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Offshore Rig Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX

... offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, ASHRAE, etc ... welding, machining, etc.). * Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and ...

NABORS

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX

$96K - $130K/yr

Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation. * How ... Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding ...

Seatrium

Piping Lead (Hull)

Houston, TX

... welding, test packages, etc JOB REQUIREMENTS * Prefer to have at least 8 years of piping ... Prefer to have experience in Offshore/Shipyard project, Rig building/Ship building. * Prefer to ...

Seatrium

Topside Piping Lead Engineer

Houston, TX

... welding, test packages, etc. JOB REQUIREMENTS ` * Prefer to have at least 8 years of piping ... Prefer to have experience in Offshore/Shipyard project, Rig building/Ship building. * Prefer to ...

Seatrium

Topside Piping Lead Engineer

Houston, TX

... welding, test packages, etc. JOB REQUIREMENTS ` * Prefer to have at least 8 years of piping ... Prefer to have experience in Offshore/Shipyard project, Rig building/Ship building. * Prefer to ...

EPIC PIPING, LLC

Stress Operator

San Marcos, TX

$16 - $19.75/hr

Must be able to run overhead crane and know how to rig pipe. * Set up welds for local and/or ... With over three decades of experience and backgrounds extending from engineering to welding, Epic ...

EPIC PIPING, LLC

Stress Operator

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Must be able to run overhead crane and know how to rig pipe. * Set up welds for local and/or ... With over three decades of experience and backgrounds extending from engineering to welding, Epic ...

EPIC PIPING, LLC

Stress Operator

San Marcos, TX

$16 - $19.75/hr

Must be able to run overhead crane and know how to rig pipe. * Set up welds for local and/or ... With over three decades of experience and backgrounds extending from engineering to welding, Epic ...

EPIC PIPING, LLC

Stress Operator

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Must be able to run overhead crane and know how to rig pipe. * Set up welds for local and/or ... With over three decades of experience and backgrounds extending from engineering to welding, Epic ...

EPIC PIPING, LLC

Stress Operator

San Marcos, TX

$17.50 - $30/hr

Must be able to run overhead crane and know how to rig pipe. * Set up welds for local and/or ... With over three decades of experience and backgrounds extending from engineering to welding, Epic ...

EPIC PIPING, LLC

Stress Operator

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $30/hr

Must be able to run overhead crane and know how to rig pipe. * Set up welds for local and/or ... With over three decades of experience and backgrounds extending from engineering to welding, Epic ...

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Offshore Rig Welder information

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$5

$46

$83

How much do offshore rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore rig welder in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Offshore rig welders can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with high-demand skills, overtime, and specialized certifications such as ASME or AWS. However, such earnings are typically achieved through extensive experience, working in remote or hazardous environments, and often involve long shifts or rotational schedules. Most welders earn less, but top-tier offshore welders with advanced skills and experience can reach or exceed this income level.

How much do welders make on offshore rigs?

Offshore rig welders typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced workers and those with specialized skills or certifications earning higher wages. Overtime, hazard pay, and per diem allowances can also increase total compensation, and the work environment often requires safety training and certification such as HAZWOPER or AWS welding certifications.

What is the difference between Offshore Rig Welder vs Underwater Welder?

AspectOffshore Rig WelderUnderwater Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications, offshore safety trainingCommercial diving certifications, underwater welding certifications
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, offshore platforms, outdoor welding in harsh conditionsUnderwater at various depths, often in challenging conditions
Industry UsageOil and gas extraction, offshore constructionShip repair, underwater construction, oil industry

While both Offshore Rig Welders and Underwater Welders work in the oil and gas industry and require specialized welding certifications, Offshore Rig Welders primarily perform welding on offshore platforms and rigs above water, often in outdoor, harsh environments. Underwater Welders operate beneath the water surface, requiring diving certifications and working in submerged conditions. Both roles are vital in offshore operations but differ significantly in environment and specific skill sets.

How much do offshore welders make?

Offshore rig welders typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, with experienced workers and those with specialized certifications often earning higher wages. Overtime, hazard pay, and per diem allowances can increase total compensation, and the job requires skills in underwater and high-pressure welding environments. Wages vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects.

Do offshore oil rigs hire welders?

Offshore oil rigs regularly hire welders to perform maintenance, repairs, and construction tasks in challenging marine environments. Welders working offshore typically need specialized skills, certifications such as underwater or underwater-related welding, and safety training for working at sea. Employment often involves long shifts and adherence to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Offshore Rig Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Rig Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safety compliance, typically backed by a welding certification and offshore safety training. Familiarity with welding equipment, underwater welding tools, and safety management systems like HSE standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the integrity of offshore structures, maintain safety, and support efficient operations in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by offshore rig welders, and how can they be managed?

Offshore rig welders often face challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, adapting to irregular work schedules, and adhering to strict safety protocols. The remote location can lead to extended periods away from home, and the job demands physical endurance due to confined spaces and exposure to the elements. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain strong communication with the crew, participate in regular safety training, and develop resilience through proper self-care and preparation for the offshore environment.

What are offshore rig welders?

Offshore rig welders are specialized professionals who perform welding tasks on oil and gas rigs located at sea. They are responsible for constructing, assembling, and repairing metal structures and pipelines that are crucial to the safe operation of offshore platforms. These welders work in challenging environments, often at great heights and under strict safety regulations. Their work ensures the structural integrity and safety of rig equipment, supporting the energy industry’s offshore operations.
More about Offshore Rig Welder jobs
What cities are hiring for Offshore Rig Welder jobs? Cities with the most Offshore Rig Welder job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Offshore Rig Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Offshore Rig Welder jobs are:
Offshore Rig Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Offshore Rig Welder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 75 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Serve as an experienced, lead Mechanical engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling rigs and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Responsible for drilling equipment system design, engineering for equipment upgrades, troubleshooting of existing equipment, and evaluation / selection of new equipment. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Develop and execute engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification / Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight and final drawing approval and issuance - from conceptualization through execution.
  • Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above
  • Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities
  • Leads failure analysis and participates in root cause analysis for drilling machinery
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices
  • Review research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data supporting team and project needs to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment. Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees
  • Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
  • Assists in audits of sub-contractors
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling equipment, systems, and components - including both equipment design & troubleshooting
  • Proficient with analysis software, preferably SolidWorks Simulation and Ansys, etc.
  • Intimately familiar with API equipment design codes and inspection/repair codes
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Mechanical Engineering
  • Experience with maintenance (including predictive), preservation, life extension of drilling equipment.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. Dependable and adaptable to change
  • Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performers
  • Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal direction
  • Good interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude

TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Knowledge of machine design concepts and mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and thermal fluid concepts (thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics)
  • Ability to establish design inputs and perform engineering calculations such as finite element analysis
  • Ability to check drawings, perform tolerance stack up verification, prepare assembly instructions, and bill of materials. Able to read, interpret, and explain mechanical system drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers
  • Able to estimate & quantify real world effects of design changes and perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed changes
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling equipment, structures, well control, and process/utility systems. Drilling operations and rig crew functions.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, ASHRAE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).

physical requirements / working conditions
Engineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked.
About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

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