Image that illustrates Plastic welders

Plastic welders

33 200 kr

Machine operators, plastics industry

31 500 - 35 700 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Plastic welders

Average salary 33 200 kr
Males 33 900 kr
Females 31 800 kr

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

A plastic welder works with joining plastic parts using various welding methods, such as hot air, vibration, or ultrasound. Tasks often include preparing materials, adjusting machines, and ensuring weld seams meet quality standards. The work environment is typically industrial, emphasizing safety and ergonomics, with protective equipment used to handle heat and chemicals. The work can involve both stationary tasks at machines and more mobile activities depending on the production setting.

Salary development over time

The salary of a plastic welder has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK, increasing to 32 000 SEK in 2023 and reaching 33 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.4 percent over the period. This development can be explained by increased demand for specialized skills within the plastic industry, inflation, and general wage adjustments in the industrial sector. At the same time, technological development and automation influence wage levels, where experience and certifications become increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness. It is also worth noting that men, on average, earn slightly more than women within the profession, reflecting general salary variations in the industry.

The work of a plastic welder requires precision and patience, as small errors in weld seams can affect the entire product's durability. Many plastic welders develop specialized skills in different welding methods to meet varying material requirements.

– statsskuld.se

Plastic welder salary – a complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK (female, regional sector, vocational education)
  • Highest salary: 35,700 SEK (male, private sector, after 3+ years of post-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 200 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 94% of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary slightly depending on geographic area and employer type

Education and qualifications

The education for plastic welders often consists of vocational upper secondary programs within the industrial sector or equivalent adult education. Certifications in various welding methods are common and increase employability. Practical experience through internships or apprenticeships is valuable for developing professional skills.

  • Vocational upper secondary education: Industrial program with specialization in plastics and welding (3 years)
  • Certifications: For example, hot air and vibration welding
  • Internships/apprenticeships: Apprenticeships in the plastic industry are common
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of technology and materials science
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs with practical training and certification opportunities to strengthen skills

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for plastic welders include collectively agreed benefits such as holiday pay, occupational pension, and sometimes wellness allowances. Some employers also offer opportunities for skills development and bonuses linked to production targets. Compensation for unsocial hours may apply depending on shift work.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by a paradoxical situation where recruitment difficulties exist simultaneously with a forecasted decline in demand due to automation and technological development. Many leave the profession, creating a need for new recruits, but the job market may become more competitive in the future. Adapting to new technology and continuous skills development are therefore important challenges for plastic welders.

Tips for those who want to become a plastic welder

To succeed as a plastic welder, it is good to be precise and detail-oriented, as accuracy in welding is crucial for product quality. An interest in technology facilitates understanding of machines and materials, enabling quick adaptation to new methods. Problem-solving skills are important for handling unforeseen situations in production. It is recommended to gain practical experience early, for example through internships, and to invest in certifications that enhance professional competence. Good work ethics and teamwork skills also facilitate work in production environments where collaboration is common.

Key facts about plastic welders

  • Education level: Vocational upper secondary education with certifications
  • Salary range: 31,500–35,700 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Industrial, focused on safety and ergonomics
  • Typical employment: Machine operator within the plastic industry
  • Demand: Great opportunities but with a declining trend over 5 years

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, plastic welders can advance to specialist roles in different welding methods or supervisory positions within production. Some choose to further their education to become technicians or quality managers. The Employment Service's forecast indicates that although there are large employment opportunities currently, demand is expected to decrease over five years due to automation and technological development. Despite this, the recruitment situation is challenging because many leave the profession, creating a need for new plastic welders.

Frequently asked questions about plastic welders

  • What does a plastic welder earn?
    - The average salary is approximately 33 200 SEK/month with variations depending on experience, gender, and workplace.
  • What education is required to become a plastic welder?
    - Most commonly, a vocational upper secondary education within the industrial program and certifications in various welding methods.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94 percent of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for plastic welders?
    - There are great opportunities for employment today, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Holiday pay, occupational pension, and wellness allowances are common benefits.
  • What is important for success as a plastic welder?
    - Precision, technical interest, and problem-solving skills are important qualities.
  • Can plastic welders pursue further education?
    - Yes, further training to become a technician or supervisor is common career paths.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Plastic welders is 35700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Plastic welders is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Regional sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 30400 kr
25-34 95% 30900 kr 33900 kr
35-44 95% 31400 kr 34000 kr
45-54 91% 31000 kr 33400 kr
55-64 91% 31400 kr 33600 kr
Snitt 94% 30600 kr 33200 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Plastic welders has the SSYK code 8142, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes