Welder, license

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

A licensed welder is responsible for joining metals using various welding methods and often works from drawings and specific quality and safety requirements. Tasks may include welding in production, maintenance, repairs, and inspection of welds to ensure they meet current standards. The work environment is typically industrial and may involve working in workshops, construction sites, or outdoors, often with protective gear and sometimes in confined or elevated spaces. Good physical condition and attention to detail are important qualities for success and satisfaction in the profession.

Salary development over time

The salary development for licensed welders has been positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 10.1% over three years. This trend reflects a continued strong demand for skilled welders, especially within industry and construction sectors, where licensed welders are crucial for quality and safety in production. The salary increase can also be linked to higher requirements for formal licensing, technical competence, and challenges in recruiting experienced professionals. Despite a relatively large labor supply, competition for the most experienced and certified welders has been noticeable, further driving up salary levels.

Licensed welder salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (male, public sector)
• Highest salary: 38,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, middle management, post-secondary education <3 years)
• Hourly wage: 216 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women's average salary: 32,800 SEK/month (91% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: May occur, but national average dominates

Education and qualifications

To work as a licensed welder, a high school education within the industrial technology program with a specialization in welding is usually required, followed by certification and often practical training. Many employers also require specific licenses or certificates according to international standards. Practical experience and continuous further training are important for maintaining and developing competence.

• High school: Industrial technology program, 3 years
• Certifications: Welding license according to SS-EN ISO 9606 or equivalent
• Practical training: Often included during education
• Further education: Opportunities for specialized courses and certificates for different welding methods
• Prerequisites: Good physical health, technical interest, precision

Common benefits and compensations

Licensed welders are often offered benefits such as extra vacation, wellness contributions, work clothing and protective gear, and sometimes allowances for unsociable hours and overtime pay. Other common compensations include occupational pensions, opportunities for skills development, and insurances related to occupational risks.

Challenges and competition

Despite the large national job prospects for licensed welders, the labor market presents a paradox: while unemployment in the profession is high, there are reports of recruitment difficulties for qualified welders. This is often due to employers requiring specific certifications and experience, which not all job seekers possess. Challenges can also include physically demanding work environments, exposure to noise and chemicals, and continuous training requirements to meet new technical standards. Regional differences may occur, but overall demand remains stable and is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years.

Tips for aspiring licensed welders

To succeed as a licensed welder, a combination of technical interest and high precision is beneficial, as each task requires accuracy and responsibility. Being resilient and physically fit helps, as work often occurs in tough environments and sometimes under time pressure. It’s wise to pursue a broad education and actively seek internships where you can work with different welding methods, as flexibility and diverse experience are valued. Building a network within the industry can provide valuable contacts and increase chances of good employment. Continuous education, such as obtaining new certificates and participating in specialized courses, is also important to stay competitive. Finally, teamwork skills are crucial, as work often takes place in teams where safety and communication are central.

Key facts about Licensed Welders

• Salary range: 32,500–38,200 SEK/month
• Education requirements: High school + license/certification
• Typical work environment: Industry, workshop, construction site
• Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
• Gender salary difference: Women earn 91% of what men do

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession as a licensed welder, there are good opportunities to take on more advanced tasks, such as welding supervisor, site manager, or quality inspector. Further education can lead to roles such as welding inspector or instructor in training and certification. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, demand for welders and gas cutters is expected to remain unchanged over five years, with continued large opportunities for employment nationwide. Despite reported recruitment challenges, many employers seek individuals with the right certification and experience, and the latest data showed 1,437 job openings in the profession. The profession offers stability and development opportunities for those committed to their skills development.

Frequently asked questions about Licensed Welders

• What is the average salary of a licensed welder?
  - The average salary for a licensed welder is 35 900 SEK per month.
• How large is the salary difference between men and women?
  - Women earn an average of 32,800 SEK per month, which corresponds to 91% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a licensed welder?
  - High school within the industrial technology program and a welding license according to SS-EN ISO 9606 or equivalent.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Job opportunities are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a licensed welder?
  - The highest salary is 38,200 SEK and the lowest 32,500 SEK per month, depending on gender, sector, and education level.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Benefits include extra vacation, wellness contributions, work clothing, protective gear, and occupational pension.
• How high is the demand for licensed welders?
  - There is still high demand, and the latest survey reported 1,437 job openings within the profession.