Salary progression Welder, ME

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 36 900 kr
Females 34 300 kr

What does a MIG Welder do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder primarily works with joining metals using an electric arc and protective gas. Tasks include reading and interpreting drawings, preparing materials, setting up welding machines, and performing welding with high precision. Many times, inspection and post-processing of welds as well as quality control are involved. The work environment is often industrial, requiring protective equipment, and can be physically demanding and repetitive. The welder is responsible for following safety routines and maintaining a high standard of work.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for MIG welders has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, rising to 35 900 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 36 800, representing a total increase of approximately 10.1% over the period. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for skilled welders in the industry and generally higher salary levels in the sector. Salaries are also influenced by the labor market’s need for specialized skills and a certain shortage of trained welders, prompting employers to offer higher wages to attract and retain staff. Despite the overall increase, differences still exist between regions, employers, and genders.

MIG Welder Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 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 (average): 216 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 93% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on labor market conditions and proximity to industrial clusters

Education and Qualifications

To work as a MIG welder, a high school vocational program in industrial technology or equivalent is usually required, often supplemented with certification courses. Practical skills are central both during training and as part of the occupational introduction. Some employers may require specific welding licenses or experience from similar work, while others offer internal trainee programs for new hires.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program with welding specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: MIG/MAG welding license, often according to SS-EN ISO 9606-1
  • Internship: Extended practical periods or apprenticeship during training
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology, good physics
  • Additional training: Courses in materials science, drawing reading, and work environment

MIG welding is used not only in heavy industry but also in the manufacturing of advanced vehicles and products where precision and strength are crucial. The technological development in welding robotics means welders often work closely with automated systems, providing opportunities to develop specialized skills in both manual and machine-controlled work.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for MIG welders include overtime premiums for working unsociable hours, extra pay for shift work, and wellness allowances. Many employers also provide work clothing and protective gear, opportunities for skill development, and sometimes bonus programs linked to productivity or quality. Occupational pension and insurance are standard in most collective agreements.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for jobs as a MIG welder is generally low, as demand for skilled welders is high and recruitment difficulties are common. A major challenge is the physically demanding nature of the job, which can lead to wear-and-tear injuries if safety routines are not strictly followed. Additionally, the profession requires continuous updating of technical skills as new welding methods and automation solutions are introduced. A shortage of certified workers can sometimes make it harder for less experienced welders to establish themselves, especially in regions with higher competition. Another challenge is gender disparities in wages and representation, affecting both work environment and salary levels.

Tips for aspiring MIG Welders

To succeed as a MIG welder, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with precision and endurance. Developing an eye for detail and a methodical work approach increases the chances of delivering high-quality welds. Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques are valuable, especially as the industry is constantly evolving. Being cooperative and able to communicate with colleagues and supervisors facilitates work and contributes to a safe environment. Physical strength and good health ease practical tasks, while patience and stress resilience are important for time-consuming or monotonous work. Lastly, always take advantage of further training and certification opportunities, as this opens more career paths and higher salaries.

Key Facts about MIG Welders

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 32,500–38,200 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school vocational training + certification
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a MIG welder can advance to roles such as welding supervisor, production supervisor, or quality technician. There are also opportunities to specialize in welding robotics or advanced certification for specific materials and techniques. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job opportunities are very good and expected to remain stable over the next five years, despite some high demand and occasional unemployment within the profession. Recently, Sweden advertised 1,437 job openings for welders and gas cutters, indicating a strong labor market and good opportunities for career development for those investing in further training and certification.

Frequently Asked Questions about MIG Welders

  • What is the average salary for a MIG Welder?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK/month.
  • What is the highest salary for a MIG Welder?
    - The highest salary is 38,200 SEK/month for men, 33,200 SEK/month for women.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Women earn 93% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a MIG Welder?
    - High school vocational training in industrial technology and certification for MIG welding are required.
  • How does the job market look for MIG Welders?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Salary levels vary depending on region and proximity to larger industrial clusters.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Common benefits include overtime premiums, wellness allowances, work clothing, and occupational pension.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Welder, ME is 41500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Welder, ME is 33900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31100 kr 32300 kr
25-34 88% 34800 kr 36600 kr
35-44 36100 kr 37400 kr
45-54 36700 kr 38000 kr
55-64 36400 kr 37700 kr
Snitt 93% 35400 kr 36800 kr
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 Welder, ME has the SSYK code 7212, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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