Image that illustrates Arc welder

Arc welder

35 900 kr

Welders and gas cutters

32 500 - 38 200 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Arc welder

Average salary 35 900 kr
Males 36 100 kr
Females 32 800 kr

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

A gas tungsten arc welder works with joining metals using various welding methods where an electric arc and gas are used to generate heat. Tasks include preparing materials, reading and interpreting drawings, setting up welding equipment, and performing welds according to specific quality and safety standards. The work often takes place in workshops, industrial facilities, or construction sites, where the environment can be noisy and require protective gear. The job demands high precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to work independently and in teams.

Salary development over time

The salary for gas tungsten arc welders has increased steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and now reaches 35 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 10.1% over three years, with the largest growth between 2023 and 2024. This rise reflects both increased demand for skilled welders in industry and general wage adjustments in the labor market. Variations in wage development can also depend on region, specialization, and employer, with private sector workers often earning slightly higher wages than those in the public sector. Despite continued high demand, wage increases have been moderate compared to some other industrial sectors, possibly due to competition and labor supply.

Gas tungsten arc welder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (men), 32,800 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,200 SEK/month (men), 33,200 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 216 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 91% of what men do (men: 36 100 SEK, women: 32,800 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a gas tungsten arc welder, a high school vocational education in industrial technology or welding is usually required, often supplemented with certifications and practical experience. Many employers also require specific welding licenses and knowledge of different welding methods, making formal education and hands-on training important factors for success in the profession.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, welding specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: Welding licenses (e.g., ISO 9606-1)
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning during education
  • Further training: Courses in specialized welding and materials science
  • Prerequisites: Good grades in mathematics and technology are recommended

Experience in reading drawings and the ability to work with modern CNC-controlled welding machines are highly valued skills. Those who master multiple welding methods or have specialization in, for example, stainless steel or aluminum often have greater opportunities for interesting and well-paid assignments.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Gas tungsten arc welders often receive benefits such as shift allowances for night work, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses for meeting production targets. Pension schemes, insurance, and opportunities for further training are also common among larger employers, especially within industry.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a gas tungsten arc welder is assessed as moderate to high, despite a large demand for labor. A paradoxical situation exists where many employers struggle to find qualified welders, while unemployment within the profession is relatively high. This may be due to employers seeking specific skills or experience that are not always matched by job seekers. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding work environments, high demands on precision and safety, and the need for continuous retraining to stay updated with new techniques and materials. For those willing to develop and specialize, there are good opportunities for employment and career advancement.

Tips for aspiring gas tungsten arc welders

To succeed as a gas tungsten arc welder, it is important to be meticulous and patient, as welding requires precision and quality awareness. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks facilitate work with different welding methods or materials. A technically inclined person curious about learning new machines and techniques often finds it easier to develop and obtain certifications. Good teamwork skills are important since the work is often team-based, and a communicative person can more easily follow instructions and contribute to the team’s results. Being responsible and following safety routines is crucial, as the work environment can be risky. Finally, it is recommended to seek internships and demonstrate engagement during training, which can open doors to future employment.

Key facts about gas tungsten arc welders

  • Education level: High school with welding specialization
  • Work environment: Industrial, often noisy and physically demanding
  • Typical work arrangements: Shift work or daytime, full-time or hourly employment
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Special skills: Certification and experience in reading drawings

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, gas tungsten arc welders often take on more advanced assignments, such as welding supervisor, quality inspector, or welding supervisor. Specialization in areas like pipe welding, aluminum, or stainless steel increases chances for higher wages and more qualified tasks. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, opportunities for work as a welder and gas cutter are expected to remain strong over the next five years, even if demand is expected to stay steady at the national level. The latest measurement indicated 1,437 job vacancies in the sector, indicating a continued robust labor market for those with the right skills and certifications.

Frequently asked questions about gas tungsten arc welders

  • What is the average salary of a gas tungsten arc welder?
    - The average salary is 35 900 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a gas tungsten arc welder?
    - A high school education in industrial technology with welding specialization and certifications are required.
  • Are there gender differences in salary for gas tungsten arc welders?
    - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for gas tungsten arc welders?
    - Demand for gas tungsten arc welders is high and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What are the occupational health and safety requirements for gas tungsten arc welders?
    - The work environment is often noisy and physically demanding, requiring protective gear and safety routines.
  • What is the highest salary for a gas tungsten arc welder?
    - The highest salary is 38,200 SEK per month, applicable to a male private sector employee with post-secondary education.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Arc welder is 38200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Arc welder is 32500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31200 kr 32500 kr
25-34 33900 kr 35600 kr
35-44 35600 kr 36700 kr
45-54 35400 kr 36800 kr
55-64 35300 kr 36400 kr
Snitt 91% 34600 kr 35900 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 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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