- Salary statistics
- Welder, period
Welder, period
31 400 - 36 100 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Welder, period
What does a welder do – tasks and work environment
A welder primarily works on joining metal components using various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding. Tasks can range from manufacturing and repairing machine parts to assembling larger structures in the industry. The work is often carried out in workshops, factories, or construction sites, where the environment can be noisy, hot, and sometimes cramped. Protective gear is a natural part of daily work to minimize risks from heat, sparks, and fumes.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, welders have experienced steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK, followed by 34 000 SEK in 2023 and 35 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase corresponds to approximately 6.7% over the period, with the latest annual change around 3.5%. Key drivers behind this positive trend include continued high demand for welders in industry, combined with shortages of qualified workers. Technological development and increased specialization have also contributed to higher skill requirements and wages. Although demand is expected to decline in the long term, the market situation in recent years has favored the profession financially.
Welder salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 34 100 SEK/month (96% of men's salary, men: 35 400 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a welder typically involves upper secondary industrial technology programs or equivalent adult education. Professional work often requires certifications and practical experience. Further skills enhancement is achieved through specialized courses and continuing education in various welding techniques. Employers highly value practical problem-solving skills and precision.
- High school: Industrial technology program, 3 years
- Adult education / Vocational college: Courses 1–2 years
- Certifications: Welding certificates according to ISO standards
- Internship: Usually at least 6 months during training
- Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical understanding
The welding profession offers opportunities for international work, as Swedish welding techniques and certifications are often recognized globally. For those seeking variety, tasks can range from fine mechanical precision work to heavy industrial projects. Many employers invest in further training, enabling specialization or increased responsibility over time.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to base salary, welders are often offered benefits such as shift allowances for night shifts, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses or work clothing. Other common benefits include health subsidies, work attire, and occasionally subsidized meals or employee discounts. In some cases, occupational pension and insurance coverage through collective agreements are provided.
Competition and challenges
The current job market for welders is characterized by high demand and a shortage of trained personnel, offering good employment opportunities. However, demand is expected to decrease over the next five years, partly due to technological advancements and increased automation in industry. Certification requirements and specialized skills are increasing, demanding ongoing training and adaptability. The work environment can be physically demanding, with risks of monotonous work and exposure to hazardous substances. Competition for the most attractive positions may intensify as more welding processes become automated and employers seek broad technical competence.
Tips for aspiring welders
To succeed as a welder, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with precision and patience. Attention to detail contributes to high-quality work and reduces errors, while good physical condition facilitates handling heavy materials and long shifts. It’s recommended to seek internships and summer jobs early to gain experience and build networks within the industry. Continuing education, such as obtaining new certifications or learning advanced welding techniques, increases opportunities for higher wages and more qualified roles. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and management is also important, especially in projects involving multiple trades. Finally, a problem-solving mindset is valued, as many tasks require quick solutions when unexpected challenges arise.
Key facts about welders, at a glance
- Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
- Education level: High school or adult education
- Typical work environment: Workshop, factory, or construction site
- Demand: Great opportunities nationally, but decreasing in the long term
- Gender salary gap: Women earn 96% of what men do
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open to advance into roles such as welding supervisor, supervisor, or specialist in advanced welding techniques. Further education in areas like CNC technology or quality control can provide additional career routes. The Employment Service’s forecasts show strong prospects for work as a welder and machine operator in metalwork currently, but demand is expected to decline in the longer term. The main reasons are technological development and automation, which may require retraining and further education. Currently, there are about 1,437 job openings in the field, highlighting the ongoing need for skilled welders.
Frequently asked questions about welders, at a glance
- What is the average salary for a welder?
- The average salary for a welder is 35 200 SEK per month. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn an average of 35 400 SEK while women earn 34 100 SEK, which means women earn 96% of what men do. - What education is required to become a welder?
- The most common path is the upper secondary industrial technology program or equivalent adult education, often supplemented with welding certification. - What is the job market like for welders?
- Opportunities are strong nationally, but demand is expected to decrease in the long term according to the Employment Service. - What are the most common occupational health and safety risks?
- Exposure to heat, sparks and fumes, as well as noise, which is why protective equipment is mandatory. - What benefits are common for welders?
- Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses or work clothing. - How can a welder develop their career?
- Through further education and certifications, welders can advance to supervisory roles, specialist positions, or other technical professions.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29400 kr | 29400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29400 kr | 29400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30600 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33500 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34500 kr | 36100 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34600 kr | 36100 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 33700 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30600 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33500 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34500 kr | 36100 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34600 kr | 36100 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 33700 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30600 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33500 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34500 kr | 36100 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34600 kr | 36100 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 33700 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 32200 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33100 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 32400 kr | 34000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 32200 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33100 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 32400 kr | 34000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 32200 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33100 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 32400 kr | 34000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
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, period has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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