Image that illustrates Welding

Welding

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Welding

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a gas welder do? – Tasks and work environment

A gas welder is responsible for joining or cutting metal components using various welding methods, including gas welding. Tasks include preparing materials, setting up welding equipment, and quality control of the finished welds. The work is often performed in workshop or industrial environments where safety and precision are paramount, as handling high heat and molten metal is common. Gas welders work both independently and in teams, frequently collaborating with other professionals in production and maintenance. The work environment can be noisy and requires good protective gear and adherence to strict safety routines.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, gas welders have experienced steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average rose to 34 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 3%. In 2024, the salary further increased to 35 200 SEK, a growth of nearly 3.5% compared to the previous year. This salary trend can be partly explained by continued high demand for skilled welders in industry, combined with a shortage of trained labor. Collective agreement-based salary increases and inflation have also influenced the development. Despite some growth, demand is expected to decline in the long term, partly due to increased automation in the industry.

Gas welder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 34 100 SEK (96% of men's salary at 35 400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on labor market demand and industrial presence in different regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as a gas welder, a vocational education in welding or metalwork is usually required, often at the upper secondary level. Additional certifications and practical experience are important to meet employer demands. Many employers also require documented skills in various welding methods and safety procedures.

  • Vocational upper secondary education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Certifications: Specific welding licenses and safety courses
  • Internship: Work-based learning (APL) is often included during education
  • Prerequisites: Good grades in mathematics and technology are recommended
  • Further education: Opportunities for specialization via YH (higher vocational education) or industry courses

Gas welders often have opportunities to work on advanced projects within, for example, the energy sector or manufacturing heavy machinery. Specialization in different welding methods can open doors to both international assignments and work on large industrial projects.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Gas welders are often covered by collective agreements that provide occupational pension, overtime pay, and extra vacation. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training. Shift work may occur and is sometimes compensated with shift allowances or bonuses.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs in the gas welding profession has historically been low due to a shortage of trained workers, but demand is expected to decrease in the long term. This is mainly due to technological development and increased automation in industry, which may lead to fewer jobs in traditional welding. At the same time, it is necessary for gas welders to continuously update their skills to meet new technical requirements and working methods. Physically demanding environments and the importance of following strict safety regulations place high demands on practitioners. Regional differences in industry scope can also affect local competition.

Tips for those who want to become a gas welder

To succeed as a gas welder, it is good to be precise and have a strong focus on safety, as the work often involves hot materials and advanced equipment. Good physical fitness and endurance facilitate daily work, especially in heavy and noisy environments. Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as tasks can vary between projects and industries. Showing interest in technological development and a willingness to further educate oneself provide significant advantages, especially given the industry's increasing automation. Problem-solving skills and an analytical eye help identify and fix faults in production. Additionally, teamwork skills are appreciated, as work is often done in teams with other professionals. Finally, patience and a methodical approach are strengths that help maintain high welding quality.

Key facts about Gas Welders

  • Education level: Vocational upper secondary education (3 years)
  • Work environment: Industrial environment, often with shift work
  • Demand: Great opportunities today, but decreasing over five years
  • Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, women earn 96% of men's salary
  • Job vacancies: 1,437 within the occupational group of machine setters and operators, metalwork

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or process manager within the metal industry. Specialization in advanced welding methods or further education can lead to positions in quality control or training. According to the Employment Service, the job market for machine setters and operators in metalwork is good today, but the forecast indicates decreasing demand over the next five years. This is mainly due to increased automation and technological development in industry, which requires higher technical competence and flexibility from practitioners. Nevertheless, there are still good opportunities for employment in larger industrial regions and for those willing to pursue further education.

Frequently asked questions about Gas Welders

  • What is the average salary of a gas welder?
    - A gas welder has an average salary of 35 200 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a gas welder?
    - Vocational upper secondary education, often via the industrial technology program, as well as certifications in welding.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Men earn on average 35 400 SEK, women 34 100 SEK, which is 96% of men's salary.
  • What is the job market like for gas welders?
    - Today, there is a shortage of trained gas welders, but demand is expected to decrease in the long term.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness allowance, and work clothing are common benefits.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Yes, salaries can vary between regions depending on industrial presence and demand.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for gas welders?
    - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK and the lowest is 31,400 SEK.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Welding is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Welding is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Welding has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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