When I first stepped onto an oil rig as a welder, I remember staring at the thick steel plates, TIG torch in hand, and wondering, “Just how much does a rig welder make an hour?” After years of wrestling with tricky stainless welds, juggling MIG vs TIG depending on metal thickness, and constantly thinking about joint prep, filler rods, and maintaining perfect arc control, I realized this is a question almost every welder asks. The truth is, your hourly rate isn’t just a number—it reflects your experience, skill, and ability to deliver structurally sound, safe welds under pressure.
Whether you’re worried about keeping costs efficient, improving weld quality, or simply planning your career path, knowing what rig welders earn is crucial. Stick around, because in this guide, I’ll break down real-world numbers and insider insights (updated as of 2025-10-14) that you won’t find in a typical salary chart.
Image by universalfabrications
Who Exactly Is a Rig Welder?
You’re out on the North Sea or the Permian Basin, wind howling, waves crashing—or maybe it’s bone-dry heat baking the sand around a fracking site. That’s rig welding territory. A rig welder isn’t your everyday fab shop hand; we’re specialists who tackle the beast of oil and gas extraction. We weld up everything from pressure vessels and pipelines to structural supports on drilling platforms, often in conditions that’d make a land-based job look like a picnic.
At its core, the gig involves processes like shielded metal arc welding (SMAW, or stick) for thick-walled pipes and structures, or gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, TIG) when precision is king on exotic alloys. For example, E6010 roots on carbon steel are commonly run on DCEP (reverse polarity) for deep penetration, then filled and capped with low-hydrogen E7018—typically also on DCEP.[7]
I’ve burned through miles of 7018 rods on carbon steel joints, dialing in amps around 120–150 for a 1/4-inch root or hot pass depending on diameter and wall thickness, with procedures set by the WPS. Why stick? It’s forgiving in the field—portable, wind-resistant, and tough enough for the salty, oily mess rigs throw at you.
But it’s not all arc time. Prep is half the battle: beveling edges with a grinder till they’re smooth, cleaning with acetone to ditch mill scale and contaminants, and tack-welding in a way that doesn’t warp the fit-up. Skip that, and you’re chasing undercut or lack of fusion all day.
When to use it? Anytime you’re dealing with high-strength low-alloy steels under API codes—think X52 pipe with a minimum yield strength of ~52,000 psi.[8] Practical know-how? Always carry extra flux-cored wire or additional stick electrodes for backups; supply hiccups happen, and redundancy saves shutdowns.
I remember my first rig hitch off Louisiana: 28 days straight, 12-hour shifts, welding riser clamps while the deck pitched like a carnival ride. Common mistake? Rookies overheating the base metal, leading to distortion that throws off alignment.
Fix: pulse your travel speed, keep interpass temperatures per your WPS (often under ~300°F for many carbon steels unless specified otherwise), and breathe—rushing kills quality. If you’re a DIYer eyeing this, start small: practice vertical-up beads on scrap pipe to build that uphill muscle memory.
Breaking Down Rig Welder Pay: The Numbers Don’t Lie
How much does a rig welder actually make an hour? Based on nationwide data as of October 14, 2025, recent postings and market data show an average around $41–$47/hour (ZipRecruiter US average $46.58/hr; PayScale $40.69/hr).[1][2] For comparison, the BLS reports a median annual wage of about $51,000 for welders across all industries (not rig-specific), which works out to roughly $24–$25/hour.[3]
Entry-level hands typically see $25–$35, while experienced combo pipe welders with in-demand certs often command $45–$60+ depending on location, union scale, and project urgency. High outliers above $60 appear in hot markets and urgent shutdowns but aren’t guaranteed.[1]
National Averages for Rig Welders (as of 2025-10-14)
Use these bands as a starting point; negotiate using your recent NDT results, WPS scope, and mobilization constraints. A quick comparison of postings and union scales supports these ranges.[1][10]
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Estimate (40 hrs/week) | With Overtime/Per Diem Boost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years) | $25–$35 | $52,000–$72,800 | Up to ~$95,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years) | $35–$48 | $72,800–$99,840 | $110,000–$150,000 |
| Senior (8+ years) | $45–$60+ | $93,600–$124,800+ | $140,000–$180,000+ |
*Illustrative only. Actual OT/per diem depend on employer policy, CBA, state law, and rotation. See overtime & per diem notes below.
Why the spread? Energy cycles and geography. As of late 2025, state pages for rig welders show averages around $46/hr in CA, $43/hr in TX, $49/hr in ND, and $40/hr in LA—with broader ranges depending on the county and project.[1]
How Experience Shapes Your Hourly Rate
Fresh off certs? You’ll land near the low end, often assisting and running coupons. Stack two solid years with clean X-rays/UT and you’re in the low-$40s handling roots and multi-process setups. By year five, a 6G qualification and proven code work can move you into the mid-$40s to $50+ leading critical welds. Keep a log of passed NDTs—quantifiable quality moves rates faster than time-in-seat alone.
Where Location Cranks Up (or Dials Down) the Dial
Geography is leverage. Recent state averages for rig welder postings suggest higher bands in North Dakota and California, with Texas and Louisiana close behind. Use local postings and union scales to set expectations (e.g., UA 798 pipeline scales clearing $50/hr base in some jurisdictions).[1][10]
| State/Region | Typical Hourly Band* | Why It’s Hot | Pro Tip for Landing Gigs |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $34–$48+ | Large industrial base; coastal & refinery work | Leverage union networks and shutdown windows |
| Texas | $32–$45 | Permian & Gulf Coast projects, steady turnarounds | Ping Houston/LNG contractors ahead of outages |
| Alaska | $33–$45† | Remote premiums, North Slope rotations | Budget travel; confirm LOA/per diem in writing |
| North Dakota | $40–$50 | Bakken shale demand, rotation schedules | Cert for sour service where applicable |
| Gulf Coast (LA/MS) | $35–$45 | Offshore & petrochem variety | TWIC + HUET/BOSIET speed up onboarding |
*Derived from recent state pages/postings; your results may vary. †General welder data in AK trends ~$29–$30/hr; rig/pipeline jobs can run higher with premiums.[1]
Example math: on a 14-on/14-off hitch with 84 hours/week at $42/hr, FLSA overtime (1.5× after 40 in a week) yields roughly $4,452 in gross wages for that week before per diem.[4][11]
Factors That Pump Up (or Tank) Your Rig Welder Earnings
Pay isn’t random—it’s a puzzle of certs, shifts, and smarts. Nail these, and you’re not just welding; you’re investing in your rate sheet.
Certifications: Your Ticket to Bigger Checks
No certs? You’re sidelined at the low end. Add AWS Certified Welder for structural work (D1.1) and API 1104 for pipelines, and you’ll open higher-pay doors. A 6G pipe qualification (fixed 45° all-position) remains a hallmark for all-position pipe work.[6][9]
Practical setup: run E6010 roots on DCEP for deep dig, then E7018 fill/cap on DCEP; follow your WPS for amperage and interpass limits.[7]
Overtime, Shifts, and Perks That Stack the Cash
Overtime: Under U.S. federal law (FLSA), eligible workers earn at least 1.5× after 40 hours in a workweek (not after 8 hours nationwide). Some states—like California—add daily overtime and double-time triggers.[4][5][12]
Per diem: Many employers pay daily stipends for travel, meals, and lodging. When paid under an accountable plan and within federal limits (e.g., GSA per diem or IRS high-low rates), reimbursements can be non-taxable to the worker. FY 2025 standard CONUS M&IE tiers are $68–$92 (location-dependent), and the IRS “high-low” method allows $319 (high-cost) / $225 (low-cost) per day for combined lodging+M&IE (effective Oct 1, 2025).[13][14][6b]
Access & safety credentials: Offshore roles often require a TWIC for unescorted access to secure maritime areas and OPITO BOSIET/HUET for helicopter egress and offshore survival training.[15][16]
The Welding Techniques That Make Rig Welders Worth Every Penny
Rig work demands versatility—you can’t lug a full fab table offshore. Stick and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) dominate for speed on less-than-pristine steel, while TIG shines for root protection on stainless lines carrying corrosive fluids.
Pipe sequence (typical carbon steel under API/AWS WPS): 37.5° V-groove with ~1/16 in. land, tack at 12/3/6/9 o’clock; E6010 root on DCEP ~90–110 A (1/8 in.), uphill for strength; hot, fill, and cap with E7018 on DCEP; clean interpass and maintain temperatures per WPS. This combo is common for code work and aims for toughness and a sound cap profile.[7]
Anecdote: On a Gulf platform, I fixed a crew’s hot-pass undercut by grinding it feather-thin and rewelding—saved a costly recut. Common error? Too much weave causing convex beads; fix with tighter stringers and proper heat input control.
Safety’s non-negotiable: FR gear, fume control (watch hex-chrome on certain consumables), and lockout/tagout before hot work permits. Ground your stinger every setup.
Pros and Cons: Is Rig Welding Your Jam?
Weighing the scales? Here’s the unvarnished truth—pros that pay dividends, cons that test your mettle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High hourly rates + OT/per diem potential | Long hitches away from family |
| Travel & remote premiums | Harsh weather, physical toll |
| Skill-building in extreme conditions | Boom-bust cycles with oil prices |
| Camaraderie with roughnecks | Isolation; limited creature comforts offshore |
| Often paid travel, LOA, or gear allowances | Insurance cost/coverage varies if 1099 |
Stepping Into Rig Welding: Your Roadmap
Dreaming of the big leagues? Start with community college welding programs—six months gets you SMAW/GMAW basics. Then apprentice on land crews to log serious pipe hours.
Step-by-step to your first gig:
- Cert up: AWS Certified Welder; add a 6G pipe qualification; pursue API 1104 code work where relevant.[6][9]
- Gear up: Rugged engine-drive or shop power per site; PPE (FR, leather, respirator) set.
- Network: Welding expos, contractor lists, union halls; keep digital weld/NDT logs.
- Apply: Target major EPCs and service firms—tailor resumes with code processes and passed NDTs.
- Prep: Medicals and access—TWIC for ports and BOSIET/HUET for offshore improve hire speed.[15][16]
A Day (or Night) in the Rig Welder’s Boots
Dawn cracks, and you’re rigging your Lincoln to the manifold—coffee black, gloves stiff from dew. Morning brief: “Weld the BOP stack today—check for leaks post-hydro.” Prep the joint: plasma cut the plate, bevel, fit with clamps. Fire up around 160 amps per WPS, rod dipping rhythmic as a heartbeat.
Lunch? MRE burrito on a crate, swapping war stories. Afternoon: NDT tech signs off—clean images, green light. Evening? Cap pass under floods, arc flash popping like fireworks. Hitch ends with a chopper ride home, pockets heavy, shoulders sore.
Wrapping It Up: Your Edge in the Arc
There you have it—the full scoop on rig welder pay, grounded in current numbers. National averages sit near the low-$40s to mid-$40s per hour, but location and experience can turbocharge it. Prioritize safety and prep, keep your certs sharp, and track quality results—those are the levers that move your rate. Negotiate smart around rotation, OT rules, and per diem, and you’ll stack wins over a full season.
FAQs
What’s the starting pay for a rig welder?
Entry-level rig welders typically see $25–$35/hr, climbing quickly with clean NDTs and broader process coverage. Nationwide averages for rig welders are around $41–$47/hr as of October 2025.[1][2]
Do rig welders get overtime and benefits?
Usually yes, but details vary. Federally, eligible workers get 1.5× after 40 hours in a workweek; states like California add daily OT/double-time rules; CBAs can enhance this further. Benefits depend on employer/union vs. 1099 status.[4][5][12]
How does rig welding pay compare to shop welding?
Rig work often pays more due to remote conditions and rotations. As a benchmark, ZipRecruiter lists rig welders averaging ~$46.6/hr while BLS reports an overall welder median near $51k/yr (~$24–$25/hr) across industries.[1][3]
Can women or new grads break into rig welding?
Absolutely. Focus on 6G capability, rigorous safety, and consistent quality. TWIC and BOSIET/HUET help for offshore roles.[15][16]
Is rig welding worth the long hours?
If you love the craft and can manage rotations, the earnings potential is strong—especially on 60–84 hour weeks with compliant overtime and legitimate per diem. Run the math against your family time and goals.[4][13]
References
- ZipRecruiter — Rig Welder hourly (US & states): US average; CA; TX; ND; LA.
- PayScale — Rig Welder hourly pay (2025).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (OOH).
- U.S. DOL — FLSA overtime pay (Fact Sheet 23).
- USAGov — Overtime pay overview.
- CA DIR — California overtime FAQ.
- California Labor Code §510 — Daily overtime / double-time.
- IRS Notice 2024-68 — Special per diem/M&IE rates & GSA — Per diem rates.
- EY summary of IRS Notice 2025-54 — 2025 high-low per diem.
- AWS — Certified Welder program.
- Lincoln Electric — E7018 (typical use & polarity) and E6010 (deep penetration; pipe roots).
- API/Industry — API 5L X52 min. yield ≈52 ksi.
- API 1104 (pipeline welding standard) — standard excerpt.
- UA Local 798 — 2024–2025 wage rates (pipeline context).
- TSA — TWIC overview and eCFR — 33 CFR §101.514 (TWIC requirement).
- OPITO — BOSIET with EBS standard.
