- Salary statistics
- Arc welder salary
Arc welder salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
33 900 - 41 500 SEK / month
Women earn 93% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
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Salary progression Arc welder
What does an arc welder do? – Tasks and work environment
Arc welders work on joining metal components using electric welding, often within manufacturing industries, construction, or workshop environments. Their tasks typically include preparing materials, reading drawings and technical descriptions, setting up and operating welding equipment, and inspecting welds for quality and durability. The work environment can vary and sometimes be demanding, with work both indoors in workshops and outdoors at construction sites. Protective gear and precision are often required to ensure safety when handling hot materials and intense light arcs.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, arc welders have experienced a steady increase in salary. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK, which increased to 35 900 SEK in 2023. The latest year, 2024, saw the average salary rise further to 36 800 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 10.1% over three years. The positive trend can partly be explained by continued high demand for skilled welders, as employers compete for the right expertise. Technological advancements and increased quality and certification requirements have also contributed to rising wages. Despite these increases, differences between genders and regions and sectors remain.
Arc welder salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (men, public sector)
- Highest salary: 38,200 SEK/month (men, private sector, post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage: 216 SEK/hour
- Women's average salary: 32,800 SEK/month (93% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary levels can vary between counties and labor market areas, with metropolitan regions often offering slightly higher wages.
Education and qualifications
To work as an arc welder, a high school vocational education in industrial technology is usually required, often with a focus on welding. Many employers also require certifications, especially for more advanced welding methods and materials. Practical experience and good understanding of reading drawings are important qualifications for success in the profession.
- Vocational training: High school or adult education in industrial technology (about 3 years)
- Certifications: Welding tests/certificates according to SS-EN ISO 9606 or similar
- Internship: Practical periods are often included during training
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of mathematics and technology
- Additional training: Opportunities for further education and specialization, such as robot or pipe welding
Arc welders often have the opportunity to work internationally, as welding standards and techniques are universal within the industry. This opens doors for work on major infrastructure projects and within advanced manufacturing worldwide.
Common benefits and compensation
Arc welders are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing and protective equipment, as well as opportunities for further training and certifications at the employer's expense. Shift work may occur, sometimes with additional pay for overtime and night shifts. In some cases, bonus schemes and pension contributions are part of the employment conditions.
Competition and challenges
The job market for arc welders is characterized by high demand but also recruitment difficulties due to a lack of the right skills. Despite this, competition for the most attractive positions can be tough, especially in regions with a strong industrial presence. Technical changes, such as automation and robotization, increase demands for flexibility and skill development. At the same time, the profession involves physical and environmental challenges, requiring strict adherence to safety regulations. For those willing to further their education and stay updated, there are good prospects for a stable and long-term career.
Tips for aspiring arc welders
To succeed as an arc welder, it helps to have a technical interest and a meticulous personality, as the work requires precision and attention to detail. Endurance and good physical condition are advantageous, as the job often involves heavy lifting and working in strenuous positions. Practical problem-solving skills are valuable, especially when unexpected challenges arise during welding. It is also important to be cooperative, as many projects are team-based where communication and responsibility are essential. Continuously furthering your education and obtaining certifications increases both competence and employability. Flexibility is also helpful, as workplaces and working hours can vary. Lastly, safety awareness is fundamental to minimize risks in daily work.
Key facts about arc welders
- Education level: High school vocational training, supplemented with certifications
- Work environment: Varied, often industrial or construction sites
- Demand: Great opportunities for work, especially in industrial regions
- Special skills: Reading drawings, material knowledge, and welding certificates
- Work arrangement: Often full-time, sometimes shift work and project employment
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an arc welder can advance to more specialized roles, such as welding inspector, welding instructor, or production supervisor. Opportunities also exist to work with more advanced welding methods or quality control. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities remain large nationwide, with demand expected to stay steady over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties are present, increasing the chances for those with the right education and certifications. Currently, there are 1437 job openings reported within the industry, underscoring the need for competent workers.
Frequently asked questions about arc welders
- What is the average salary of an arc welder?
- An arc welder has an average salary of 36 800 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an arc welder?
- High school vocational training in industrial technology and welding certification are usually required. - Are there gender differences in arc welder salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do in the profession. - What are the future prospects for arc welders?
- The Employment Service estimates that job opportunities are plentiful and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. - What are the most common workplaces for arc welders?
- Arc welders primarily work in the workshop industry, construction, and larger manufacturing companies. - How much does an arc welder earn per hour?
- The hourly wage for arc welders averages 216 SEK. - What is the highest and lowest salary for arc welders?
- The highest salary is 38,200 SEK and the lowest is 32,500 SEK, depending on sector and education level.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 88% | 34800 kr | 36600 kr |
| 35-44 | 36100 kr | 37400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36700 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37700 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 35400 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33800 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 33900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33800 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 33900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 88% | 34800 kr | 36600 kr |
| 35-44 | 36100 kr | 37400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36700 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37700 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 35400 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 88% | 34800 kr | 36600 kr |
| 35-44 | 36100 kr | 37400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36700 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37700 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 35400 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31000 kr | 32100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 88% | 35300 kr | 37100 kr |
| 35-44 | 36100 kr | 37500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 35500 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33800 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 33900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33800 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 33900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31000 kr | 32100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 88% | 35300 kr | 37100 kr |
| 35-44 | 36100 kr | 37500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 35500 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31000 kr | 32100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 88% | 35300 kr | 37100 kr |
| 35-44 | 36100 kr | 37500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 35500 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 32000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 32000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 32000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Arc welder has the SSYK code 7212, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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