How much does a Machine welder make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Machine welder
Image that illustrates Machine welder

Machine welder

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 Machine welder

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 167 Vacant jobs ->

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

A machine welder works with joining metals and other materials using various welding methods, often with the help of advanced machines and automated equipment. Tasks include preparing workpieces, setting up and monitoring welding machines, as well as quality control of finished welds. Maintenance and troubleshooting of the machines, as well as documentation, are also often part of the job. The work environment can vary from large workshops and industrial facilities to smaller workshops, but is generally characterized by noise, heat, and sometimes working in confined spaces, which requires good safety awareness and protective equipment.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine welders has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, rising to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and reaching 35 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of just over 6.7% over this three-year period, which is slightly above the general wage development in the industry. The increase can partly be explained by the high demand for qualified machine welders, especially within manufacturing where technical skills and automation are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the shortage of trained workforce has driven up wages, although the gender pay gap remains. Despite positive salary growth, the industry warns that future demand may be affected by increased automation and technological advances.

Machine 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
  • Men's average salary: 35 400 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 96% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine welder, a high school vocational education in industrial technology or equivalent is usually required, where welding is a central part. After completing the education, obtaining welding certificates and gaining practical experience through internships or apprenticeships is often necessary. Some employers may also require specialized courses in various welding methods or machine handling, especially for more advanced tasks or work with automated systems.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: Welding licenses according to international standards (e.g., ISO, SS-EN)
  • Internship: Mandatory part of the education, often via APL (workplace-based learning)
  • Further education: Specialized courses in robot welding or advanced machine technology
  • Prerequisites: Approved basic mathematics and technical subjects

Many machine welders develop a sense for materials and technology that enables them to quickly identify faults and optimize work processes. This practical experience is highly valued by employers and can sometimes outweigh formal education in recruitment.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Machine welders are generally covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and overtime pay. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training and certification courses. In some cases, bonuses linked to production targets and shift premiums for inconvenient working hours are also offered.

Competition and challenges

The profession of machine welder today is characterized by a clear shortage of trained workforce, making the competition for jobs relatively low in the short term. However, the profession faces significant changes where technological development, automation, and digitalization gradually take over parts of the tasks. This requires continuous skills development and adaptation to new machines and working methods. Additionally, the working environment can be demanding with physical work, noise, and safety risks. To maintain competitiveness in the job market, machine welders need both technical skills and flexibility to adapt to industry changes.

Tips for those who want to become a machine welder

To succeed as a machine welder, it is good to combine technical interest with precision and practical skills. Being solution-oriented facilitates troubleshooting and adjustments of machines, while good teamwork skills are important in larger production teams. It is recommended to gain relevant experience through internships already during high school to build a network within the industry. Continuing education and staying updated on new welding methods and machine technology increase employability. The ability to work under pressure and follow safety routines is crucial, as is an open attitude towards new technology and digital work tools.

Key facts about machine welders

  • Education level: High school education (industrial technology), complemented with certifications
  • Work environment: Industry, workshop, often noisy and physically demanding
  • Work arrangement: Shift work is common, including day and evening shifts
  • Demand: Large shortage of trained personnel, but decreasing forecast over 5 years
  • Number of available jobs: 1,437 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, machine welders can advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or specialist in robot welding and automated systems. Experience and further education also open opportunities for more qualified assignments, such as quality control or technical support. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities remain large in the short term, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to increased automation and technological development. Despite this, the current recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of competent personnel, especially within the metal industry.

Frequently asked questions about machine welders

  • What does a machine welder earn?
    - The average salary for a machine welder is 35 200 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary development look for machine welders?
    - Salaries have increased from 33,000 SEK in 2022 to 35 200 SEK in 2024.
  • What education is required to become a machine welder?
    - High school education in industrial technology and welding certification are recommended.
  • Are there many jobs for machine welders?
    - Yes, there are 1,437 available jobs and a shortage of trained personnel.
  • What is the work environment like for machine welders?
    - The work environment is often noisy, physical, and requires careful safety routines.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What career paths are available after a few years?
    - It is common to progress to supervisory roles, specialization in robot welding or quality control.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 22:27:25

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine welder 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 Machine welder 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Machine welder has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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