Wondering what the highest-paying welding jobs are? Here are the current top 5 highest-paying welding jobs.
Rig Welder
Annual Salary: $52,000 – $207,000
Rig welders are highly paid professionals working long and demanding hours. Their rigorous training and
qualifications ensure minimal room for errors, as mistakes can have catastrophic consequences.
Companies only hire the most exceptional candidates for these positions, requiring extensive experience
and multiple certifications. Rig welders are skilled in various types of welding, including underwater and
hyperbaric welding, which are performed on offshore oil rigs at sea. Some may commute to their
worksites by helicopter, while others live on the rig for extended periods, working 12-hour shifts every
day. This demanding lifestyle contributes to their remarkable earnings.
Underwater Welder
Annual Salary: $38,000 – $147,000
Underwater welders undertake a highly dangerous job with higher rates of workplace fatality compared
to other careers. Their generous compensation reflects the risks involved. These skilled professionals
work offshore, engaging in various projects such as oil rig construction, shipwreck salvage, subsea
construction, and other specialized duties.
To become an underwater welder, obtain a wet welding D3.6M certification from the American
Welding Society is required. However, prior to pursuing this certification, individuals must complete 5-7
months of full-time schooling to become a certified commercial diver. This initial training covers the
fundamentals of underwater welding, but AWS certification is needed to earn the highest salaries. The
education and certifications for this career can require an investment of $20,000+. However, the
substantial six-figure annual income justifies this expenditure.
Nuclear Welder
Annual Salary: $22,000 – $143,500
Nuclear welders are required to hold various certifications, including underwater welder and
commercial diving certifications. Additionally, a security clearance from the FBI is mandatory for working
with nuclear materials. Psychological, drug, and alcohol tests are also part of the rigorous lifestyle.
Nuclear welders work on nuclear-powered vessels, repairing reactor vessels and operating in shipyards.
Industrial Pipeline Welder
Annual Salary: $23,500 – $133,500
Gas and oil are transported through extensive interconnected pipelines. Leaks can have catastrophic
consequences for the company and the surrounding environment. As an industrial pipeline welder,
you’ll travel extensively, often to different countries. Although you’ll work in diverse environments,
some may not be ideal, like the scorching deserts of Saudi Arabia or the snowy tundra of Alaska.
However, the compensation is generous, and the risks are relatively low compared to other high-paying
welding jobs, such as underwater welding.
Military Support Welders
Annual Salary: $37,000 – $160,000
Working in war zones can be highly lucrative due to the need for skilled workers to build and maintain
military installations. However, this demanding environment requires rigorous training and military
affiliation. The risks associated with working in war-torn areas are met with increased compensation,
along with excellent benefits and pay.
At Welders Supply, we are the market leader in technology, inventory, facilities, vehicles, and customer-conscious employees. Come visit us today or contact us for more information!
