Image that illustrates Svetsare

Svetsare

35 900 kr

Welders and gas cutters

32 500 - 38 200 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Svetsare

Average salary 35 900 kr
Males 36 100 kr
Females 32 800 kr

What does a welder do? – Tasks and work environment

A welder works with joining metals using various welding methods such as MIG, TIG, or MMA. Tasks may include reading drawings, preparing workpieces, selecting the right materials and welding equipment, and ensuring quality in the finished work. Welders operate in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, automotive, or shipbuilding. The work environment varies from indoor factory settings to outdoor construction sites, often at a fast pace and with demands for precision and safety. Protective equipment is always necessary to minimize risks such as eye injuries, burns, or inhalation of hazardous gases.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, welder salaries have shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 10.1% over the period. The increase can be explained by continued high demand for skilled welders, along with recruitment difficulties within the profession. Industry needs for qualified labor and technological advancements have also contributed to rising wages. Despite the positive development, there are still salary differences based on gender and sector, which is worth considering for those contemplating the profession.

Welder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 900 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 91% of what men do (32,800 SEK/month vs 36 100 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on the labor market and industry, but no specific statistics are available.

Education and qualifications

To work as a welder, a high school vocational education in industrial technology with a focus on welding is generally required. Many employers also demand valid welding certificates and practical experience. Further training, specialized courses, and certifications are often crucial for obtaining more qualified or specialized assignments within the industry.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: International welding certificates (e.g., ISO 9606, EN 287)
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning is often included in the education
  • Further education: Short and long courses for specialization are available
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for high school

Many welders choose to certify in multiple welding methods, making it easier to switch between different industries and workplaces. This versatility is a great advantage for those wanting to work internationally or within specialized sectors.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, welders are often offered overtime pay, shift allowances, and bonuses, especially in industries where work during unsocial hours is common. Other benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, paid training, and sometimes productivity or quality-based bonus systems.

Competition and challenges

The competition for welding jobs varies by region and industry, but nationally there are recruitment difficulties despite relatively high unemployment within the profession. This paradoxical situation partly stems from employers demanding specific certifications and experience, which many job seekers lack. Technological development also requires continuous skills upgrading, and the work environment can be physically demanding with risks of wear and tear or accidents. Success in the job market thus requires both technical skills and the ability to adapt to new working methods and safety standards.

Tips for those wanting to become welders

To succeed as a welder, it is beneficial to combine precision with a strong sense of quality, as small mistakes can have significant consequences. A technical interest helps in understanding drawings and handling different welding methods. Patience and resilience are important traits, especially when performing monotonous tasks or working in physically demanding environments. Being flexible and open to further training provides advantages in a labor market where new techniques are constantly evolving. Good teamwork skills are also valuable, as work often takes place in teams and in collaboration with other trades. Gaining practical experience or summer jobs early in the industry provides valuable contacts and insights. Finally, being diligent with safety routines and using the correct protective gear in all tasks is crucial.

Key facts about Welders

  • Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 32,500–38,200 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school diploma + certification
  • Work environment: Industry, construction, and workshops – often physically demanding
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many welders have the opportunity to advance to more specialized roles, such as welding inspector, instructor, or production supervisor. It is also common to pursue international certifications to work abroad or within advanced sectors like offshore or nuclear power. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the opportunities for employment as a welder remain strong, with demand expected to stay steady over the next five years. Despite a high number of unemployed within the profession, recruitment difficulties persist, meaning those with the right skills, certifications, and experience have excellent prospects for employment. Currently, there are 1,437 available jobs in the welding profession.

Frequently asked questions about Welders

  • What is the average monthly salary of a welder?
    - A welder earns on average 35 900 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for welders?
    - The highest salary is 38,200 SEK per month and the lowest is 32,500 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 32,800 SEK while men earn 36 100 SEK, which corresponds to 91% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a welder?
    - A high school education in industrial technology and valid welding certificates are usually required.
  • What does the job market look like for welders?
    - Opportunities for employment are large nationwide, with 1,437 available jobs in the profession.
  • What is the average hourly wage for a welder?
    - The average hourly wage is 216 SEK.
  • What career paths are available within the profession?
    - Specialization, supervisory roles, and further education to become a welding inspector or instructor are common paths.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Svetsare is 38200 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 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Svetsare is 32500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31200 kr 32500 kr
25-34 33900 kr 35600 kr
35-44 35600 kr 36700 kr
45-54 35400 kr 36800 kr
55-64 35300 kr 36400 kr
Snitt 91% 34600 kr 35900 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 Svetsare has the SSYK code 7212, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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