Originally Posted by Name User

How much of that $600 do you think went to liability insurance off the top? Then add another 30% for government taxes. Cost of the rig, mx, consumables, various government fees, marketing, office space, the list goes on. Plus being contract he's not making that day in and day out (although I hear work up in ND, UT, NM is pretty steady).

If y'all think you can drop a couple grand and take a 6 month community college course, get a 4G cert, and make $100/hr 40+ hours a week go for it.

Personally, I wouldn't quit your day job, welding (real welding) is an art/science/engineering all rolled up into one trade.