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Oil Rig Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Welder I/Rig Welder

Carlsbad, NM

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seaching for a Rig Welder with extensive experience in carbon ... welding in the oil and gas petrochemical industry working on a project in Carlsbad, NM.

Shop Welder

Watford City, ND · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Understanding that this position is a shop-based fabrication role and not a rig welding or field ... Experience fabricating equipment used in the oil and gas, construction, trucking, or heavy ...

New

Shop Welder

Watford City, ND · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Understanding that this position is a shop-based fabrication role and not a rig welding or field ... Experience fabricating equipment used in the oil and gas, construction, trucking, or heavy ...

New

Rig Welder

Midland, TX

$230 - $460/wk

This position is primarily responsible for operating welding machines to join or connect various ... oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Committed to safety, quality, and ...

Rig Welder

Midland, TX · On-site

$230 - $460/wk

This position is primarily responsible for operating welding machines to join or connect various ... oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Committed to safety, quality, and ...

This position is primarily responsible for operating welding machines to join or connect various ... oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Committed to safety, quality, and ...

Understanding that this position is a shop-based fabrication role and not a rig welding or field ... Experience fabricating equipment used in the oil and gas, construction, trucking, or heavy ...

New

Assists mechanics, electricians, welders, forklift drivers and derrickhands. * Relieves floorhands ... Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy ...

Welder

Montrose, PA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

All welding functions applicable to the oil & gas production and midstream industry including but ... A complete rig setup is required including all hoses, torches, tips, beveling machine, clamps ...

Welder

Montrose, PA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

All welding functions applicable to the oil & gas production and midstream industry including but ... A complete rig setup is required including all hoses, torches, tips, beveling machine, clamps ...

Provide assistance to mechanic and welder and any other duties that may be assigned. * Ability to ... Familiarity with oilfield-related equipment and procedures preferred. * Ability to read electrical ...

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Oil Rig Welding information

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$5

$46

$83

How much do oil rig welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig welding 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.

How much does a welder make on an oil rig?

Oil rig welders typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced welders and those working offshore earning higher wages due to the demanding environment and overtime opportunities. Compensation often includes hazard pay, per diems, and benefits, and requires certifications such as AWS or ASME codes and safety training. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the specific company or project.

Can welders work on oil rigs?

Oil rig welders perform welding tasks on offshore platforms, often working in challenging environments that require specialized skills, certifications such as underwater or underwater welding, and adherence to safety protocols. They typically work in shifts and use tools like arc welders and cutting equipment to maintain and repair rig structures. The job demands physical endurance and knowledge of safety standards specific to the oil and gas industry.

How do I get into oil rig welding?

To become an oil rig welder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in welding. Certification from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) and experience with underwater or pipeline welding can improve job prospects, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by oil rig welders, and how can they prepare for them?

Oil rig welders often work in harsh and unpredictable environments, including exposure to extreme weather, confined spaces, and the constant movement of the rig. They may face challenges such as maintaining weld quality under difficult conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams on tight schedules. Preparing for these challenges involves obtaining specialized certifications, building physical endurance, and staying updated on the latest safety procedures. Strong communication skills and adaptability are also essential, as oil rig welders often coordinate closely with engineers and other crew members to ensure project success.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Welder, you need expertise in various welding techniques, a strong understanding of safety protocols, and relevant welding certifications such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized welding equipment, underwater welding gear, and safety monitoring systems is typically required. Physical stamina, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this demanding environment. These abilities are essential to ensure high-quality welds, maintain safety standards, and support the continuous operation of oil rig facilities.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Welding vs Offshore Pipe Welder?

AspectOil Rig WeldingOffshore Pipe Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, platforms, marine settingsOffshore oil and gas pipelines, platforms
Industry UsageOil and gas extraction, offshore drillingPipeline construction, maintenance in offshore environments
Job FocusWelding structural components on rigsWelding pipelines and pipe systems offshore

Both Oil Rig Welders and Offshore Pipe Welders require similar certifications and work in offshore environments. However, Oil Rig Welders focus on structural welding on rigs, while Offshore Pipe Welders specialize in pipeline welding. Both roles are essential in offshore oil and gas operations and often overlap in skills and certifications.

What is oil rig welding?

Oil rig welding is a specialized field of welding that involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining the metal structures and pipelines found on offshore or land-based oil rigs. Welders in this industry work in challenging environments, often at heights or underwater, and must adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Their work ensures the structural integrity and safe operation of oil extraction and processing facilities.

Can you make 300k as a welder?

Oil rig welders can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with high-demand skills, overtime, and experience in offshore environments. Such earnings typically require specialized certifications, extensive experience, and working in remote or hazardous conditions. Most welders earn less, but top-tier offshore welders with advanced skills and certifications can reach or exceed this income level.
More about Oil Rig Welding jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Rig Welding jobs? Cities with the most Oil Rig Welding job openings:
What states have the most Oil Rig Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Rig Welding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Welding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Welder I/Rig Welder

Welder I/Rig Welder

Wood

Carlsbad, NM

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood is seaching for a Rig Welder with extensive experience in carbon steel welding in the oil and gas petrochemical industry working on a project in Carlsbad, NM.

Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood is required.

The employee must be capable of welding together components to fabricate or repair products such as machine parts, pressure vessels, plant equipment, pipes, plates, and structural steel using various welding procedures.

  • Accurately interpret and apply information from work orders, job orders, specifications, ISO's, blueprints or other drawings and recognize basic blueprints or symbols for job application.
  • Identify, recognize and demonstrate safe usage of hand tools and power tools appropriate for the job.
  • Recognize various materials used in the craft and demonstrate a working knowledge of appropriate material handling techniques.
  • Select and safely use appropriate equipment which may include (but not limited to) manlifts, fork lifts, and company trucks.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in safe rigging practices.
  • Identify, explain and perform crane signals.
  • Demonstrate ability to weld together parts using any of the welding processes on various metals such as carbon steel, stainless, alloys, etc.
  • Demonstrate ability to use alignment devices for fabrication.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and ability to qualify and pass all welding performance tests.
  • Demonstrate ability to produce welds that are 100% X-ray quality.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in use of oxy-acetylene flame cutting equipment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of regulations governing quality control codes.
  • Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend, grind or bolt component parts to obtain required configurations and positions for welding.
  • Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  • Remove rough spots from work pieces, using portable grinders, hand files, or scrapers
Skills / Qualifications
  • Preferred to own welding machine.
  • Candidate should have a minimum 2 years journeyman experience welding various types of materials and preferred candidates to live in the area.
  • Candidate should have experience in carbon steel welding and 1-2 years of experience as helper in the welding field. 
  • Completion of formal classroom training in welding field may substitute for helper experience in welding craft.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems. The minimum math ability usually associated with this classification is the ability to calculate surfaces, volumes, angles, weights and measure. You must be able to use variables and formulas which are normally found in most industry approved trade books. (Pipefitters "Blue Book")
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement (EEO)

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER