Welder, period

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Welder, period

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

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.

– statsskuld.se

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.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Welder, period is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Welder, period is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
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, 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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