Jim's Cover Pass: The pros and cons of becoming a rig welder

A: Many welding professionals dream of becoming a pipeline welder. Today’s version of the Texas cowboy with their welding truck all rigged out, hauling an RV around the countryside, and chasing the next job down the road while making a great salary can be very intriguing for the adventurous soul.

Wages of $60 per hour ($40 for the welder and $20 for the welding truck/rig) or more, along with $100 per diem are common in our area. Working 13 or 14 days in a row and 12- to 18-hour days is common and helps welders reach six-figure incomes. I don’t have exact numbers, but I see more welding rigs every day in the Permian Basin oil country than anywhere else in the U.S. Many of my friends and former students do very well and make a good living as rig welders. That being said, the reality of this lifestyle may not appeal to everyone.

Currently this area has more RV parks and “Man Camps” than I have seen in 40 years, and it is difficult to find one with available spaces. With this demand, the living expenses have increased steadily over the past few years. As a contract welder, you are responsible for the cost of everything from your 1-ton dually pickup truck and welding machine to every tool and consumable you’ll need for the job. You also may be required to carry a liability insurance policy of $1 million to $2 million, depending on the welding circumstances. You will work in windy, 120-degree heat and lie in the mud during freezing weather. And then there are those weeks when the weather is so bad you don’t work (or get paid).

As I mentioned, this lifestyle may not be the best fit for everyone. However, if the urge to follow your dreams, along with the ability to produce quality welds, is strong enough, I encourage you to give it a shot.