Image that illustrates Termite welder

Termite welder

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 Termite welder

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

What does a thermite welder do? – Tasks and working environment

A thermite welder primarily works on joining railway tracks and other metal structures using thermite welding, a method where extremely high temperatures are generated through a chemical reaction between aluminum and iron oxide. Tasks include preparing weld surfaces, handling thermite mixtures, monitoring the welding process, and performing post-weld inspections and quality control of weld joints. The work is mostly outdoors and may involve shift work, sometimes under time pressure and in varying weather conditions. Safety is a central aspect of the profession, as handling hot metals and chemicals requires precision and adherence to safety routines.

Salary development over time

The salary for thermite welders has shown positive growth over the past three years. 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 development represents a total increase of approximately 10.1% over three years. Factors driving the salary increase include increased demand for skilled welders in the railway sector, technical requirements, and competition for labor. Despite stable and positive salary growth, gender differences persist, with women earning on average 91% of men's salaries.

Thermite 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/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 91% of what men do
  • Regional differences: (information not available)

Education and qualifications

To work as a thermite welder, a high school education in industrial technology is usually required, supplemented with specialized courses in welding and safety. Many employers also require certification for thermite welding and practical experience from railway projects. The educational pathway combines theoretical knowledge with practical components and often includes on-the-job training.

  • High school: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certification: Specific thermite welding certificates and welding licenses
  • Practical training: On-site training within railway or construction industries
  • Courses: Safety and work environment, hot work, quality control
  • Prerequisites: Precision, technical interest, and good physical condition

Thermite welding is a unique technique mainly used to create strong, durable joints in railway tracks – a specialized skill combining craftsmanship with advanced chemistry. Few other welding professions require such a deep understanding of both technology and safety when working outdoors, often at irregular hours.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Thermite welders are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to holiday pay, overtime premiums for evening and night work, and occupational pensions. Many employers also offer wellness contributions, work clothing, and protective gear. Other common benefits include insurance, training opportunities, and sometimes per diems when working at different locations.

Competition and challenges

The profession of thermite welding falls within the welding and gas cutting trades, where the opportunities for work are considered large nationwide. However, recruitment difficulties are reported despite high unemployment within the trade, creating a paradoxical situation in the labor market. Challenges include finding individuals with the right certifications and experience, as well as attracting new people to the profession since the work environment can be demanding. Digitalization and automation affect some tasks, but the specialized craftsmanship of thermite welding continues to be in demand. According to the Employment Service's forecast, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.

Tips for aspiring thermite welders

To succeed as a thermite welder, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with a high sense of responsibility and stress tolerance. Precision is crucial, as each weld joint must meet high quality and safety standards. Physical endurance is also necessary since the work is often outdoors and physically demanding. Taking advantage of internship opportunities during education helps build experience and networks. Continuously updating certifications and knowledge in safety and new welding methods increases employability. Flexibility and willingness to work at inconvenient hours are advantageous, as is enjoying teamwork on larger projects. Engagement in the profession and a desire to learn continuously are valued by employers in the industry.

Key facts about thermite welders

  • Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest/highest salary: 32,500–38,200 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 91% of men's salaries
  • Education level: High school diploma + certification
  • Demand: Great job opportunities according to the Employment Service

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, thermite welders have opportunities to advance to more senior roles such as site supervisor, welding inspector, or trainer in welding. Some choose to specialize further in railway technology or move into project management. The forecast from the Employment Service shows that the job market for welders and gas cutters – including thermite welders – remains strong, with many vacancies (1,437 advertised positions nationwide). Over the next five years, demand is expected to stay stable despite some competition from automation and digitalization. Skills in multiple welding methods and broad experience support career development.

Frequently asked questions about thermite welders

  • What is the average salary of a thermite welder?
    - The average salary for a thermite welder is 35 900 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a thermite welder?
    - High school education in industrial technology and specialized certification in thermite welding are required.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for thermite welders?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and there are many job openings nationwide within the profession.
  • What are common employment benefits?
    - Collective agreements, overtime pay, occupational pension, wellness grants, and protective equipment are common benefits.
  • What is the highest salary earned by a thermite welder?
    - The highest salary is 38,200 SEK per month for men, 33,200 SEK for women.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, technical skills, sense of responsibility, and ability to work in teams are key qualities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Termite welder 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 Termite welder 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 Termite welder has the SSYK code 7212, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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