the service that is mostly focused on combat.

The marines have a greatly reduced number of personnel involved in the trade of skills.

The marines who may be assigned for welding end up doing work with a different branch and that depends on the deployment in particular.

This means that they will have experience with full experience in welding as they learn unique specialization from the other branches.

Military Welder Average Salary: $41,100

Popular Degree Programs

From the article, it is clear that a career in welding can be one of the best and most certainly an interesting one.

So… What are you waiting for?

Click here to learn how to become a welder and get the certification you need!

Career opportunities are available in different sectors in the field.

Therefore, it is advisable for you to find a school where you will get the training required for working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be a traveling welder.

You can be a traveling welder and work on a freelance basis just like you can with any trade.

After getting your state license you will need a traveling welder license.

It is a good idea to have a business plan and work as an apprentice for a time.

When you feel ready you can start looking for work.

What type of welders travel?

There are several places where a traveling welder can find work.

Shipyards and oil pipelines always need welders, and railroad companies also use this type of welder at times.

Aerospace companies, construction companies, and the military also use traveling welders.

Underwater welders are always in demand.

Do welders get free time?

Welders are needed at odd times and there are long hours at times, but welders can get free time.

In some situations, welders work six months very long hours and then take six months off.

A lot depends on the specific job, but most welders have a healthy work and life balance.

Do underwater welders travel a lot?

Underwater welders are a specialty within welding, and they are always needed.

They do travel a lot because there are not enough of them.

They will work on rigs at sea for weeks at a time and then take weeks off.

There is usually another job calling when they finish one.

How do I become an international welder?

To become an international welder, you need to get certification from the International Institute of Welding.

You will need a few years of experience, and there is more training required before you will be certified to work internationally.

Do underwater welders get attacked by sharks?

Underwater welding is a dangerous job, and some are killed every year.

Shark attacks have happened, but they are rare and are not the greatest danger these workers face.

Underwater welders are more likely to be hurt by explosions or electrical shocks, but they still keep an eye out for marine life.

Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Welder

Noteworthy Resources

• What Is Aircraft Welding?
• What Does a Structural Welder Do?
• What Is TIG Welding?
• What Women Considering a Career in Welding Should Know
• How To Select A Welding Training School

Welder shipping job

hi i am Ali i from india i am 6G welder i have 10 years oil and gas field have expirance i all welding i know i have good expirance pipeline and all posion now i work in East Africa i search job

Im as a Welder and looking welding job. I have 10 years experience of drydocks world Dubai shipyard. Im living United Arab Emirates

Hi am a certified welder by profession and I need a job in one of these areas u have outline how can I get this opportunity.

11 Highest Paying Welding Jobs in 2024

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

How to Earn More as a Welder

Although the average welder makes a salary that’s respectable but not incredible , specialists in the field can make over $200,000 annually. So, what’s the difference between your average welder earning $40,000 and a superstar welding stud making over $200k? Well, quite a lot actually. The following are some of the major differences that help account for such discrepancies between salaries. The more of these included in the job description, the higher pay you can expect from that particular branch of the industry .

Qualifications and Certifications

Most welders possess some sort of certification to verify their education in the field . But the welders who earn the highest paychecks often have the most certifications. Not just numbers though, they generally have taken the time to learn and earn the most difficult certifications that require a lot of time, energy, and skill to get. These require the attendance of specialty schools and can cost quite a bit of money along the way. Since these schools aren’t located everywhere, you’ll likely have to relocate, at least temporarily, if you want to get the sort of specialized welding education that will earn you the big bucks.

But schooling and education are only part of the process. You’ll also have to perform certain tests to earn the certifications that will qualify you for the best-paying welding jobs available. These tests can be very difficult and require extensive knowledge of many processes since mistakes in the real world can be catastrophic.

The extra risk means you need extra skills, which is what the best employers are willing to pay for. But you won’t land the highest-paid gigs with a single certification. No, the best jobs in the welding field will require a myriad of certifications, often from different regulating bodies.

For instance, to be an underwater welder doesn’t just require the wet welding certification from the American Welding Society. You will need that, but it’s just a single part of the equation. You’ll also need to be a certified commercial diver before you can even do the schooling necessary to learn the skills needed to pass the AWS wet welding examination.

To land a job in underwater welding, you’ll need internationally recognized certifications in diving, plus OSHA certifications, and even CPR and underwater first aid certifications to name a few. As you can see, it’s a complicated process that requires a lot of time investment just to get in the door.

Of course, that schooling can be very expensive. Many of these programs cost tens of thousands of dollars and will require months of full-time study to complete. Moreover, once you’ve earned the certifications you need, you’ll have to continue your education to keep them up to date. With ever-changing regulations and techniques that you need to keep up on, your education is never really done.

Even if you have all the right certifications and land a career with one of the best-paying companies in the field of your choice, you still aren’t going to start with your dream salary. In fact, you won’t even be close to the top of the pay scale yet because one of the most important aspects of earning a high salary in welding is experience.

Your first few years are going to see paychecks at the bottom of the pay range in any given welding field. After 3-5 years of work experience in the welding specialization of your choice, you can expect to see your salary starting to grow to the numbers you were hoping to see. After 5-9 years you’ll finally start breaching those high numbers, provided you’ve kept up to date on your certifications and you’ve done a great job for your employer from day one. Not everyone is cut out to make the top-end salaries, so you’ll have to keep improving every day if you want to ensure that you do.

It doesn’t matter how qualified or experienced you are if you aren’t where the work is . Often, the best-paying work for welders requires a lot of traveling and time away from home. This sacrifice is a major part of why certain welding careers pay so well. You may be spending weeks or months on end on a rig at sea, or you may be traveling to a new place every other week to keep up with the demands of your chosen specialization.

In pipe welding, for example, you may be following the needed repairs, being called to a new location when something breaks down and they need your assistance. In rig welding, you may be living on an oil rig for many months, always there to take care of problems if and when they arise. It’s a major sacrifice to spend so much time away from your family and it’s not for everyone. But hey, that’s why they earn the big bucks.

Health Risks/Danger

It’s not surprising that the higher risk of injury and death you’re exposed to during your work, the better compensated you’ll be. Some types of welding take place in dangerous environments and have high degrees of workplace fatalities. No one wants to die for their job, so employers are willing to pay much higher wages for the workers who take on the extra risk.

To illustrate, in underwater welding, you have to deal with such risks as electric shock, explosions, decompression sickness, dangerous marine wildlife, and even drowning. Naturally, this means that underwater welders have the opportunity to earn a much higher salary than the average welder since most welders aren’t likely to drown in their manufacturing jobs.

Work Schedules

While most employees work a pretty standard schedule that looks similar to a normal 9-5 for five or six days a week, many of the highest-paying welding jobs have long and difficult hours that help propel them to the tops of the earning charts. Offshore welding jobs are often worked for weeks or months at a time, putting in 12-hour days, seven days a week. If you can’t handle the stress of such hours, then such careers may not be in the cards for you.

But there are upsides to these schedules as well. Many welders who work these types of hours also take off several months a year and still make incredible salaries that they can finally enjoy when they get those months of downtime. Others work for a few weeks of long and constant days before taking a few weeks off. It all comes down to the companies you’re working for and the type of schedule you can handle working.

The 11 Highest-Paying Welding Jobs

1. rig welder.

Annual Salary: $52,000 – $207,000

Rig welders are about the highest-paid welders in the world. They work long and difficult hours and they have the most advanced educations and qualifications. If they make a mistake, it’s going to be cataclysmic, so companies only hire the best of the best for these positions. You’ll need years of experience and multiple certifications before companies will even consider you for the job. Rig welders are often expected to perform underwater welding, hyperbaric welding, and welding of all different types on offshore oil rigs at sea.

Some rig welders may be flown to and from their worksite on helicopters daily. More likely though, you’ll be living on the rig you service for extended periods, working 12-hour days, every day of the week. This may last for weeks or months at a time, but it’s a major part of why rig welders earn such incredible pay.

• Read more:  What is an Oil Rig Welder, And How Do You Become One?

2. Underwater Welder

Annual Salary: $38,000 – $147,000

Underwater welders face a lot of danger in their job. In fact, this is one of the most dangerous jobs you could hold, and they have a much higher rate of workplace fatality than most other careers. Naturally, that’s a major part of why they get paid so well. Underwater welders may work offshore on many different types of projects. They could be building or repairing oil rigs and other oil-related structures, salvaging shipwrecks, working on subsea construction, or many other duties that only they can perform.

To be an underwater welder, you’ll need a wet welding D3.6M certification from the American Welding Society. But before you can even start schooling to get this certification, you’ll need to be a certified commercial diver, which requires 5-7 months of full-time schooling. You’ll learn the basics of underwater welding during this initial schooling, but you won’t be certified to earn the biggest paychecks until you get your official AWS certification. Expect to spend $20,000+ just to get the education and certifications necessary for this career. But once you’re earning six figures yearly, the investment will be worth it.

3. Nuclear Welder

Annual Salary: $22,000 – $143,500

Nuclear welders may have to perform a large variety of tasks that require many different certifications. You’ll likely need an underwater welder certification as well as commercial diving certification. But the most unique requisite for this career is that you’ll have to be cleared by the FBI! You have to have a security clearance just to work in or around the nuclear materials that a nuclear welder will have to work on. Moreover, you’ll likely need to pass psychological tests and regular drug and alcohol tests as well. It’s a rigorous lifestyle that’s not for everyone. As a nuclear welder, you may work on nuclear-powered vessels, building or repairing reactor vessels, or working in shipyards.

• Read more:  How Much Do Nuclear Welders Make? Salary Statistics

4. Industrial Pipeline Welder

Annual Salary: $23,500 – $133,500

Gas and oil are transported through extensive interconnected pipelines that span thousands of miles. A leak can mean disaster for the company that controls the pipeline as well as the environment around it. As an industrial pipeline welder , you’ll be responsible for building and fixing these pipelines. This means a lot of travel to various areas, often even out of the country. On the bright side, you’ll see a lot of places and perform your work in ever-changing environments. But some of them may not be the ideal workplaces. You could find yourself working in the heat of Saudi Arabian deserts, or the snowy tundra of Alaska. Granted, you’ll be well-compensated for your travel and your skills , and you won’t have the same risk to life and limb that other high-payed welders may experience, such as underwater welders.

• See also:   How Much Do Welders in Arizona Make? Salary Statistics

5. Military Support Welders

Annual Salary: $37,000 – $160,000

It shouldn’t be very surprising that working in war zones can pay very well. Military installations across the world require building and upkeep, and it takes skilled workers to do it. When you’re risking your health and well-being in a war-torn area, the compensation will rise to meet the risk. Not everyone is cut out for this type of environment, and you need to pass rigorous training before you’ll be sent off on such jobs. You’ll also have to be a part of the armed forces, another choice that’s not for everyone. But you’ll get great benefits and even better paychecks.

• Read more:   How Much Do Military Support Welders Make? Salary Statistics

6. Welding Engineer

Annual Salary: $51,000 – $120,000

To be a welding engineer , you’re going to need a love for learning since you’ll always have to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest welding techniques. You’ll need to incorporate these new advancements into the companies you work for, using your knowledge to enhance the processes currently taking place to make things more efficient and improve the overall level of workmanship of your entire company. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and certification through the AWS just to get started.

7. Certified Welding Inspector

Annual Salary: $42,000 – $104,000

As a certified welding inspector, you may not be doing a whole lot of actual welding. But you’ll need to understand it better than any of the welders in your company since you’ll be responsible for making sure that everything they do is up to standard. You’ll need to monitor heat values, make sure all welders are following compliance and safety protocols, and ensure that all processes are performed up to an acceptable level of quality. This means you’ll need to know and understand the specifications for every welding process being performed. Before you can even take the exam to get certified, you’ll need three years of welding experience.

• Read more: How Much Do Welding Inspectors Make This Year?

8. Pipe Welder

Annual Salary: $35,000 – $100,000

Pipe welders will work on pipes across many industries, not just oil and gas pipelines. You may perform work in automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, or construction, among others. You’ll need AWS certification, but you’ll also likely receive on the job training from the companies you work for.

• See also:  What is a Journeyman Welder, And How Do You Become One?

9. Combo Welder

Annual Salary: $32,000 – $82,000

Combo welders are less specialized than many of the other high-paying welding jobs. You’ll need to be proficient in many different types of welding, such as MIG, TIG, Stick, and ARC. Depending on the company you work for, you may be asked to do extensive travel. Your duties will also depend greatly on your employer since combo welders may be hired into a variety of different fields. You’ll need several years of experience before getting hired as a combo welder because you’ll be expected to be able to perform so many different functions.

10. Certified Welding Supervisor

Annual Salary: $38,000 – $75,000

As a certified welding supervisor, everything comes down to you. You’ll have to make sure that all the welders in your company are meeting quality standards, deadlines, and safety requirements. You’ll be overseeing all of the welding, so it’s up to you to ensure that everyone is doing what they need to be. Safety is one of your primary concerns, and you’ll have to be vigilant in ensuring that everyone is strictly adhering to safety protocol. But if production schedules aren’t met, that falls on you as well.

11. Aerospace Welder

Annual Salary: $37,000 – $69,000

Though they make more than the average welder, aerospace welders don’t earn as much as you might expect, considering the industry they work in. This is highly skilled work with very tight tolerances, but your risk of death or injury is low and you won’t generally be asked to do a lot of traveling. If you want the comfort of a pretty regular career with above-average pay, then this is a specialization you may consider.

• See also:   What is a Traveling Welder, And How Do You Become One?

So how much do welders make ? There are many ways to make an incredible salary as a specialized welder. The more risk you’re willing to take on, the better paychecks you can see. Likewise, the longer you spend away from home, the more your bank account will thank you. You’ll also get paid more for higher skills , more education, and more certifications, but the best way to make the highest salary is to do all of the above.

If you can handle the long hours, time away from home, and extensive education necessary to be a rig welder, then you could take home over $200,000 annually once you have a few years of experience. With an AWS wet welding certification, you could make a great six-figure income as an underwater welder. And if you have a squeaky-clean background and a solid psychological profile, you could even become a nuclear welder and earn well over $100,000 each year for your endeavors.

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Cameron Dekker

Cameron grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a once-proud steel town on the Lehigh River, where he got a taste of TIG welding in his high school shop class. He holds certificates for Certified WeldingEducator (CWE) and Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT) from the American Welding Institute. His interests include scuba diving, sculpture, and kayaking.

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10 Best Jobs for Welders & Average Salaries

Welding is a hands-on job with many potential career paths you can choose from. The best welding jobs provide a competitive wage, strong benefits, career stability and can come with  a sense of accomplishment. ere are some of the details of the ten best welding jobs—in no particular order--to help you in your career path:

1.   Oil Rig Welder

Average oil rig welder salary: $77,000 per year.

Image from bloomberg.com

Rig welders are some of the highest-paid welders, averaging about $77,000 per year , but they often work long hours under challenging conditions. Since mistakes in these types of welding jobs could spell disaster, only the very best welders are considered for these sought after positions. Candidates will need years of experience and multiple certifications to be hired since they will likely be welding various offshore oil rigs.

Most rig welders live on the rig they service, but they can take daily helicopter flights to and from their rigs. Either way, the assignments can last for months, with 12-hour days as the norm.

2.   Underwater Welder

Average underwater welder salary: $54,000 per year.

Image from profdivers.com

Underwater welders earn about $54,000 annually , although the top ten percent can make closer to $85,000. Those who choose these types of welding jobs need special training plus an underwater welder certification. They need to be certified commercial divers, understand barometric pressure, and operate a decompression chamber.

Underwater welders usually perform one of two types of welding: wet or dry welding. Wet welding means the welder is submerged in the water while working and uses special welding tools. Dry welding consists of working within a closed, oxygen-filled hyperbaric underwater chamber.

3.   Industrial Pipeline Welder

Average industrial pipeline welder salary: $63,000 per year.

Image from candianmetalworking.com

Industrial pipeline welders use various welding techniques and equipment to install and maintain pipelines in all kinds of environments. They typically work long days and may find the extreme weather conditions challenging, ranging from the swamps' oppressive heat to the mind-numbing cold of winters in Alaska. 

Most industrial pipeline welders earn between $44,000 and $83,000 annually , with some going as high as $133,500! But these jobs can be difficult and outright dangerous. It is not uncommon to be welding in awkward positions or while standing in water, so those looking at these jobs must have the training, experience, and adaptability.

4.   Military Support Welder

Average military support welder salary: $48,000 per year.

Image from weldingpros.net

There are numerous options for welders in the military. You could be repairing equipment in the states, welding pipelines in the Middle East, or doing underwater welding in a shipyard. Any military job has the potential to be dangerous, and welding is no exception. Because of this, military support welders are paid well, averaging close to $48,000 per year .

The type of work that you could be assigned as a welder in the military will depend on the branch of service. For example, Air Force welders must to be highly skilled and knowledgeable about the complex aircrafts they work on. Navy welders will be repairing and maintaining ships, which means you might need underwater welding skills. And welders in the Army can expect to spend their time repairing equipment, some of which may be in the field.

5.   Aerospace Welder

Average aerospace welder salary: $45,000 per year.

Image from rcw-aerospace.com

Although aerospace welders might not earn as much as those in other industries, they still average around $45,000 annually . Most of them work in manufacturing, helping to build planes, helicopters, and spacecraft. Others are involved primarily in maintenance and repair. Aerospace welders must be proficient in working with various metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and carbon steel.

In addition to their direct welding tasks, aerospace welders may also be required to study sketches and blueprints and inspect materials and equipment to ensure safety.

6.   Certified Welding Inspector

Average certified welding inspector salary: $57,000 per year.

Certified welding inspectors (CWI) are paid well ( an average of $57,000 annually ) and have responsibilities that merit a high salary. CWIs prevent catastrophic failures by performing safety checks on the welds done by others. They inspect welds for cracks and other defects using equipment such as stress-testing tools and magnifiers. Inspectors also inspect materials and equipment before any welding is started and may perform documentation reviews.

Certified welding inspectors generally need at least five years of industry experience or, in some cases, an associate degree in engineering technology and three years' experience.

7.   Nuclear Industry Welders

Average nuclear industry welder salary: $67,000 per year.

Nuclear industry welders have a dangerous job and are regularly exposed to alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Even with strict safety protocols in place, this type of welding gig definitely has some risks others do not. They average $67,000 per year for their risk, with the highest-paid bringing in upwards of $140,000!

Welders in the nuclear industry might work on pipelines, underwater, or in the military. They must pass a demanding screening process, including FBI clearance, to become nuclear certified, making it one of the most difficult welding positions to obtain.

8.   Certified Welding Supervisor

Average certified welding supervisor salary: $56,000 per year.

Certified welding supervisors merge their welding and leadership skills to become managers. They direct a team of welders, ensuring that they are working safely and finishing their projects with quality welds on time and within budget. Certified welding supervisors almost always have many years of experience, and they have typically earned supervisor certification from the American Welding Society.

Some of the other duties of a certified welding supervisor include determining what type of materials and welding techniques to use, inspecting the work, calculating costs, and collaborating with project management. The average welding supervisor earns approximately $56,000 per year .

9.   Welding Engineer

Average welding engineer salary: $83,000 per year.

To be a welding engineer, you'll need a bachelor's degree and certification through the American Welding Society. You'll also need to stay up to date on all the latest trade advancements in the welding world. It's the welding engineer's responsibility to incorporate new techniques into the employer's processes to enhance them and make the company more efficient.

Welding engineers must use their knowledge to improve the overall level of quality within the organization. For that, they receive over $83,000 per year on average .

10. Combo Welder

Average combination welder salary: $59,000 per year.

In case you are not familiar with the term "combo welder," it refers to a welder who manufactures, repairs, and maintains metal parts—a “jack of all trades” welder if you will. Combination welders are often hired for construction work, where they help with the welding of the beams and other structural components. Combination welders are trained in multiple welding techniques, and they can work with various types of steels and alloys. They also know how to use different equipment and tools, adding to their versatility and value.

Do you have other questions about a welding career?

PrimeWeld is a professional welding dealer and is here to answer your questions on welding as a career, the best equipment to use, and the supplies you will need.  Contact any of our PrimeWeld pros, and they will be happy to assist you any way they can!

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