Underwater Welder

Salary, skills, career path and opportunities in the UK.

Starting

Early years

Building, learning and validating your foundations.

Mid-career

Growing years

Scaling your impact and reaching traction.

Senior

High growth, leadership or long-term ownership.

Thinking about becoming an underwater welder in the UK? Carry out specialist welding on subsea pipelines, ship hulls and offshore platforms - one of the highest-paid trades in the world. This guide covers what the role actually involves day-to-day, the salary you can realistically expect, the skills and qualifications you'll need, and the practical steps to get started - whether you're starting fresh or switching from another path.

Time to entry

1 - 3 years

Degree preferred

Not required - HSE Part I / IMCA diving certs

Difficulty

High

• Look up Underwater Welder roles on Linked In or Indeed and read 5 real job ads.
• Talk to someone already working as an underwater welder – even a 15‑minute call helps.
• Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role.
• Build some evidence (project, shadowing, short course) that shows you’ve explored the field.
• Apply to one entry‑level role or related opportunity within the next month.

No, you do not strictly need a degree to become an underwater welder in the UK. A degree is not required – HSE Part I / IMCA diving certs – but employers care more about demonstrable a strong portfolio or work history, and the right attitude.

Every day is different. You'll be a qualified welder ready to add commercial diving and accept high‑risk, high‑pay work, solve problems and keep moving things forward.

• Welding (TIG/MMA)
• Commercial diving
• Safety mindset

It can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. Here's what to know:

• Work style:
  Structured & collaborative, offshore, subsea, rota work.
• Demand:
  Steady, variable – tied to oil & gas / renewables.
• Competition:
  Moderate – solid effort separates you from the pack.
• Difficulty:
  High – uncertainty, pressure and continuous learning.

The skills below are the foundation of working as an underwater welder. Some you'll bring with you, others you'll sharpen on the job – but employers and clients consistently look for this mix when deciding who to hire and trust.

• Welding (TIG/MMA) – core part of working effectively.
• Commercial diving – core part of working effectively.
• Build, ship and maintain reliable technical work.
• Safety mindset – core part of working effectively.

Realistically, most people get their first paid underwater welder role within 1 - 3 years.

• 0‑6 months:
  Explore the field – read, research and understand what the role really involves.
• 6‑12 months:
  Build foundations – learn the core skills and knowledge behind underwater welding.
• 1‑2 years:
  Gain proof – build projects, coursework or practical evidence you can show.
• 1‑3 years:
  Land your first role – most people reach this stage in 1‑3 years.

Subsea welding in UK waters – harbours, locks, oil terminals.

Entry route: HSE SCUBA + Surface Supplied + welding ticket.

Saturation dives at depth on North Sea oil and gas.

Entry route:
Closed‑bell training + 5+ years subsea.

Inspection and welding on offshore wind subsea cables and foundations.

Entry route:
Diving background + offshore wind experience.