Tag Archives: Salary

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Before the Big Leagues: Life as a Tender

  July 23, 2014 , ,

No one enters the army as a general. And no one starts their first job as a full-fledged, high paid underwater welder. If you’re like the vast majority of divers, prepare for your first job title: Dive tender. Dive tenders “tend” to the needs (and wants) of commercial divers. They’re usually busy for most of the day with a multitude of tasks that range from surprisingly challenging to downright humiliating. Of course, it’s all about your … More

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6 Reasons You’re Not an Underwater Welder (Yet)

  June 7, 2014 , , ,

“Matt, I want to become an underwater welder, but ____________.” I hear it all too often. Hundreds of people want to go into the underwater welding field, but for every person, there’s a reason why they can’t invest in it. Some reasons are extremely legit, but most have holes in them. I’ve compiled the top six reasons and my thoughts behind each one. 1. Training and certification are pricey Compared to what? Many commercial diving schools … More

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9 Commercial Diving Jobs: Salary, Risk & Responsibility

  May 15, 2014 , ,

How many ways can you make a living in diving? Quite a few, it turns out. The underwater industry isn’t just a bunch of SCUBA divers swimming in clear waters. Nor is it all underwater welders lighting up metal on oil rigs. Don’t think the commercial diving profession has just one category. Commercial Diving Jobs’ Requirements Commercial diving jobs are are loaded with specialized fields and certifications. These fields range greatly in pay, work hours, risk, required experience … More

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Underwater Welding Salary & Risk Factor

  December 16, 2013 , ,

Commercial divers’ underwater welding salary can hit up to $300,000+ annually, according to divers and diving schools. But here’s the kicker: The majority of underwater welders float around $25,000 - $80,000. Why the large pay range? Most underwater welders receive pay by the hour or project. That means Joe Diver might make a hefty $30,000 in a few months with a big contract but then spend another five months looking for his next gig. Underwater welders fit into two pay scale categories … More