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Underwater Welders

Earnings

Salaries for underwater welders range from $50,000 to $90,000, according to The Ocean Corporation, which provides training for the commercial diving and nondestructive testing industries. PayScale.com reports higher salaries for underwater welders. It says that underwater welders earned average salaries of $100,131 in 2025. Earnings ranged from $39,000 to $176,000 or more. Welders and metal workers who serve in the U.S. military earned median annual salaries of $60,886 in 2025, according to TodaysMilitary.com. Earnings ranged from $24,754 to $263,897. Underwater welders with advanced skills and certifications can earn even higher salaries—especially in offshore or deep-sea welding projects.

Benefits for underwater welders depend on the employer; however, they usually include such items as health insurance, retirement or 401(k) plans, and paid vacation days. Self-employed welders must provide their own benefits.