Over the last dozen years or so, the profession of a welder has become extremely financially profitable. People who have this profession in their hands can easily find a job both in the country and abroad. It is also no secret that employment in this position in Western European countries brings better wages. A welder’s earnings can be impressive! Therefore, with the opening of borders in Europe, many welders decided to emigrate, and this trend continues to this day. Are you thinking about leaving? Check how much a welder earns abroad!
How much does a welder earn?
The European labor 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 qualifications of a welder and are wondering whether to try to work abroad, we have prepared a short analysis of the rates that are offered for this position in various European countries for you.
It is worth mentioning at the beginning that, even within one country there may be differences in the rates offered by employers! They really depend on several factors. What kind? Let’s check it out!
- The first of them is, of course, the level of experience of the welder being employed. If you have a few years of work behind you, you can do most types of welds without any problems, you can also expect a higher salary. However, if you have little experience – this does not prevent you from starting work at a lower rate, which will increase over time.
- Another issue is the size of the company itself and its capital. Small plants that need welders will not be able to offer their employees such financial conditions as powerful enterprises. This does not mean, however, huge differences in rates, although they may exist.
- The last important factor that influences the diversification of welders’ payouts is the company’s location. When working in or near large cities, you can expect higher wages. Small towns, on the other hand, offer slightly worse financial conditions, but still attractive.
- It is also worth knowing that the easiest way to find a job is for a welder specializing in the MIG / MAG or TIG method – there is the greatest demand for such specialists.
How much does a welder earn in Germany?
A welder specializing in the MIG / MAG method, can count on a basic gross salary of EUR 1800-4000 per month, which gives an hourly wage of approximately EUR 12-17. TIG welders earn on average from 10 to 17 EUR gross per hour of work.
In the case of the AUTOGEN method, some companies propose a monthly payment of around EUR 1600-2000 gross, i.e. EUR 10-13 per hour. However, very experienced welders can find a job even at the rate of EUR 22 per hour. In many cases, the company also offers free or relatively cheap accommodation.
Interestingly, some companies in Germany also offer their employees a number of allowances, including, for example, diets, a bonus for working a certain period in the company, vacation and holiday allowances, 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 language, and some also require a category B driving license.
How much does a welder earn in the Netherlands?
A MIG / MAG welder in a Dutch company can earn around 1900-2500 EUR gross per month, which gives an hourly wage of EUR 12-15.50. And the ability to weld with the TIG method gives a gross rate of EUR 13-15 per hour. In the Netherlands, welders using the 111 method are also sought, who can count on earnings from 10.5 to 13 euro gross per hour. As in Germany, the best specialized specialists can receive a monthly salary of up to 3,200 euros, that is 20 euros per hour.
Many companies also offer their employees accommodation and provide free travel to work.
How much does a welder earn in France?
In France, for welders using the MIG / MAG method, depending on their skills and experience, the monthly salary is around EUR 2,000-2500, i.e. around EUR 13-17.8 per hour. Employees without knowledge of French and with around 2 years of experience in TIG welding can expect a salary of EUR 1600-2000 per month (approx. EUR 10-13 / h).
In France, despite the high hourly wages, the monthly wage may not be very high – this is due to the fact that, the weekly working standard time in France is 35 hours rather than 40 hours as in the most countries.
Some employers also provide free travel to work, rental of a company car or reimbursement of travel costs based on mileage, if the employee uses their car.
Wages of a welder in Scandinavia
Scandinavian countries also offer very attractive rates for people who know welding. Standard rates for welders with at least one year of experience in Sweden are around EUR 13-16 per hour, which is EUR 2400-3200 per month.
How much does a welder earn in Norway?
In Norway, a SAW welder with at least 3 years of experience can expect a monthly payment of NOK 36-38 thousand (EUR 3800-4100), unfortunately such good offers are rare! In the case of employment in a Danish company as a welder, the 136 hour rate is approximately EUR 21-22.5 (approximately EUR 3100-3200 per month).
Scandinavians expect from potential employees, communicative knowledge of English language, as well as a category B driving license.
How much will a welder earn 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 euro gross. On the other hand, Austria is also looking for TIG welders who earn between 2,300 and 2,500 euros gross per month. MIG or MAG welders can get a little more – up to EUR 2,600 gross per month. Switzerland is definitely taking the lead in the amount of remuneration, where hourly wages, converted into euro, start from 25 to even 30 gross.
Summary of rates for welders
| Country | Average gross earnings |
| Germany | 1600 – 2500 euro / month |
| Netherlands | 1900 – 2500 euro / month |
| France | 1700 – 2500 euro / month |
| Scandinavia | 2400 – 3200 euro / month |
| Austria | 2300 – 2600 euro / month |
| Belgium | 1600 – 2400 euro / month |
| Switzerland | 4000 – 4800 euro / month |
Is it worth working as a welder abroad?
Working as a welder abroad is definitely not a short-term undertaking. Most employers prefer people who are determined to stay in the company for longer. So if you want to work longer and have the right skills, you are the right employee that employers in the European Union are interested in!
So is it worth going abroad and working as a welder? Well, in fact, everyone has to calculate the advantages and disadvantages of going abroad for work. One thing is certain – the financial conditions in Western Europe that are offered to people with the profession of a welder, are much better than those offered in our country. So if the main reasons for this are related to remuneration – it is definitely worth it.
