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Entry Level Underwater Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Underwater Welding information

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$14

$22

$30

How much do entry level underwater welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level underwater welding in the United States is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a beginner underwater welder make?

Entry-level underwater welders typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, with experienced divers earning over $100,000. Salaries depend on factors such as certification, location, and the complexity of the projects, and often include overtime pay due to the demanding work environment.

Do underwater welders make $100 an hour?

Entry level underwater welders typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, with experienced professionals or those working in high-risk environments potentially earning up to $100 or more per hour. Factors such as certifications, location, and the complexity of the job influence wages in this specialized field.

What are some common challenges entry-level underwater welders face during their first year on the job?

Entry-level underwater welders often face challenges such as adapting to working in confined and low-visibility environments, learning to manage their air supply and equipment underwater, and maintaining high-quality welds despite shifting currents or limited mobility. Additionally, newcomers must quickly develop strong communication skills to coordinate with dive teams and supervisors for safety and efficiency. Overcoming these challenges typically involves a combination of on-the-job training, mentorship, and continuous practice to build technical proficiency and confidence.

Do underwater welders make 300k?

Entry level underwater welders typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually reserved for experienced professionals with specialized skills, certifications, and extensive offshore work. Most underwater welding jobs pay between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced certifications and significant experience in deep-sea or commercial projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Underwater Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Underwater Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques, basic diving skills, and certifications such as commercial diving and underwater welding qualifications. Familiarity with underwater welding tools, cutting equipment, and safety systems like SCUBA or surface-supplied air is typically required. Physical endurance, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These qualifications ensure both the quality of welds and the safety of the welder in challenging underwater environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Underwater Welding vs Entry Level Commercial Diver?

AspectEntry Level Underwater WeldingEntry Level Commercial Diver
CertificationsWelding certifications, commercial diving certification
Work EnvironmentUnderwater welding sites, industrial structures
Job TasksWelding underwater, repairing structures
Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, shipbuilding

Entry Level Underwater Welding and Entry Level Commercial Diver roles share certifications and work environments focused on underwater work. However, underwater welders specialize in welding tasks, while commercial divers perform a broader range of underwater activities. Both roles are essential in industrial sectors requiring underwater expertise.

What is entry level underwater welding?

Entry level underwater welding is a specialized job where individuals use welding skills to join metal structures while submerged underwater, typically at construction sites, shipyards, or offshore oil rigs. Beginners in this field often work under the supervision of experienced divers and welders, assisting with tasks such as repairing ships, maintaining pipelines, or constructing underwater infrastructure. This role requires training in both commercial diving and welding techniques, as well as certification to ensure safety and quality. Entry level underwater welders usually start with basic tasks and gain experience before taking on more complex projects. It can be a physically demanding and hazardous job, but it offers unique opportunities and competitive pay for skilled workers.

How to start a career in underwater welding?

To start a career in underwater welding, individuals typically need to complete a commercial diving or welding training program, obtain certifications such as the Commercial Diving Certification and Diver Certification, and gain experience in welding techniques and safety procedures. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging underwater environments are also essential.
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Entry Level Underwater Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Underwater Welding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,613 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Commercial Diver Instructor

Commercial Diver Instructor

Commercial Divers International

El Paso, TX • On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Commercial Divers International Ft. Bliss Diving Program-  the Nations Only Commercial Diving Training Center on a US Military Base.

This position is assigned to a private post-secondary vocational training facility located on Ft. Bliss in El Paso Texas.

This school teaches all aspects of commercial diving to include but not limited to, diving physics, diving medicine, hyperbaric chamber operations, underwater cutting and welding, topside welding and cutting and rigging to meet the minimum entry level standard for a commercial diver/tender.

Responsibilities

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Instructs basic diving, safety and underwater work skills to students.
  • Works with other staff members to ensure practical diving instructions are safe at all times.
  • Enforces Diving safety standards and facility operational rules for all individuals using the facilities.
  • Plans and organizes instruction methods and goals that support the general teaching outlines provided by the Education Director and the certifying organization.
  • Organizes and directs activities of students in order to provide a high level of quality instructions for all diving students.
  • Provides individual feedback to students regarding student's development and achievements.
  • Provides introductory equipment orientations, when needed.
  • Inspects equipment used for Diving instruction, ensuring they are within the condition required by environmental health and industry standards. Informs supervisor of deficiencies.
  • Completes and submits records and documentation of completed lessons to the student services office.
  • Works with the Education Director on an on-going basis to upgrade, improve and refine individual teaching skills.
  • Prepares and completes accident/incident reports during emergency situations. Notifies management of all emergencies immediately.
  • Works with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals, etc.).
  • Helps organize and assists in the development of special programs, activities or instruction.
  • Completes regular cleaning and tidying of equipment used for diving instruction to ensure the maintenance of a safe environment for staff and patrons.
  • Answers telephone providing information in regards to facility hours of operation, upcoming special events and programs, etc.

Company Description

CDI is the only commercial diving school on a military base and one of very few in the United States.