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How do you become an underwater welder in the Navy?

4 min read

Asked by: Yaphet Pratt

Entry Requirements include:

  1. Eyesight 20/200 bilateral correctable to 20/25 with no color blindness.
  2. Minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: AR+VE=103, MC=51.
  3. Pass a physical examination required for divers.
  4. Meet minimum ASVAB requirements.
  5. Be 30 years of age or younger.

Can you weld in the Navy?

Navy welders are enlisted personnel, and both men and women can qualify to be welders. Navy recruits hoping to launch a welding career must be at least 17 years old and no older than 34, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a high school graduate, according to the Navy’s ‘Requirements to Join’ web page.

What qualifications do I need for underwater welding?

If you believe becoming an underwater welder is right for you, these are the minimum requirements you will need to possess:

  • High school Diploma or GED.
  • Ability to swim.
  • Mechanical aptitude.
  • Commercial Diving Certification.
  • AWS Certified Welding Training.


How long is the career of an underwater welder?

As we saw, the TDA study yields 10-15 years of life in the commercial diving occupation. But in the end, an underwater welder’s life expectancy doesn’t solely depend on one factor. The two most important variables of keeping welder-divers safe include proper training and company safety regulations.
Jan 12, 2022

What is the highest paid underwater welder?

The salaries of Underwater Welders in the US range from $10,237 to $203,999 , with a median salary of $37,028 . The middle 57% of Underwater Welders makes between $37,028 and $92,466, with the top 86% making $203,999.

What are Navy welders called?

Navy Steelworkers are those special few who have the chance as adults to keep on building with their hands. As an SW, you’ll get on-the-job experience welding, performing specialized metalwork and crafting steel structures the Navy needs to complete its missions.

What score do you need to be a welder in the Navy?

Qualifying as a Navy Steelworker



Sailors interested in this rating need a combined score of 140 in the arithmetic (AR), mechanical comprehension (MC) and auto and shop (AS) segments of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests.
Apr 5, 2019

Is underwater welding worth it?

For many welder-divers, the variety and scope of the work available, in addition to the earning potential, is what makes underwater welding such an attractive option. Underwater Welders can easily clear more than $100,000 per year if they line up a steady stream of projects year-round.
Jul 8, 2015

How many years of college do you need to be a underwater welder?

Attend an underwater welding school



After you have both your welding and commercial diving certifications, you can enroll in an underwater welding program, which can take anywhere from six months to two years.
Mar 22, 2021

Do underwater welders travel a lot?

Yes, underwater welders usually travel a lot, from one drilling platform to the next. however due to your intensive schedule, underwater welders usually return inland after a month at sea. Their work schedule rarely slackens: It’s not unusual to work 80 or more hours in a single week.

Can underwater welders make 300k?

Some commercial divers’ underwater welding salaries can hit up to $300,000+ annually. 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.
Jan 12, 2022

How much do underwater welders make in the Navy?

In the ocean, you’ll earn $40,000 – $100,000 or more each year. Offshore underwater welders spend most of their time on oil rigs or large marine vessels like Navy ships. Their work schedule rarely lets up: It’s not uncommon to work 80 or more hours in a single week.
Jan 15, 2020

How much do military underwater welders make?

Types of Welders and Pay



According to the experts at Water Welders, rookie onshore underwater welder salaries range from ​$25,000​ to ​$40,000​, and ​$50,000​ to ​$80,000​ after three to five years. Onshore underwater welders tend to have steadier employment and regular 40-hour workweeks throughout the year.

What is the highest paid welding job?

Rig Welder



Rig welders are about the highest-paid welders in the world. They work long and difficult hours and they have the most advanced educations and qualifications. If they make a mistake, it’s going to be cataclysmic, so companies only hire the best of the best for these positions.
Jun 14, 2022

Where do underwater welders sleep?


But who are these men who live and sleep in such strange conditions. Their saturation divers for an oil services company fixing pipes and rigs at depths of up to 590.