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Did you know that rig welders in Oklahoma make over $75,000 a year on average?(1) Ready to get started? There are a few steps you will need to complete before starting a career as a rig welder. But first let’s look at what a rig welder is and what jobs they can get after completing their education.
What is a Rig Welder?
A rig welder works in the oil rig industry and is responsible for welding and fabricating metal structures and components. They may build large platforms that help drill, process and store oil both on- and off-shore. These oil platforms and rigs transport oil that is excavated to an oil refinery. Some of the duties that a rig welder is responsible for include:
• Welding, repairing and maintaining oil rigs
• Utilizing welding techniques like stick, MIG and TIG
• Inspecting welds to determine strength and durability
• Inspecting and servicing welding equipment to work at optimal performance
• Assembling pipelines to transport oil
• Using non-destructive testing techniques to test for leaks
• Adhere to safety guidelines to minimize work hazards
• Use of personal protective equipment and other welding gear
What Jobs Could a Rig Welder Get?
There are job options for rig welders. They can be a jack-of-all-trades welders or specialize in a specific type of welding. Some of the jobs available to rig welders include:
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Pipe Welder – construct, maintain, and repair piping for oil pipelines.
Ironworker – install and maintain structural iron and steel infrastructure.
Fitter Welder – weld and fit metal parts together for structures and machinery.
Spot Welder – join metal parts together with electric resistance welding.
How Much Do Rig Welders Get Paid?
The average salary for a rig welder in Oklahoma is $75,1421. Salaries range from $64,722 to $86,467.(1)
How Do You Become a Rig Welder?
When it comes to rig welding, you have options. You can either start as an apprentice or complete the Welding program at Tulsa Welding School (TWS). While you may think starting from scratch as an apprentice may sound like the best path, there are some reasons to complete your education first before becoming a welding apprentice. These reasons include:
Opportunities for Advancement
Starting as an apprentice may sound good but you may be pigeonholed into one specialty. Getting a well-rounded education and completing the program will make you eligible for certifications and opportunities to advance in your career. Want to transition to a different job on an oil rig? Do you have the education and experience to do so? Your best option for advancement throughout your career is to complete the Welding program at TWS.
Plenty of Hands-On Training
Most employers are looking for experienced entry-level rig welders. How can you get experience if you are entry-level? The best way to do this is to complete the Welding program at TWS. During the program, you will spend hundreds of hours welding, all with the help and guidance of an instructor. You can gain experience that an employer is looking for and you can build your confidence, so you are ready to start welding on day one of your apprenticeship.
Virtual Training to Build Confidence
Another reason to attend the Welding program at TWS is the ability to learn with the help of OcuWeld. This is a virtual reality training tool that teaches you rig welding in a safe environment. With OcuWeld, you can test your skills and get instant feedback on your technique. This is a learning tool that you can only use at TWS.
So, what are the steps to becoming a rig welder? The steps include:
Step #1: Get Your High School Diploma or Attain a GED
Step #2: Graduate from the Welding Program at TWS
Step #3: Complete 3 to 4 Years of Apprenticeship
Step #4: Get certified by the American Welding Society(2)
Want to Learn More?
The Professional Welder & Welding Specialist with Pipefitting programs at Tulsa Welding School start by helping you know what it’s like to be a welder in interactive workshop courses and welding booths. You’ll be trained in structural, flux core, and pipe welding in as little as seven months. You’ll also be prepared to excel in job interviews and welding tests for various certifications.
Read about the types of welding careers you can pursue with your skills. Ready to start a Professional Welding program or Welding Specialist with Pipefitting program? Contact us today about our welding certification preparation program.
1) https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/rig-welder-salary/ok
2) https://www.aws.org/
