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Submarine Welder Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Submarine Welder information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do submarine welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for submarine welder in Decatur, AL is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Submarine welders can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments such as offshore or military projects. However, such high earnings are typically achieved through overtime, hazardous duty pay, and advanced certifications, and are not common for all welders.

How much do submarine welders make?

Submarine welders typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. They often work in challenging environments requiring specialized skills and safety training, which can influence compensation levels.

Do underwater welders make 300k?

Underwater welders, including submarine welders, can earn high salaries, with experienced professionals sometimes reaching or exceeding $300,000 annually. However, such earnings are typically associated with extensive experience, specialized skills, hazardous environments, and often involve offshore or deep-sea projects. Most underwater welders earn between $50,000 and $150,000 per year, with top earners in certain high-risk or remote assignments.

What are submarine welders?

Submarine welders are specialized professionals who perform welding tasks underwater, often on submarines, ships, or other marine structures. They combine commercial diving skills with expertise in various welding techniques to repair, maintain, or construct underwater equipment and vessels. This job requires rigorous training in both diving and welding safety, as well as certifications to handle the challenging underwater environment. Submarine welders often work in hazardous conditions and must ensure their welds are strong and reliable to withstand underwater pressures.

What is the difference between Submarine Welder vs Commercial Diver?

AspectSubmarine WelderCommercial Diver
CertificationsWelding certifications, underwater welding certificationsDiver certification, commercial diving license
Work EnvironmentUnderwater, often in shipyards, offshore platformsUnderwater, in various water bodies, offshore, construction sites
Industry UsageShipbuilding, offshore oil & gas, marine repairConstruction, inspection, maintenance, salvage

Both Submarine Welders and Commercial Divers work underwater, requiring specialized certifications. Submarine Welders focus on welding tasks in underwater environments, often in shipyards or offshore platforms. Commercial Divers perform a broader range of underwater tasks, including inspection and repair, across various industries. While their skills overlap, their certifications and primary job functions differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Submarine Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Submarine Welder, you need strong skills in underwater welding techniques, metal fabrication, and a commercial diving certification such as ADCI or IMCA. Experience with specialized welding equipment like wet welding rods, dry habitats, and underwater cutting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work calmly under pressure distinguish outstanding candidates in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the structural integrity and safety of submarine components in challenging underwater environments.

Do underwater welders make $100 an hour?

Underwater welders, including submarine welders, can earn $100 or more per hour, especially with experience, specialized skills, and certifications. However, wages vary based on location, project complexity, and risk factors, with some earning significantly higher due to hazardous conditions and remote environments.

What are the typical working conditions and safety precautions for a submarine welder?

Submarine welders often work in confined, underwater environments that require specialized training in diving and welding techniques. The work can be physically demanding and involves strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents, such as decompression sickness and electrical hazards. Teamwork is essential, as welders frequently coordinate with dive supervisors, safety inspectors, and other underwater technicians to ensure each task is executed safely and efficiently. Proper equipment maintenance and regular safety drills are standard practices to minimize risks in this challenging environment.
What are popular job titles related to Submarine Welder jobs in Decatur, AL? For Submarine Welder jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Submarine Welder jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Submarine Welder jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Submarine Welder jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Submarine Welder job openings:
Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

US Navy

Hartselle, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Title: Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Join an elite community that operates in the air and under the sea as an enlisted aircrew member and Navy diver, performing helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier and expeditionary strike groups, mine countermeasures, special operations, and joint partners worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea rescues and provide advanced first aid; execute underwater search, salvage, harbor clearance, and security missions; inspect, cut, weld, and repair ships and submarines; conduct deep and saturation diving using SCUBA, surface supplied and mixed gas systems, and rebreathers; operate and supervise hyperbaric chamber treatments; plan and conduct demolition; maintain and repair specialized flight, survival, and diving equipment while managing records and readiness.
What to Expect
Highly physical, safety critical missions with rigorous performance standards; frequent operations in demanding environments such as heavy seas, cold and low visibility waters, flight lines, ship decks, and austere field sites; continuous training and qualification sustainment, with rapid shifts between precise technical tasks and field operations; small team culture that requires attention to detail, calm under pressure, and strong leadership potential.
Work Environment
Worldwide assignments at sea and ashore with aviation squadrons, fleet replacement units, and expeditionary detachments; work in flight operations areas, rescue training pools, ocean training sites, dive lockers, recompression chambers, shipyards, ranges, and forward locations; frequent work aboard carriers and auxiliaries, on piers and flight decks, and alongside joint and interagency partners.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola; Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in an assigned aircrew rating pipeline such as AWF, AWO, AWR, AWS, or AWV; Fleet Replacement Squadron training and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape instruction; ongoing qualification and advanced training in diving, rescue, and mission systems throughout the career.
Enlist under an advanced technical field or Warrior Challenge style contract that specifies the aircrew, rescue swimmer, or diver training pipeline; qualified Fleet Sailors may volunteer and request conversion into aircrew or diving roles after screening, physical testing, and command endorsement.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
  • A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
  • Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
  • Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
  • Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
  • Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
  • Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
  • Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
United States citizenship and eligibility for at least a Secret clearance; strong swimming ability, comfort in open water, and excellent overall physical condition; ability to pass an aviation flight physical for aircrew duties and a diving medical exam with Undersea or Diving Medical Officer approval; meeting Physical Fitness Assessment standards and passing the Physical Screening Test that includes timed swims, runs, and calisthenics; meeting age limits that are typically more restrictive than general enlistment standards.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.


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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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