For over a dozen years, the welder’s profession has become extremely financially profitable. Experts in this field can find a job without any problems both in the country and abroad. It is also no secret that employment in this position in Western European countries brings better earnings. That is why, along with the opening of borders in Europe, many Polish welders decided to emigrate. Are you thinking about it? Check how much the welder earns abroad!
How much does a welder earn?
The European labour market is still insatiable and many foreign companies are still looking for more or less experienced welders, offering very attractive working conditions. If you have the welder’s qualifications and are wondering whether to try to work abroad, we have prepared a short analysis of rates that are offered for this position in various European countries.
It is worth mentioning that even within one country there may be differences in the rates offered by employers! In fact, they depend on several factors. What? Let’s find out.
- The first one is of course the level of experience of the welder. If you have several years of work behind you, you perform most types of welds without problem, you can also expect a higher salary. However, if you have little experience – this is not an obstacle to start working at a lower rate, which will increase over time.
- Another issue is the size of the company and its capital. Small plants that need welders will not be able to offer their employees financial conditions like powerful enterprises. However, this doesn’t mean huge differences in rates, although they may occur.
- The last important factor that affects the diversity of payouts for welders is the company location. When working in or near large cities, higher rates can be expected. Small towns offer slightly worse financial conditions, but still attractive.
- It is also worth knowing that it’ll be very easy to find a job for welders specializing in the MIG/MAG or TIG method – there’s the most demand for such specialists.
Work for a welder in Germany – How much does a welder earn in Germany?
A welder specializing in the MIG/MAG method can count on a basic gross salary of 1800-4000 EUR per month, which gives the hourly rate at around 12-17 EUR. TIG welders earn an average of 10 to 17 EUR gross per working hour. In the case of the AUTOGEN method, some companies offer a monthly salary of around 1,600-2,000 EUR gross, or 10-13 EUR per hour. Very experienced welders, however, can find a job even at a rate of22 EUR per hour. In many situations, the company also offers free or relatively cheap accommodation.
Interestingly, some companies in Germany also offer their employees a number of supplements, for example, a subsistance allowance, a bonus for working for some period in the company, holidays allowance, and even a bonus for encouraging a welder’s friend to work in a given company.
Most employers also require at least communicative knowledge of German, and some also a driving license category B.
Work for a welder in the Netherlands – How much does a welder earn in the Netherlands?
A MIG / MAG welder in a Dutch company can earn about 1900-2500 EUR gross monthly, which gives an hourly rate of 12-15.50 EUR. The TIG welder can earn about 13-15 EUR gross per hour. The Netherlands is also looking for welders using method 111, who can count on earnings from 10.5 to 13 EUR gross per hour. As in Germany, highly specialized welders can receive a monthly salary of up to 3,200 EUR, or 20 EUR per hour.
Many companies also offer their employees accommodation and provide free commute.
Dutch companies also expect communicative language skills. However, not Dutch, but German or English, which is a big help. The companies often require to have a driving license.
Work for welders in France
In France, in case of welders using the MIG/MAG method, depending on the skills and experience, the monthly salary is around 2000-2500 EUR or around 13-17.8 EUR per hour. Employees without French language skills and with approximately 2 years of experience in TIG welding can expect a salary of 1600-2000 EUR per month (approx. 10-13 EUR/h). In France, despite high hourly rates, the monthly salary may not be very high – this is due to the fact that the weekly working time in France is 35 hours, not 40 hours as in most countries.
Some employers also provide free commuting, renting a company car or a mileage allowance if the employee uses his own car.
Work for welders in Scandinavia
Also Scandinavian countries offer very attractive rates for welders. Standard rates for welders with at least one year of experience in Sweden are 13-16 EUR per hour, which gives 2400-3200 EUR monthly. In Norway, a SAW welder with at least 3 years of experience can expect a monthly payment of 36-38,000 NOK (3800-4100 EUR), unfortunately, such good offers are rare! In the case of employment in a Danish company as a welder, the 136 hour rate is around 21-22.5 EUR (approx. 3100-3200 EUR monthly).
The Scandinavians expect communicative knowledge of English as well as a driving license category B.
Work for a welder in other European countries
MIG, MAG or TIG welding specialists can also find work in less popular emigration countries. MIG/MAG welders in Belgium can count on earnings from 10 to 15 EUR gross. In Austria, in turn,TIG welders are also sought, who earn between 2300 and 2500 EUR gross monthly. MIG or MAG welders can earn slightly more – even 2600 EUR gross per month. Switzerland is definitely on the lead when it comes to remuneration, where hourly rates, converted into EUR, start from 25 to even 30 EUR gross.
Summary of rates for welders
Is it worth it?
Working as a welder abroad is definitely not a short-term venture. Most employers prefer people, who are determined to stay in the company for longer. So if you need a long-term work and have the right skills, you are an employee who is needed in the European Union!
Is it worth going abroad?
Well, in fact everyone must think of the advantages and disadvantages of going abroad for work. One thing is certain – financial conditions in Western Europe, which are offered to people who are experts in welding, are much better than those offered in our country. So if the salary is the most important factor – it’s definitely worth it.
