Mantle welder

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

Mantle welders primarily work on welding pipes, vessels, and other components used in industry, often in process plants, power stations, or manufacturing industries. Tasks include preparing welding surfaces, setting up machines, monitoring the welding process, and quality control of finished work. The environment can vary from workshops to fieldwork at large industrial facilities, and the work is often physically demanding with high requirements for precision and safety. Mantle welders follow strict safety regulations and use personal protective equipment, as the work environment can involve exposure to heat, noise, and sometimes confined spaces.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, mantle welders have experienced positive salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and further up to 35 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 6.7% over the period, which is slightly above the average for the group of machine setters and operators in metalwork. The salary increase can be attributed to continued high demand for qualified welders, along with increased requirements for certifications and specialized skills. Simultaneously, a shortage of trained personnel in the industry has driven up wages further. Despite this, demand for mantle welders is expected to decline in the longer term mainly due to increased automation and technological development within the industry.

Mantle welder salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 212 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 34 100 SEK (96% of men's salary), men earn 35 400 SEK
• Regional differences: Data varies, but industrial cities in southern and central Sweden often have higher wages

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a mantle welder usually involves completing a high school industrial technology program or equivalent adult education. After basic training, certifications in various welding methods are often required, and many employers seek practical experience in the industry. Further training and specialization, such as in pressure vessels or advanced pipe welding, can increase opportunities for higher wages and more qualified tasks.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
• Certifications: Welding licenses according to international standards (e.g., ISO 9606)
• Internship: Mandatory industrial internship, often 6–12 months
• Further education: Courses in specialized welding and work environment safety
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of mathematics and technology

Common benefits and compensations

Mantle welders are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for work outside regular hours, extra compensation for overtime, and travel allowances. Other common compensations include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses linked to projects or production goals. Larger industrial employers also frequently offer training opportunities and career development within the profession.

Challenges and competition

The profession of mantle welder is currently characterized by a shortage of qualified workers, providing good employment opportunities. However, forecasts indicate that demand may decrease within five years, mainly due to technological development and increased automation in industry. High demands are placed on precision, safety, and physical endurance, as well as on continuously updating skills related to new welding methods and materials. To remain competitive, it is also important to work well in teams and quickly adapt to new work environments and projects. The job market is particularly strong in regions with heavy industry but may be more limited in smaller towns.

Tips for those wanting to become mantle welders

To succeed as a mantle welder, it is important to be precise and have a strong sense of detail, as the quality of welding work is often critical for safety. Being resilient and maintaining good physical condition makes daily work easier, as tasks are often demanding and can be performed in uncomfortable positions. A problem-solving attitude is valuable in troubleshooting and adapting to different materials and working conditions. It is also wise to invest time in obtaining relevant certifications and continuously furthering education, as technology and standards change rapidly. Being cooperative and communicating effectively with colleagues and management improves workflow and reduces mistakes. Finally, flexibility and openness to working at different locations and times, especially during projects and maintenance that require travel, are advantageous.

Key facts about mantle welders

• Education level: High school + certification
• Work environment: Industry, workshop, and fieldwork
• Work type: Usually full-time, sometimes shift and project-based
• Demand: Great opportunities today, decreasing in the future
• Special skills: Advanced welding and quality assurance

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience as a mantle welder, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, welding inspector, or trainer in welding. Specializing in advanced welding of pressure vessels, pipelines, or working in quality control and project management is also common. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Agency show that the job market remains strong in the short term, but demand is expected to decline over the next five years due to automation and technological development. Nonetheless, there is a significant current need for experienced mantle welders, especially in larger industrial regions and complex projects requiring specialized skills.

Frequently asked questions about mantle welders

• What is the average salary of a mantle welder?
  - The average salary for a mantle welder is 35 200 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in mantle welder salaries?
  - Women earn 34 100 SEK (96% of men's salary), while men earn 35 400 SEK.
• What education is required to become a mantle welder?
  - High school industrial technology programs or equivalent adult education, along with certification in welding.
• What are the future prospects for mantle welders?
  - Job opportunities are currently plentiful, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years according to the Swedish Employment Agency.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for mantle welders?
  - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK and the lowest is 31,400 SEK per month.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries are higher in industrial cities in southern and central Sweden.
• What benefits are common for mantle welders?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, additional compensation for overtime, and wellness allowances.