pipeline welding

i am a firefighter in louisiana. i am recently vested in the retirement system.(i will get a check even if i quit.)I am thinking about trying to become a welders helper in local 798.maybe then move up to welder.will have to jump in head first.money sounds good but what are down sides?i will never make that much money firefighting.just thinking about starting new career.can u take wife with u?what do u need to start?

If you are willing to put in the time as a welder's helper, the tools you will need to get started can be minimal. Once you get to the point of being independent you will need much more, of course. Pipelining is a great career for some, not so much for others. I personally have never been a member of a union having gotten where I am the hard way, (the school of hard knocks)so I can't address that aspect of it. When I started I had an old four-wheel drive truck with an old Lincoln pipeliner machine. Nowadays, you'll be better off investing in a diesel engine driven machine, as many companies will not let you use a gas rig on location. Down sides are: long hours, time away from home. You could take your wife but she'll spend many hours in the middle of nowhere being very bored. Relationships have to be rock-solid to survive this line of work. Up side is: great money, certain amount of independence, and a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. Hope this helps.

any pipeline jobs up north hiring?

where is the best pipeline welding jobs

all us Granbury boys seem to be looken for work these days!

ya no doubt get ahold of me jj I might have a line on some work

hey jasonfletcher77 i'm from texas too, can u let me know about the line you got on some work?

im a 23 year old nccer certified industrial pipe welder looking for pipeline welding work...im very intreasted in pipeline welding...ive never done a pipeline job...i have experience in welding 2"-30"inch process piping uphill and downhill....email me with some info or if u wanna know more about my work experience...rsilvas86@yahoo.com....

You are about to jump out of the fire into a frying pan. What I am going to tell you applies to union and non union work both. The life of a pipeline worker or welder is any thing but easy the jobs are very demanding, hard, hot, and dirty. Most people are only going to talk about the good parts and not the bad. Most pipeline welders and workers will go through divorces, Only the best welders will make a good living doing this, the rest will live feast and famine and get jobs when they are lucky enough to pass a welding test and then not get fired for bad welds or being to slow. The last several years have been very good for welders but this will change as the economy and work slows down. You will began to see the welding inspectors get very strict on the pre employment welding test. Then only the best will work on a regular basis. You will not be able to depend on 798 providing you with regular work Just like non union contractors, union contractors hire most of their union employees directly and not through the hall. less than 50% of the union employees are dispatched on most jobs. ONLY YOUR ability to do your job right,keep your mouth shut, get along with people, and not cause trouble on jobs will keep you working and making a good living in the pipeline industry. I have been able to make a good living in the welding industry for over 25 years, but I have rode different horses many times. I have welded on pipelines, in refineries, lay barges, power plants, offshore platforms and drilling rigs all over the United States, Gulf of mexico, and Alaska. If this is what you are looking for then go for it, good people are hard to find and always welcome.

how much do the pipeline welder helpers make??

in texas preferably, but i just need an idea..

how much do the alaska pipeline welders get paid??

Kansas Rig Welder in Howard, Kansas said: Looking for rig work anywhere my truck will take me!
I just can't seem to hear about anything until they have already hired their help.
I have call over 50 places and it is the same story...sorry dude already full, or slow right now, or the best...we hire union only!
I have even applied to the 798 but I haven't heard anything yet.

Been looking all around Miss. finding the same story and waiting to hear from the union
have u heard of anything since your post

Not yet, a few people have said somethings are coming up soon.
Just waiting around fixing up stuff around the farm.
I'll post something when I hear

single hand pipe welder looking for pipeline work ready for a change....any contac info anyone? let me know please...rsilvas86@yahoo.com

798welder in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: call 798 hall ask for an application to test at the downhill school test cost $200 dollars you have to have $1500 for your book the day you pass the instructor at the schools name is farren if you have never worked on a pipeline your stupid for trying to get a job welding on one you need to become a helped first they require a helper to have 3000 hours before he breaks out welding the only kicker is they aren't selling anymore helpers books the only way to get a helped book is to be present at a pipeline yard every morning and hope they're short of hands and have to hire you you have to work 8 days on the job and they have to sell you a book same goes for a welder if you want to join the union and the jobs short of hands you can work one union job before you have to test if a welder Forman will hire you I have a couple of welder forman phone numbers right now that have jobs going in louisianna and ones number who has a job kicking off first of June in missouri that's where I'm heading I'm working for henkles n McCoy in vicksburg Mississippi right now but there's only two weeks work left the test at the union hall is a 24" 500 wall butt weld most pipeline jobs require a butt weld and a 16" branch some will make you take a repair where you cut back into your bead and re run it

So you are telling me that all I have to do is call the hall, set up a test, pass the test and I'm in like Larry Flint. I've already sent in an app. From what I understand, the 798 isn't even looking at apps right now. My goal is to become a member of the 798, but I can't wait too long. The damn tests aren't the problem it's getting my foot in the door that's the problem. Thanks for the info.

798welder in Atlanta, Georgia said: Call the hall ask for the training center ask for farren tell him you want to set up a time to test took my buddy three months before they let him test I started as a helper all the work for the year is just kicking off slot of welders on the out of work list right now make a good hand and get in with a good Forman that has a job every year and you can stay busy 24" .500 wall weld 6010 bead with 5/32 or 1/8 and hp,filler, and a strip in the side with a puddle cap 3/16 8010(70+) takes about $2000 dollars to test because you have to buy your book the same day you test bust your test you have to wait 30 days to test again more then likely 3 months $44 an hour $15 for rig non taxed $102 per deim good luck be nice to your helper he may be your inspector mine was

Thanks 798 welder in Kennesaw, GA I' m calling the hall right now. Thanks again.

Kansas Rig Welder said: Thanks 798 welder in Kennesaw, GA I' m calling the hall right now. Thanks again.

Thanks to 798welder in Hotlanta is what I meant to say. One more question, What do you mean by " a strip in the side"? Do you run a strip along one side and then lay your cap over the rest, tying in with the strip?

Kansas Rig Welder said: Thanks to 798welder in Hotlanta is what I meant to say. One more question, What do you mean by " a strip in the side"? Do you run a strip along one side and then lay your cap over the rest, tying in with the strip?

No luck on the phone. They said that my app had not been approved. Aren't they supposed to notify you by mail or by phone about your app review. I was told today to call back in 2 weeks and have Mr. Hendricks pull my app and review it then. I don't agree with their process, but it's their process so I'll jump through whatever hoops I must in order to attain my goals. Either you can weld or you can't. Just gimme the freakin test already! LOL

tbo003 in Bastrop, Louisiana said: i am a firefighter in louisiana. i am recently vested in the retirement system.(i will get a check even if i quit.)I am thinking about trying to become a welders helper in local 798.maybe then move up to welder.will have to jump in head first.money sounds good but what are down sides?i will never make that much money firefighting.just thinking about starting new career.can u take wife with u?what do u need to start?

Im a volunteer firefighter I can relate to your story. I wanted to get paid saving lifes. But I was talking to the Chief and starting pay is low, Im a welder I make great money but the only thing is if your a rig welder finding work depends on your contacts and how good you weld

Hello all...I am trying to help my husband get started in this welding business. He's in school now learning and will be done in a couple months. Pretty much willing to start anywhere doing anything, we just want a steady pay check. (he's been a mechanic by trade for many many years but that business is tanking bad!)I really have no idea where to start...thanks!

All Welding jobs are tight right now. My husband is a super. building compressor stations, he just went back to cleburne,tx. his last two compressors finally came in yesterday, about 2 months work. Inspectors are getting mean about them test,busted all welders out for last two days, but the list is long you know how that goes.my husband has rig truck and welds in between his supertindent jobs, For all who want to be Helpers on pipelines and stations you better be ready to find yourself again, no mercy on the body male or female lol.If i get any leads here i'll post them.

JJ in Granbury, Texas said: any pipeline jobs up north hiring?

jj this is Luke u found work anywhere?

No just being doing some side work here and there. Keep hearing that everyones full or will be kicking off in a week or so.

hey jj call chet and get my #

i've welding at my high school for years now im about to go to my technical school and when i graduate from there im hoping to work on the pipeline in alaska i know there will be long hours and dangerous work but i always wondered when i get married would my wife be able to travel with me or would it be best that i find a welding job in the area i want to live in.

10-4 man im in the same boat here. I hope ya have some luck man. Ill let ya kno if things start picking up down here.

Alot of welders are busting their tests because they can't weld! Just because one can fuse two pieces of scrap together doesn't make them a welder!! I've seen it on many jobs and non-union welders or most that aren't familiar w/ pipeline work think that they can just come in and do the job because of the $ involved w/ it. I've learned from old school 798ers and it is frowned upon when you don't earn your stripes per say. Someone stated that you should show up on a job daily and hope they need a hand. @ this time, there are 1500 helpers on the out of work list, so being in the right place @ the right time is the only way to get your foot in. As far as family goes, it's hard unless that relationship is STRONG when you're a pipleliner. No doubt about it! Lastly, if you just want to pipeline for the $, stay out!! We pipeliners LOVE what we do and work our asses off for the $ we make!!

bet you cant touch as many certs that i have and match me weld for weld im non union and a big time pride worker i learned from the old school also i have 17 years in this and 13 certs on different alloys but i do agree that some welders do just enough to get by for all the welders out lets all take a little pride in our work it shows to me ond others how you live

798welder in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: call 798 hall ask for an application to test at the downhill school test cost $200 dollars you have to have $1500 for your book the day you pass the instructor at the schools name is farren if you have never worked on a pipeline your stupid for trying to get a job welding on one you need to become a helped first they require a helper to have 3000 hours before he breaks out welding the only kicker is they aren't selling anymore helpers books the only way to get a helped book is to be present at a pipeline yard every morning and hope they're short of hands and have to hire you you have to work 8 days on the job and they have to sell you a book same goes for a welder if you want to join the union and the jobs short of hands you can work one union job before you have to test if a welder Forman will hire you I have a couple of welder forman phone numbers right now that have jobs going in louisianna and ones number who has a job kicking off first of June in missouri that's where I'm heading I'm working for henkles n McCoy in vicksburg Mississippi right now but there's only two weeks work left the test at the union hall is a 24" 500 wall butt weld most pipeline jobs require a butt weld and a 16" branch some will make you take a repair where you cut back into your bead and re run it

This is the most accurate info on here. Union or go home...you need the benefits, money, and protection a union provides for you and your family

my boyfirend belongs to local 692 we are currently on a georgia pipeline he is wanting to get on with the alaska pipeline if anyone knows whom we need to contact or any information please let me know thanks

I am a 798er and have been on the out of work list for 3 1/2 months. im just now in the 300s. Work has picked up but is still slow compared to last year. Last year I worked all year with only 3 weeks between jobs. As a helper you can make damn good money...But you earn every $$$..As a helper I made $80,000 last year. worked 6-10s and 7-12s most of the year. had two weeks off for christmas. I seen hundreds of helpers here taday gone tomorrow..Its hot dirty work with little time in between weilds...Most wont make it the whole job. Either get run off for not showing up or get run off for drugs. As a helper on tie ins you have to hump it all day getting in and out of the bell holes getting grinders and leads and everything "but the truck " in and out of the hole 2 3 times a day in 100 plus weather...Its not fun..

They say their isnt no work in texas until next year, All the work is in louisianna, mississippi, and georgia. And up north if you wonna go to yankie land. I started on the out of work list in the 1300s. Work is slow and jobs are hard to come by. Most jobs last only 3-4 months so Im hoping to get on a job to finish the rest of the year.

Could someone explain to me the difference between a single hand welder and a rig/contract welder?

a rig welder is a sub contractor working for a project manager in a specific job like welding.
single hand welding is having the ability toweld with only one hand meaning smaw which is stick rod welding

I am certified in weilding in the following fields MIG,TIG,Pipe weilding,flux, Arc weilding in all positions,can weild aluminum,copper steel,carbon steel, can read blueprints.I have all paperwork and certificates.

I just graduated from a trade school in Saint Louis, Missouri and I'm want to get a start welding pipe somewhere. I've tried LOCAL 562 UNION and I was declined. I can only keep trying.

I've also tried the local 798 pipeliners and was not approved.

Does anyone have any advise for me so I can get started?

thankfully i am now retired{66 years old] worked as an instructor for 15 years mainly coding welders on oil platform [low hydrogenwork]work.very satisfying work.forum very good.takes me back.

I'm a pipeline welder and I noticed you had a number for a possible job in Missouri and I am interested if you dont mind giving that out. I have 7 years experience and have worked for 798 previously. I would appreciate the help. Thanks

If anybody knows of any structural, pipeline or rig welding jobs please email me at danieltsgirl88@yahoo.com. My husband has been out of work for three months and I can't pay all the bills with the money I make. We are struggling day to day to feed our kids. Please let me know something

If you have your certs. for "OFFSHORE" (THE MUST HAVE IS THE TWIC),WE CAN WORK ON THE OTHERS, BUT IT CUTS DOWN ON YOU GETTING STARTED ON A JOB.WE GET CALLS FOR WELDERS DAILY(MOST ARE OFFSHORE OUT OF La.)go to rdlenergyservices.com and pull up a APP. fill it out FAX IT AND YOUR CERTS IN AND WE CAN GET STARTED ON PUTTING YOU TO WORK, THANKS.

TROY CASEY in Alvin, Texas said: If you have your certs. for "OFFSHORE" (THE MUST HAVE IS THE TWIC),WE CAN WORK ON THE OTHERS, BUT IT CUTS DOWN ON YOU GETTING STARTED ON A JOB.WE GET CALLS FOR WELDERS DAILY(MOST ARE OFFSHORE OUT OF La.)go to rdlenergyservices.com and pull up a APP. fill it out FAX IT AND YOUR CERTS IN AND WE CAN GET STARTED ON PUTTING YOU TO WORK, THANKS.

I don't have my offshore certs. And neither does my dad. I appreciate you trying to help. If you know of anything else please let me know. Thank you

Vince in El Dorado, Kansas said: I'm a pipeline welder and I noticed you had a number for a possible job in Missouri and I am interested if you dont mind giving that out. I have 7 years experience and have worked for 798 previously. I would appreciate the help. Thanks

There is some work here in alton, Illinois that is just east of St.Louis maybe about 10 min from downtown. Conoco phillips is building a new refinery and they need pipe welders asap.

hello 314 pipe welder. do you have a phone number or contractors name for the job that you posted? please e-mail me at cdean3232@yahoo.com

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure what job your talking about. Are you wanting the offshore number if not tell me what one your talking about

314 Pipe welder in St. louis, Missouri said: There is some work here in alton, Illinois that is just east of St.Louis maybe about 10 min from downtown. Conoco phillips is building a new refinery and they need pipe welders asap.

are they taking any rigs or just single hands and could you email me the contact info either way much appreciated rich.mattox@gmail.com

I'm looking for a welding job. I have my 6G welding certification. I'm looking for a rig welding job or a pipe welding job. I have 5 years experience with welding. I have my own truck, tools and welder. I'm willing to travel. My father is also looking for a job. He has 19 years experience. He has his 6G welding certification. He has his own tools, truck and welder. If anybody knows of anything please contact me at daniel_tmln@yahoo.com

My inlaws are in Wyoming Pipelining things are looking good about getting me up there. I love welding tho I havent been doing it for very long, and certainly not on that scale. Anybody have any advice about what to expect?

welderswife in Bokoshe, Oklahoma said: If anybody knows of any structural, pipeline or rig welding jobs please email me at danieltsgirl88@yahoo.com. My husband has been out of work for three months and I can't pay all the bills with the money I make. We are struggling day to day to feed our kids. Please let me know something

tell your husband to email me at jovon.rice@yahoo.com

yes I am interested. Could you please email me the contact number at bjcarr1@cox.net. Thank you for your help

798Helper in Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin said: Alot of welders are busting their tests because they can't weld! Just because one can fuse two pieces of scrap together doesn't make them a welder!! I've seen it on many jobs and non-union welders or most that aren't familiar w/ pipeline work think that they can just come in and do the job because of the $ involved w/ it. I've learned from old school 798ers and it is frowned upon when you don't earn your stripes per say. Someone stated that you should show up on a job daily and hope they need a hand. @ this time, there are 1500 helpers on the out of work list, so being in the right place @ the right time is the only way to get your foot in. As far as family goes, it's hard unless that relationship is STRONG when you're a pipleliner. No doubt about it! Lastly, if you just want to pipeline for the $, stay out!! We pipeliners LOVE what we do and work our asses off for the $ we make!!

Do you have to know somebody to get in 798? How do you get in? I've been trying for helper but nothing> What does it take?