The demand for workers in the heavy industry is constantly growing. The proof of this is the constantly growing number of offers from this industry on europa.jobs. Jobs in heavy industry: How much does an electrician, a locksmith, a CNC operator and a varnisher earn? Let’s check how the situation is in some EU countries!

Heavy industry is very popular, especially among young people who are just starting to work. There are many jobs in production that do not require qualifications, which makes it a good solution for the first job or a short holiday trip. On the other hand, more demanding professions, such as a locksmith or a varnisher, are very popular.
How much does an electrician earn?
In Germany for example, an electrician can earn from EUR 3500 to 4500 gross. Whereas in the Netherlands, the salary is from EUR 2800 – 3200 gross. People with more experience in this profession can count on higher salaries.
The main responsibilities of an electrician include:
- designing electrical installations and networks
- installation and commissioning of electrical machines and devices
- performing technical inspections
- maintenance and repair of electrical installations and devices
Construction worker – necessary qualifications, earnings
Country | Poland | Germany | Netherlands | France | Austria | Norway | Switzerland | Belgium |
Gross salary | 1119 – 1522 EUR | 3500 – 4500 EUR | 2800 – 3200 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3100 – 3600 EUR | 3700 – 4200 EUR | 5200 – 5500 EUR | 4200 – 4400 EUR |
How much does a locksmith earn?
The basic tasks of a locksmith include:
- creation of metal products
- reading technical drawings
- metalworking
- grinding
- cleaning of products
- quality control
Like in the position of an electrician, salaries for a locksmith also vary depending on skills and experience:
Country | Poland | Germany | Netherlands | France | Austria | Norway | Switzerland | Belgium |
Gross salary | 895 – 1298 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3200 – 3500 EUR | 2800– 3200 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3800 – 4200 EUR | 5000 – 5300 EUR | 3300 – 3500 EUR |
How much does a CNC Machine Operator earn?
What are the main tasks of a CNC machine operator?
- operation of milling machines, grinders, etc
- selection of materials for processing
- operation of CNC tools
- service works
Emigrating to other countries, you can earn much more!
Country | Poland | Germany | Netherlands | France | Austria | Norway | Switzerland | Belgium |
Gross salary | 1030 – 1343 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3200 – 3500 EUR | 3000 – 3200 EUR | 2800 – 3200 EUR | 3800 – 4200 EUR | 5000 – 5500 EUR | 3800 – 4000 EUR |
How much does a varnisher earn?
The varnisher is responsible, among others, for:
- varnishing of vehicles / equipment, etc.
- paint repairs / renovation
- application of a varnish coating
- proper use of paints
- adjusting the varnish to the serviced surface
Working as a bus driver – qualifications and earnings
About salaries for a varnisher, the situation is similar in each country:
Country | Poland | Germany | Netherlands | France | Austria | Norway | Switzerland | Belgium |
Gross salary | 895 – 1410 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 2800 – 3200 EUR | 3800 – 4200 EUR | 2700 – 3000 EUR | 3900 – 4200 EUR | 5200 –5700 EUR | 3800 – 4000 EUR |
Jobs in heavy industry – Summation
Country | Poland | Germany | Netherlands | France | Austria | Norway | Switzerland | Belgium |
Electrician | 1119– 1522 EUR | 3500 – 4500 EUR | 2800 – 3200 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3100 – 3600 EUR | 3700 – 4200 EUR | 5200 – 5500 EUR | 4200 – 4400 EUR |
Locksmith | 895 – 1298 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3200 – 3500 EUR | 2800– 3200 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3800 – 4200 EUR | 5000 – 5300 EUR | 3300 – 3500 EUR |
CNC Machine Operator | 1030 – 1343 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 3200 – 3500 EUR | 3000 – 3200 EUR | 2800 – 3200 EUR | 3800 – 4200 EUR | 5000 – 5500 EUR | 3800 – 4000 EUR |
Varnisher | 895 – 1410 EUR | 3000 – 3500 EUR | 2800 – 3200 EUR | 3800 – 4200 EUR | 2700 – 3000 EUR | 3900 – 4200 EUR | 5200 –5700 EUR | 3800 – 4000 EUR |