Independent pipeline welders in Alabama make from $50-$100 and hour. Most are over 50 years old. No new younger guys coming in. If you have a truck and welding machine with a few accessories, you can make this much. Sure it is outside, but not in rain. Sometimes you have to get in a ditch or pit to weld, but the pay is well worth it. 90% of pipeline welding is above ground, only tie-ins to existing lines are below grade in pits or ditches. Ditches are shored if over 5' deep. Must be dry. That is why the Keystone pipeline can provide good paying jobs. Welding is only one of them. Inspectors, x-ray technicians, heavy equipment operators, corrosion technicians, engineers, surveyors, drafters, lawyers, real estate people. Spin offs would be hotel-motel work, restaurant workers, gasoline and diesel fuel would be needed for equipment. Mechanics to repair trucks, heavy equipment when needed. A lot is temporary, but work is work, and money is spent here in America.
Liberal arts graduates are mostly the ones who can't find jobs right now. Psycology, Socialology, teachers, etc are the ones hurting for work. Doctors, nurses, mechanics, welders, etc, can usually find jobs.