Incredibly valuable information for young people aspiring to be pipeline welders. None of my years in education ever provided life saving financial information that you are providing
Awesome vid. No clickbait stuff here. Pure knowledge. Chasing the money with my rig and camper were some of the best years in my career. But once my boy was born, that mentality quickly changed. Driving only 3 days after he was born back to Lubbock to finish a job was the toughest. I knew I needed to make a change.
how important do you think it is to own your own welder? Right now im with a company that sticks me on 6 month contracts and its kind of hard to live out of a motel and be able to weld somewhere but more and more i been thinking about getting a storage unit and a welder to practice more. i get obsessive about things i enjoy and if i cant do my absolute best it really bothers me
@Cristian Flores Fix and maintain them. Weld buckets that crack or hardface also weld pipe on jobs that require steel encasements around the pvc water lines. Pretty much do it all. I got my welding certs while in trade school 19 years ago but never re certified, did a bunch of time with the DOD in OIF and OEF, then got a ASE's in diesel engines and electronic systems, switched over to aviation as well for 3 years then went back in the construction industry where I'm at now. Sorry for the long story lol
Thank you for sharing this information! Many keep a big secret! Some welding schools lure students in by the promise of making $100,000 a year. I refer to that as 1 percenter’s. If you’re making $60,000 a year working a 40 hour a week job you’re probably doing as well as a pipe line welder.
If you are a family man and happily married and love your wife and kids stay home with a 40 hr job. Build a good welding rig fully equipped. And work on weekends you will be a lot better off. Because own the road their is a lot of temptations.and their no better lessons than a bought lesson. Grizz 🤔🐻
I run a ranger out of a 1500 . I've made good money on side jobs. It's helped me invest in more tools . Hopefully a bigger rig soon. But I'm grateful to have a welder and a truck.
Be aware that pipeline work is real work. It is not easy on the back. It is not easy when getting stuck in mud. It is not easy when the summers are hot. It is not easy during the cold winter if work is even available. Many times the older welders have trouble with their vision. However, I admire those who are willing to do real work. This video about how much money is available for the welding craft is very informative.
New a welder work inside a shop. Everything was supplied 1996 and before 50$ per hr. 10 hr day. Not to often he would have to weld outside. He had blueprints and fabricated in the shop.
35 years in gas & oil. Retired now. Pipeliners (not just the welders) can make a lot of money. They also work 12-16 hour days in all weather conditions, sometimes 7 days a week. Living out of a trailer or with several guys renting a place. Rents go sky-high as soon as the locals figure it out. It's hard work. Snowflakes need not apply. A lot of the guys bought new rigs there was so much money being thrown around. This was when the Marcellus and Utica plays were in full swing. Also Rockies Express was being built. What else are you going to spend your money on? You're always working away from home. As bad as being a sailor...
My neighbor hit the road for 8 years straight. He stayed out months at a time. Kept the same 2007 dodge dually. From the last conversation we had he paid off his house, truck,camper. Now he chose to work local minus the big ticket payment (house)
I am not a welder and don't intend to be one. I don't even work a trade. But the way you broke down the financial information, touching on lifestyle/personality, words of caution, no superlatives - I find it very interesting and I think this is how TH-cam should be lol
I'm glad this video is out here with all the welding videos and channels flaunting the large paychecks. I'm a structural welder/millwright (depends on job availability), been making 35 an hour on average with my welding. I encourage every young man with a backbone to get into it, but you have to be smart about it. I've known too many young guys to blow all their cash on bar tabs and girls because they don't realize how expensive it can be.
Good info. You nailed with the fact “of how you manage your money” that’s where a lot of folks fail. Another major topic is taxes. Living over the road can have tax advantages however one MUST keep good records and receipts. Always have receipts for any tax write off you take.
I know I wil garner the hatred of the internet. but I was told by one of the guys who taught me to weld have a exit strategy ie degree etc ,he was a aerospace guy and he said you may want to do something else later on . That was in 2001 and he was right
And again, the other option from pipelining or having your own local business is pipewelding out of a Fitter or combination local (plumber/fitter). Usually the rate of pay is the same as a fitter or plumber call. Many gas companies (PG & E) employ pioewelders as well
When I worked for AT&T Long-distance what I loved about it was the fact that i worked all over a great deal of the US and that I was working on Outside Plant. So if I were a welder I think I too would prefer pipeline for the travel and being outside, NOT caged up in 4 walls!
I worked for them at a site where they paid for a room all year that I used at that site 2/3 of the year. The other third I was off work. I was a technician working on fiber, microwave and satellite communications. I also worked on the fiber network on the pump stations that controls the systems. This was in the Arctic.
Wow, that was good. Very honest and accurate. He didn’t try to make it sound like everybody is rolling in money being a pipeliner. Better to be honest about the business side to really help the new folks getting into the trade. Plenty of excellent information without striking an arc. Nice job, Austin.
You absolutely right sir that's why I make $35 per hour plus full benefits with a union and don't work myself to death .I have a side mobile business for side hustle most people don't tell the truth about the industry 👍
Why is it I always say, "I'm in the wrong business." Glad you are doing well. Mechanics seem to be at the bottom of the totem poll despite having intensive knowledge, and tons of money in tools/equipment, along with insurance and all the other overhead cost.
That's why I ended up leaving the auto/diesel tech world. The tech always ends up getting the shaft. Warranty work, low quality parts causing come backs, new tools, new models and tech coming out every year. I loved turning wrenches for the most part but it just wasn't worth it.
I had a tenant that was a high line worker. He erected and serviced electric transmission towers. He made good money. His wife was a pipeline welder. She was between jobs and stayed home with their four kids. They stayed a year and a half. Said it was some of the best times of their marriage. He once told me it doesn’t matter how much you make if you’re transient you never accumulate anything. I’ve seen that with my kids too. They are truck drivers. Over the road they earn twice as much and keep half as much for jobs where they’re home every night.
I’m 33 and looking for a career change and been looking into welding. This sounds like it’s something I would be interested in and the pay is definitely nice
ya I thought the same but it is hard to get into the well paying side of welding, literally did the same thing your thinking 5 years ago. Could not get a welding job ended up a machinist, there is a high demand for welders now but they all pay the same amount as production manufacturing work with 50 hour week min. Im pretty much done with trades Ill do stuff at home for myself but I am not going to be doing any more trade jobs too much work for literally the same pay as other jobs, just that you work unlimited hours.
Non union pipe welder/fitter plus small fab at $44.30 per hour plus yearly bonus, work at a plant 4-10hr days and full benefits i know i should feel like i have it made but i really want to be on my own. My hang up is health insurance for my family. 100k-110k per year workin 4 days per week is alright but im miserable when my alarm goes off. $ aint everything i suppose. Thinkin hard about a rig truck for local stuff lots of AG around here GREAT VIDEO!
My advise as a pipe fitter if you want to get into this game learn to be a Tig and Fluk core welder and start with the Oil and gas industry or power stations
@@shaunlehman9158 great where do I get the money for a welder and a truck and where do I take this test at? If it were that easy it wouldn't need asking
You have to start as a welders helper, learning how to be a pipe fitter for about 5 to 6 years, or four to five years from. there you start getting paid. They pay about like $18 an hour to $22 an hour on average. You're not going to be able to afford the new truck. You're going to have to find a used truck and then convert it into a welding rig. And then you start buying cheap equipment to Weld with. And then you start looking up all of these unions. You give them a call and ask them if they're hiring. and then they will give you an answer. You have to find some local unions close to your area so that you don't have to move out of town. unions do not provide travel pay So you have to live near the area and then they'll hire you. But if you don't live close enough, they won't hire you.@@snowdust5382
As a union pipeline operator my experience is about the same as you. You kinda choose when you work if you want to. I normally work 6-8 months out of the year then take the 4-6 months off. The state you live in may change how much you work. But if I wanted to travel out of state in the winter I could.
Great content as always, I worked for a gas company as a helper and heard some interesting stories from multiple rig welders about taxes paid in, or spending to avoid paying in. I’d appreciate any feedback on this often unspoken addition to that part of the trade.
spending foolishly on shit you dont need TO SAVE ON TAXES is a fools errand!BECAUSE when you spend money you mMUST PAY THE BILL,just to save the taxes on that amount! Farmers are notorius for buying tractos to have a deduction! ,,its stupid UNLEES you need it!......buy good enough trucks to more than be trouble free,,but new trucks are stupid!
My small town Ohio local welding shop offered me a job @ 15-16 a hour with no certs or experience mig welding. Was in there buying rods, would like to get going on my own as my main job pays to good to walk from (but it’s not that good).
I would like to thank you first and for most for sharing this. I’m currently learning the trade and there is no college course in the world that can compete with a welders real hands on experience. I have had questions that couldn’t be answered and you clearly were able to explained it with real life experiences thank you.
I am glad to see you giving the real truth. I am retired now, but through the years, I made ok money, I enjoyed what I did, but it is not always sunshine and lollipops. But if you are doing what you enjoy then you'll never get bored with work and that is a benefit in it's self.
wow this is just such an honest VJO, there shld be more like this on TH-cam !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 60 and the one thing I have learned is, there is no such thing as EZ money that you don't have to work for........
Good man tell the truth. Ya gotta be a self discipline to work on the road..my son is a union iron worker makes about 95 to 120 a year..but stays at home every night.
@@arosswelding Brother Austin. I did not mean to sound like I was correcting you or were being a smart ass! I was just giving out the high scale numbers and you did a very good generalized ation love your channel, one of these days I hope to work with you’ I’m getting ready to head out of Utah, hopefully get one of them jobs in North Carolina or a Gregory taxes or something, but anyways I’ve been on the outofwirk list for three years brother I know the pain , been welding for the fitters, anyways good job keep up the good Work
No no I didn’t take it like that at all! I truly welcome helpful comments & information. I’m glad you are going to work on a pipeline gig! Safe travels my friend. I miss parts of pipelinin bad. I could have went out a couple years ago but we’ve decided to stay home and build our own business for a while. I’ll be back out at some point though! Thanks again for sharing this information with everyone who reads the comments! Take care.
I’m 19 and thinking about going the pipeline route. Do you need a rig with all the equipment before you start? And what’s the best way to apply for or persue a career like this?
@HavkReaper_ and most journeymen look at a good helper and take them under their wing. Learning to crawl before you walk is wise. I know I gained a lot of favor from being a good helper first.
Cool video I don't do much pipe line work anymore Because I don't really want to travel anymore So now I mostly just rock quaries.. mostly all my clients are really close by 3days a week about $80 PH +25 PH for my helper I am currently setting up a truck for my helper so that he can get more money for himself He has been my helper for 2 years now and he is really awesome and hard working doesn't bitch or complain and is ready to go everyday..
I’ve been working in rock quarries since out of highschool started shoveling became a plant operator then quit and went to fab school now I’m welding for companies sending me to these rock quarries. I’m really curious on how I can rig my truck up and do something like you’re doing. How did you start gaining this type of contract work and clients?
@@kevinmendoza5693 Ask... Not sure what type of company that you are currently working with now.. My first contact was a plant superintendent . We were at a filing station and asked me what type of welding I did. I said pipe.. he said ok . Then he asked if I had IMSHA credentials again I said no. He asked if I would like like to explore subcontracting for his company. That how it started for me
Hey I’m almost 20. I’m in my 2nd year of my engineering degree, but rn it really seems like I’m paying for debt and getting mediocre education. The amount of time put into hw alone I could have made 20k by now. I’ve done hs welding shop I have my osha card, Ik I’ll probally have to go to school for it to touchup and certs. But I’m still on the fence with the pay/ labor ratio when accounting for going to travel for like a couple months. I don’t wanna kill my love for the automotive hobby I have. Advice, tips experiences, regrets any advice is welcome.
Louisiana oilfield walk in on your tools is $35-40 an hour for normal plant work. If you like the road life and good at your trade plus likable, you can stay on the road chasing double time work crews.
Ya I was pretty disparaged about trades when I got my welding cert. couldnt get a job, then the jobs I land a couple of years ago paid less than McDonalds. I was really hoping to raise a family on trade work but the pay is so low, I got job recently that I had to drive 1.5 hrs to the jobsite which they paid milage but it was $18 hr (the "new" average with inflation for manufacturing) but they said they wouldnt pay milage anymore so I left. My last trade job before that was as a machinist but it paid $13 an hour a couple of years ago. I am done with trades now, hopefully I can become a programmer and actually make something that isnt 50 hrs a week min. that isnt paying bottom wage.
The rig pay now is $19 an hour……. I’m a bldg trades member in NY here but I run a rig truck for a local contractor up here for 6 yrs now predominately compressor station work, metering stations ect ect….. they sign with 798 quit a bit
I am a UA pipefitter/welder with no pipeline experience. Mostly power plants and refineries. They provided the tools and machines. I am retired now since 08. My last hourly wage minus everything else was $28.00 an hr. on the check. COL and overtime changed that.
Video request for you if I may. You being a 798er have access to guys who built the trans-alaska pipeline. I would love to hear those guys stories told in their own words, totally uncut politically incorrect down and dirty true story of building that pipeline.
I am doing a union as provisional apprentice right now they do plumbing and pipefitting and welding I’ve welded before but I am hoping to get into welding in December as of now I am going to be a pipefitter and plumber apprentice
Two things. 1. While repair vehicles can be a pain in the neck, how many truck payments does it take to cover the repairs then remember the other months with no payment. 2. Your yearly/hourly estimates do not put them into perspective. How many hours/week did you average? Most/Least.
Damn didn’t expect such a difference between pay in the states and Canada. It’s pretty much starting at $100/hr for pipeline welders in Canada on big inch projects
I work in union pipe-line construction in western canada.the ua got bonus and job rate here if couple job is 250 to 750 thousand yes.for or heavy equipent utility welder is 150 to 400 again if couple job around.i work on this 30 years I saw check will blow your mind period.
Are union pipeliners paid as contractors (1099) or W2 employees? i would assume running your own rig and tools would make you a contractor but then again sometimes its weird how that works. Can you write off your expenses on taxes a the end of the year? and do you have to carry your own (contractor) liability insurance? Thanks for all the videos and addressing real world, no bs, side of things that most people don't really think about when getting into a trade or starting a business. look forward to all your videos.
No you are an employee an your rig is a condition of employment that money is tax free an falls under the tax code of safe harbor rates you can't write much off not even union dues
Very wise info. Ive worked in the field and also in the office side of the oilfield (IT) ive seen how things go in the field, guys dont plan whatsoever and get in tight spots.
Great video! Awesome advice on the dont spend it all just bought new vehicle and was thinking about buying a boat but it ain’t that important right now I have more I need to save for lol
Not me watching this knowing I paid $1000 outright for my camper and my bills are $1200 a month 😅 gotta know how to be frugal in life, but even still these things you mentioned are living expenses which you’d have anywhere doing anything
Arm or truck? What the hell is the difference? I can understand that if you own your own truck and mobile welder, you should be paid more, but what are the specifics? Please give examples of both union and non union scales. Thanks!
I never got into pipeline welding. Instead, I did Mobile equipment repair for the trash industry. Never slow times. I bought used equipment for the first 6 years. Built my reputation for knowing what I was doing, with electric, hydraulic, and welding. My trucks, over the years, changed . My last one was an F550 with a service box, air compressor, 2 ton crain, bulk tanks for oils, and a Miller 325 EFI welder. When I retired in December, I was making $180,000 / year working 60 hours a week.
Hey Austin my son is going through welding school right now and I would love for him to be able to talk to you about that career and get some honest feed back about the ins and outs of it, is there anyway he can contact you ?
No one ever talks about 7-12's - there is no personal time. In the summer 2004 I worked (non-union) for PPM (Power Plant Maintenance) across the Midwest and made 45 - 10 - 80 at 1.5 pay after 40 was 2.5X on the arm and worked 7/12's
Pipeline is construction. When the jobs over you are over and out . Time for the enjoyment of unemployment and the freedom of that unemployment with a pocket full of jingle . The next work is finding work and making it a job too. At the start you have to find it and after years with a good reputation it will find you. But you have to remind them you are still alive and available. When one started out the first truck was brand new , after that always bought used . All vehicles were purchased with cash. If you don't own them out right someone can take them
I want to get into pipeline welding I have no experience but what is the right path to take . And how the hell do You get into it .? Do I go to school ? Do I try to get a helper job
No not really low pay I use to pipeline the started my own mobile repair business and after my insurance, consumables and dealing with some of the payment terms works out close to the same . It does make a difference if you’re bead hand or splash hand doing beads and tie-ins was always gravy work compared to splashing and capping all day
Mate A pipe line welder is a very difficult game to get into its a closed shop you need to know people in that game and believe me they are not going to help you get in unless they know you and you are good
That paid for truck makes the same as that 1500 a month truck, but you get to keep more of your money. One thing for sure, it’s a gypsy life, hard to get away from.
Incredibly valuable information for young people aspiring to be pipeline welders. None of my years in education ever provided life saving financial information that you are providing
Awesome vid. No clickbait stuff here. Pure knowledge. Chasing the money with my rig and camper were some of the best years in my career. But once my boy was born, that mentality quickly changed. Driving only 3 days after he was born back to Lubbock to finish a job was the toughest. I knew I needed to make a change.
how important do you think it is to own your own welder? Right now im with a company that sticks me on 6 month contracts and its kind of hard to live out of a motel and be able to weld somewhere but more and more i been thinking about getting a storage unit and a welder to practice more. i get obsessive about things i enjoy and if i cant do my absolute best it really bothers me
Better to have another skill than just pipeline welding. I weld and work on heavy equipment and make north of 100k and get to go home every day.
what exactly do you do with heavy equipment?
@Cristian Flores Fix and maintain them. Weld buckets that crack or hardface also weld pipe on jobs that require steel encasements around the pvc water lines. Pretty much do it all. I got my welding certs while in trade school 19 years ago but never re certified, did a bunch of time with the DOD in OIF and OEF, then got a ASE's in diesel engines and electronic systems, switched over to aviation as well for 3 years then went back in the construction industry where I'm at now. Sorry for the long story lol
You sound like a real stud.
That’s the route I went
@Verlin Swarey I don't know about stud, but I'm a hard-working dad.
Thank you for sharing this information! Many keep a big secret! Some welding schools lure students in by the promise of making $100,000 a year. I refer to that as 1 percenter’s. If you’re making $60,000 a year working a 40 hour a week job you’re probably doing as well as a pipe line welder.
@holy hammer
Totally Agree 💯💯💯💯
If you are a family man and happily married and love your wife and kids stay home with a 40 hr job. Build a good welding rig fully equipped. And work
on weekends you will be a lot better off. Because own the road their is a lot of temptations.and their no better lessons than a bought lesson. Grizz 🤔🐻
a lot of us running our own rigs are $30-$45k a month.. 100k years are easy with your own rig.
Only 60K? That's honestly a rip off considering how much time and effort you have to put into that job.
60k is nice if we were still living in the mate 90s. That's almost nothing today
I run a ranger out of a 1500 . I've made good money on side jobs. It's helped me invest in more tools . Hopefully a bigger rig soon. But I'm grateful to have a welder and a truck.
Did you go to college? Trade school etc?
Be aware that pipeline work is real work. It is not easy on the back. It is not easy when getting stuck in mud. It is not easy when the summers are hot. It is not easy during the cold winter if work is even available. Many times the older welders have trouble with their vision. However, I admire those who are willing to do real work. This video about how much money is available for the welding craft is very informative.
New a welder work inside a shop. Everything was supplied 1996 and before 50$ per hr. 10 hr day. Not to often he would have to weld outside. He had blueprints and fabricated in the shop.
35 years in gas & oil. Retired now.
Pipeliners (not just the welders) can make a lot of money. They also work 12-16 hour days in all weather conditions, sometimes 7 days a week. Living out of a trailer or with several guys renting a place. Rents go sky-high as soon as the locals figure it out.
It's hard work. Snowflakes need not apply.
A lot of the guys bought new rigs there was so much money being thrown around. This was when the Marcellus and Utica plays were in full swing. Also Rockies Express was being built.
What else are you going to spend your money on? You're always working away from home. As bad as being a sailor...
My neighbor hit the road for 8 years straight. He stayed out months at a time. Kept the same 2007 dodge dually. From the last conversation we had he paid off his house, truck,camper. Now he chose to work local minus the big ticket payment (house)
I am not a welder and don't intend to be one. I don't even work a trade. But the way you broke down the financial information, touching on lifestyle/personality, words of caution, no superlatives - I find it very interesting and I think this is how TH-cam should be lol
I'm glad this video is out here with all the welding videos and channels flaunting the large paychecks. I'm a structural welder/millwright (depends on job availability), been making 35 an hour on average with my welding. I encourage every young man with a backbone to get into it, but you have to be smart about it. I've known too many young guys to blow all their cash on bar tabs and girls because they don't realize how expensive it can be.
Good info. You nailed with the fact “of how you manage your money” that’s where a lot of folks fail. Another major topic is taxes. Living over the road can have tax advantages however one MUST keep good records and receipts. Always have receipts for any tax write off you take.
Things can get crazy complicated where you work too as you pay tax in the state you earn the money.
@@thewayidoit8895 It's not that complex. It's actually very straightforward and simple. You just have to read.
@@smeaglerG Sorry friend but it can get complicated. However many people choose to ignore it and take the income in one state.
@@thewayidoit8895 I suppose so.
Unless they changed it back you're not allowed to deduct a lot of your expenses, unless you are self employed.
I know I wil garner the hatred of the internet.
but I was told by one of the guys who taught me to weld have a exit strategy ie degree etc ,he was a aerospace guy and he said you may want to do something else later on .
That was in 2001 and he was right
And again, the other option from pipelining or having your own local business is pipewelding out of a Fitter or combination local (plumber/fitter). Usually the rate of pay is the same as a fitter or plumber call. Many gas companies (PG & E) employ pioewelders as well
When I worked for AT&T Long-distance what I loved about it was the fact that i worked all over a great deal of the US and that I was working on Outside Plant. So if I were a welder I think I too would prefer pipeline for the travel and being outside, NOT caged up in 4 walls!
I worked for them at a site where they paid for a room all year that I used at that site 2/3 of the year. The other third I was off work. I was a technician working on fiber, microwave and satellite communications. I also worked on the fiber network on the pump stations that controls the systems. This was in the Arctic.
Wow, that was good. Very honest and accurate. He didn’t try to make it sound like everybody is rolling in money being a pipeliner. Better to be honest about the business side to really help the new folks getting into the trade. Plenty of excellent information without striking an arc. Nice job, Austin.
🎉Austin One of My Biggest Motivations, Not discouraging at all…I love Listening to your Content with my family
Thanks for Existing
Thanks for sharing with us Austin. Stay safe out there and keep up the great videos. Fred.
You absolutely right sir that's why I make $35 per hour plus full benefits with a union and don't work myself to death .I have a side mobile business for side hustle most people don't tell the truth about the industry 👍
And BTW I sleep in my bed at my house every night ❤
Why is it I always say, "I'm in the wrong business." Glad you are doing well. Mechanics seem to be at the bottom of the totem poll despite having intensive knowledge, and tons of money in tools/equipment, along with insurance and all the other overhead cost.
That's why I ended up leaving the auto/diesel tech world. The tech always ends up getting the shaft. Warranty work, low quality parts causing come backs, new tools, new models and tech coming out every year. I loved turning wrenches for the most part but it just wasn't worth it.
Diesel mechs make a lot of money, brother in law pulls 100 plus but works 2 weeks on 15 hr days 7 straight. But he gets two weeks off as well
Accurate information and honesty is needed in all discussions. Young people need realistic expectations on what they will make.
I had a tenant that was a high line worker. He erected and serviced electric transmission towers. He made good money.
His wife was a pipeline welder. She was between jobs and stayed home with their four kids.
They stayed a year and a half. Said it was some of the best times of their marriage.
He once told me it doesn’t matter how much you make if you’re transient you never accumulate anything.
I’ve seen that with my kids too. They are truck drivers.
Over the road they earn twice as much and keep half as much for jobs where they’re home every night.
I’m 33 and looking for a career change and been looking into welding. This sounds like it’s something I would be interested in and the pay is definitely nice
ya I thought the same but it is hard to get into the well paying side of welding, literally did the same thing your thinking 5 years ago. Could not get a welding job ended up a machinist, there is a high demand for welders now but they all pay the same amount as production manufacturing work with 50 hour week min. Im pretty much done with trades Ill do stuff at home for myself but I am not going to be doing any more trade jobs too much work for literally the same pay as other jobs, just that you work unlimited hours.
Non union pipe welder/fitter plus small fab at $44.30 per hour plus yearly bonus, work at a plant 4-10hr days and full benefits i know i should feel like i have it made but i really want to be on my own. My hang up is health insurance for my family. 100k-110k per year workin 4 days per week is alright but im miserable when my alarm goes off. $ aint everything i suppose. Thinkin hard about a rig truck for local stuff lots of AG around here GREAT VIDEO!
There's always obamacare.
@CoolThingsYoumayWantyea thats gross. Bring home is only 65k per year after 401k, taxes and insurance. Not enough when you look at it like that
It's like that in all the trades, welders, electricians, carpenters, truckers, etc... None of them pay as high as advertised.
My advise as a pipe fitter if you want to get into this game learn to be a Tig and Fluk core welder and start with the Oil and gas industry or power stations
After getting a technical\trade degree in welding where do you go from there in pursuit of pipeline welding and owning you're own rig?
Buy a welder get a truck and go pass a test
@@shaunlehman9158 great where do I get the money for a welder and a truck and where do I take this test at?
If it were that easy it wouldn't need asking
@@snowdust5382 figure it out like the rest of us did. Nothing is handed to ya in this industry snowflake ❄️
You have to start as a welders helper, learning how to be a pipe fitter for about 5 to 6 years, or four to five years from. there you start getting paid. They pay about like $18 an hour to $22 an hour on average. You're not going to be able to afford the new truck. You're going to have to find a used truck and then convert it into a welding rig. And then you start buying cheap equipment to Weld with. And then you start looking up all of these unions. You give them a call and ask them if they're hiring. and then they will give you an answer. You have to find some local unions close to your area so that you don't have to move out of town. unions do not provide travel pay So you have to live near the area and then they'll hire you. But if you don't live close enough, they won't hire you.@@snowdust5382
Just wanted to thank you for the vast amount of information you've shared...you have been my TH-cam mentor
As a union pipeline operator my experience is about the same as you. You kinda choose when you work if you want to. I normally work 6-8 months out of the year then take the 4-6 months off. The state you live in may change how much you work. But if I wanted to travel out of state in the winter I could.
Hows pipeline welding in Texas as far as the money in your opinion?
@@cornershottt5257 I personally don't know what 798 makes in Texas. I only run equipment.
@@cornershottt5257I hear for helpers it ain’t much, Texas is a big state there is a lot of work everywhere
Great content as always, I worked for a gas company as a helper and heard some interesting stories from multiple rig welders about taxes paid in, or spending to avoid paying in. I’d appreciate any feedback on this often unspoken addition to that part of the trade.
spending foolishly on shit you dont need TO SAVE ON TAXES is a fools errand!BECAUSE when you spend money you mMUST PAY THE BILL,just to save the taxes on that amount! Farmers are notorius for buying tractos to have a deduction! ,,its stupid UNLEES you need it!......buy good enough trucks to more than be trouble free,,but new trucks are stupid!
My small town Ohio local welding shop offered me a job @ 15-16 a hour with no certs or experience mig welding. Was in there buying rods, would like to get going on my own as my main job pays to good to walk from (but it’s not that good).
I would like to thank you first and for most for sharing this. I’m currently learning the trade and there is no college course in the world that can compete with a welders real hands on experience. I have had questions that couldn’t be answered and you clearly were able to explained it with real life experiences thank you.
I am glad to see you giving the real truth. I am retired now, but through the years, I made ok money, I enjoyed what I did, but it is not always sunshine and lollipops.
But if you are doing what you enjoy then you'll never get bored with work and that is a benefit in it's self.
Hi, just wanted to say this is a very excellent "reality" video, nice job you did on it! Thank you for posting and sharing.
wow this is just such an honest VJO, there shld be more like this on TH-cam !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 60 and the one thing I have learned is, there is no such thing as EZ money that you don't have to work for........
Ross, and better half, always ever green on topics, thank you.
Good man tell the truth. Ya gotta be a self discipline to work on the road..my son is a union iron worker makes about 95 to 120 a year..but stays at home every night.
Put a plow mount on the rig and plow snow during winter. Boom 💥 off season pay. Lol
High scale is 56 arm- 20rig-155 - 7 days a week been a 798 Weldr since 08
Thank you
@@arosswelding Brother Austin. I did not mean to sound like I was correcting you or were being a smart ass! I was just giving out the high scale numbers and you did a very good generalized ation love your channel, one of these days I hope to work with you’ I’m getting ready to head out of Utah, hopefully get one of them jobs in North Carolina or a Gregory taxes or something, but anyways I’ve been on the outofwirk list for three years brother I know the pain , been welding for the fitters, anyways good job keep up the good Work
No no I didn’t take it like that at all! I truly welcome helpful comments & information. I’m glad you are going to work on a pipeline gig! Safe travels my friend. I miss parts of pipelinin bad. I could have went out a couple years ago but we’ve decided to stay home and build our own business for a while. I’ll be back out at some point though! Thanks again for sharing this information with everyone who reads the comments! Take care.
@@arosswelding my man Austin
Good meeting u today brother Ross! 798 brother
I have a welding truck and meter welded for years and years for neighbors and stuff but yeah we don’t use a lot of vertical up on all our wells
I’m 19 and thinking about going the pipeline route. Do you need a rig with all the equipment before you start? And what’s the best way to apply for or persue a career like this?
The best way to start this career is apply to be a welders helper. You learn alot about pipelining starting from the bottom and working your way up.
@HavkReaper_ and most journeymen look at a good helper and take them under their wing. Learning to crawl before you walk is wise. I know I gained a lot of favor from being a good helper first.
Is there a good TH-cam channel for shop/fiex location welders. Like an arosss for shops instead of pipeline
Cool video
I don't do much pipe line work anymore
Because I don't really want to travel anymore
So now I mostly just rock quaries.. mostly all my clients are really close by 3days a week about $80 PH +25 PH for my helper
I am currently setting up a truck for my helper so that he can get more money for himself
He has been my helper for 2 years now and he is really awesome and hard working doesn't bitch or complain and is ready to go everyday..
I’ve been working in rock quarries since out of highschool started shoveling became a plant operator then quit and went to fab school now I’m welding for companies sending me to these rock quarries. I’m really curious on how I can rig my truck up and do something like you’re doing. How did you start gaining this type of contract work and clients?
@@kevinmendoza5693
Ask...
Not sure what type of company that you are currently working with now..
My first contact was a plant superintendent .
We were at a filing station and asked me what type of welding I did. I said pipe.. he said ok . Then he asked if I had IMSHA credentials again I said no.
He asked if I would like like to explore subcontracting for his company. That how it started for me
Hey I’m almost 20. I’m in my 2nd year of my engineering degree, but rn it really seems like I’m paying for debt and getting mediocre education. The amount of time put into hw alone I could have made 20k by now.
I’ve done hs welding shop I have my osha card, Ik I’ll probally have to go to school for it to touchup and certs. But I’m still on the fence with the pay/ labor ratio when accounting for going to travel for like a couple months. I don’t wanna kill my love for the automotive hobby I have. Advice, tips experiences, regrets any advice is welcome.
Louisiana oilfield walk in on your tools is $35-40 an hour for normal plant work. If you like the road life and good at your trade plus likable, you can stay on the road chasing double time work crews.
Ya I was pretty disparaged about trades when I got my welding cert. couldnt get a job, then the jobs I land a couple of years ago paid less than McDonalds. I was really hoping to raise a family on trade work but the pay is so low, I got job recently that I had to drive 1.5 hrs to the jobsite which they paid milage but it was $18 hr (the "new" average with inflation for manufacturing) but they said they wouldnt pay milage anymore so I left. My last trade job before that was as a machinist but it paid $13 an hour a couple of years ago. I am done with trades now, hopefully I can become a programmer and actually make something that isnt 50 hrs a week min. that isnt paying bottom wage.
The rig pay now is $19 an hour……. I’m a bldg trades member in NY here but I run a rig truck for a local contractor up here for 6 yrs now predominately compressor station work, metering stations ect ect….. they sign with 798 quit a bit
I am a UA pipefitter/welder with no pipeline experience. Mostly power plants and refineries. They provided the tools and machines. I am retired now since 08. My last hourly wage minus everything else was $28.00 an hr. on the check. COL and overtime changed that.
Video request for you if I may. You being a 798er have access to guys who built the trans-alaska pipeline. I would love to hear those guys stories told in their own words, totally uncut politically incorrect down and dirty true story of building that pipeline.
Hi,
Great video.
Just wondering, doing full time pipeline work, approx. how many rods would you go through in a full day?
I am doing a union as provisional apprentice right now they do plumbing and pipefitting and welding I’ve welded before but I am hoping to get into welding in December as of now I am going to be a pipefitter and plumber apprentice
Two things.
1. While repair vehicles can be a pain in the neck, how many truck payments does it take to cover the repairs then remember the other months with no payment.
2. Your yearly/hourly estimates do not put them into perspective. How many hours/week did you average? Most/Least.
Damn didn’t expect such a difference between pay in the states and Canada. It’s pretty much starting at $100/hr for pipeline welders in Canada on big inch projects
I'm from Vancouver Canada where are these kind of jobs at?
Does anybody except Canadian money? That would be about $70 us
I work in union pipe-line construction in western canada.the ua got bonus and job rate here if couple job is 250 to 750 thousand yes.for or heavy equipent utility welder is 150 to 400 again if couple job around.i work on this 30 years I saw check will blow your mind period.
Are union pipeliners paid as contractors (1099) or W2 employees?
i would assume running your own rig and tools would make you a contractor but then again sometimes its weird how that works.
Can you write off your expenses on taxes a the end of the year? and do you have to carry your own (contractor) liability insurance? Thanks for all the videos and addressing real world, no bs, side of things that most people don't really think about when getting into a trade or starting a business. look forward to all your videos.
that would depend on how the union looked at it
No you are an employee an your rig is a condition of employment that money is tax free an falls under the tax code of safe harbor rates you can't write much off not even union dues
love your content brother. Glad to see an okie making it big on youtube
Very wise info. Ive worked in the field and also in the office side of the oilfield (IT) ive seen how things go in the field, guys dont plan whatsoever and get in tight spots.
I worked with the Colonel pipeline for 25 years. It all depends on how good of a welder you are.
100% agreed with you Austin, cool video 👍🏼👍🏼👌🏽
What s arm vs truck, is truck just comute time or is it weld gen running time ?
Austin love your videos, where do you get your leather arm guard?
What is the difference of working on the arm and on the truck I’m trying to get into welding and wanna be a pipeline welder can someone please explain
Aim in algeria ,i'm welder piping GTWA and Electrod SMAW how i can find permie the work in usa can help me
How deep are your boxes on your rig? I want a similar look to mine just don’t know how deep to go for tools and how big of lids
Great video! Awesome advice on the dont spend it all just bought new vehicle and was thinking about buying a boat but it ain’t that important right now I have more I need to save for lol
Hey ,what do u know or what do u think about deep sea underwater welding?
If you rig-up, you make well north of 150$/h or 18000$+ a month if you're worth a damn
Not me watching this knowing I paid $1000 outright for my camper and my bills are $1200 a month 😅 gotta know how to be frugal in life, but even still these things you mentioned are living expenses which you’d have anywhere doing anything
How is it like to weld pipe or whatever vertical up
Arm or truck? What the hell is the difference? I can understand that if you own your own truck and mobile welder, you should be paid more, but what are the specifics? Please give examples of both union and non union scales. Thanks!
If I get all my weld certs as an iron worker can I join UA? Come in as a journeyman? I’m really tryna start the pipeline life
You dont need certs
Thanks for the advice. I pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family 🙏👍
Local 460 here at 56 and 22 per hr. U guys got plenty of rig welding jobs out there?
I never got into pipeline welding. Instead, I did Mobile equipment repair for the trash industry. Never slow times. I bought used equipment for the first 6 years. Built my reputation for knowing what I was doing, with electric, hydraulic, and welding. My trucks, over the years, changed . My last one was an F550 with a service box, air compressor, 2 ton crain, bulk tanks for oils, and a Miller 325 EFI welder. When I retired in December, I was making $180,000 / year working 60 hours a week.
Very good video I'm a welder I'm bout to go too pipe welding school.
Just depends on the company and your skill
Think I'd be better off chasing shutdowns tube welding?
Our welder charged a rate of 95$ an hour plus fuel and we just had a 80 hr week he made alot more than I did.
Hey Austin my son is going through welding school right now and I would love for him to be able to talk to you about that career and get some honest feed back about the ins and outs of it, is there anyway he can contact you ?
Try Facebook or Instagram.
@@helives2630 thanks I guess Austin never looks at the comments but if I was as popular as he is I probably wouldn’t have the time to either
Is it best to drag the weld or keep going back to touch the puddle ?
If you have to ask this question you either need to go to school or burn a ton of practice rod in your garage. The answer is it depends.
In your experience did most companies supply bevelers or was that up to you
Weird question, but if you can’t drive is this a huge issue? By can’t drive I mean just never learned
Ya, that would be an issue.
Thank you for the reply sir@@arosswelding
What does he mean by the “ARM”?
Arm just means you yourself. The arm you weld with
No one ever talks about 7-12's - there is no personal time.
In the summer 2004 I worked (non-union) for PPM (Power Plant Maintenance) across the Midwest and made
45 - 10 - 80 at 1.5 pay after 40 was 2.5X on the arm and worked 7/12's
thank u sir...your videos helps a lot...actually I have plan to apply anywhere else abroad...im from Philippines..❤❤❤.
Got my cdl and made about 65k the first year found a better job and made 96k last year and the hardest thing I do is unhook a trailer
Pipeline is construction. When the jobs over you are over and out . Time for the enjoyment of unemployment and the freedom of that unemployment with a pocket full of jingle . The next work is finding work and making it a job too. At the start you have to find it and after years with a good reputation it will find you. But you have to remind them you are still alive and available. When one started out the first truck was brand new , after that always bought used . All vehicles were purchased with cash. If you don't own them out right someone can take them
Funny how it goes from trying to find work to trying to find free time
@@jf7393 Yeah it can be feast and famine at the start .
Well, vertical up to hold a better weld
Great, informative vid, thank you.
Question, Should you be a welder if you're not willing to travel?
Have you ever worked in Midland Odessa area?
Thanks for being exactly what these videos are
I want to get into pipeline welding I have no experience but what is the right path to take . And how the hell do
You get into it .? Do I go to school ? Do I try to get a helper job
th-cam.com/video/umopGITYa0A/w-d-xo.html&feature=shareb
The pipeline job sound pretty low pay if you ask me you can make you can make it considerably bit more doing mobile repair
No not really low pay I use to pipeline the started my own mobile repair business and after my insurance, consumables and dealing with some of the payment terms works out close to the same . It does make a difference if you’re bead hand or splash hand doing beads and tie-ins was always gravy work compared to splashing and capping all day
@@3rweldingandfabrication375splash hand , I never heard that term before . Is that hot pass ?
Good information....thanks.
thanks ,your my insperation
Good to keep your full time job, and doing side jobs can match your full time earnings working fewer hours.
Feast or famine has been my experience as a pipe welder. It comes to how much you are willing to travel and be away from your family
Mate A pipe line welder is a very difficult game to get into its a closed shop you need to know people in that game and believe me they are not going to help you get in unless they know you and you are good
here in Canada pipeliners make 120 to 145/Hr
But it's also CAD so it only works out to about $3.50/hr US 😂
Is that 120 to 145 liters of cola?
Not including LOA or Union bonus pay, and free diesel / supplies
@@smileyguyz it’s still over $250,000US for the average pipeline welding job in Canada and you don’t have to pay for shit out here
Yeah, but you have to live in Canada and bow to Trudeau!
How toxic are the gases you inhale as a welder?
Very, that's why you take precautions. Proper ppe and ventilation knocks 99% of it out. Better do what you can, though, because it can jack you up.
That paid for truck makes the same as that 1500 a month truck, but you get to keep more of your money. One thing for sure, it’s a gypsy life, hard to get away from.