- Salary statistics
- Arc welder
Arc welder
32 500 - 38 200 kr / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Arc welder
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.
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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 32800 kr | 32800 kr | |
| Snitt | 32500 kr | 32500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 32800 kr | 32800 kr | |
| Snitt | 32500 kr | 32500 kr |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 36300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35700 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35300 kr | 36500 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 34700 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 32800 kr | 32800 kr | |
| Snitt | 32500 kr | 32500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 32800 kr | 32800 kr | |
| Snitt | 32500 kr | 32500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 36300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35700 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35300 kr | 36500 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 34700 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 36300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35700 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35300 kr | 36500 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 34700 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 32000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 32000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 32000 kr | 32800 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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