Salaries

What does a welder earn in Germany?

Dr. Anna Hocker
Dr. Anna Hocker
Digitalization and HR Expert in the Construction Industry
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Published on 25th Sep 20245 min read

The welding trade is an important profession in Germany, needed in many industries such as mechanical engineering, vehicle construction, steel construction, and shipbuilding. As a qualified welder, you have good prospects for a secure job with a competitive income. But how high is the salary for welders really? In this article, you will learn more about the earning potential of welders in Germany. We will look at the average annual gross salary, the possible salary range, and the salaries in the largest cities. Additionally, we will show you which factors can influence your salary as a welder.

Average salary for welders in Germany

According to the Federal Statistical Office, the average gross annual salary for welders and cutters in Germany in 2022 was 38,300 euros.

This is a solid starting salary in this profession. With increasing work experience and further training, salary increases are usually possible.

Salary range for welders in Germany

The earning possibilities for welders are quite varied. According to job postings, the salary range usually lies between 32,500 euros and 45,900 euros per year.

The minimum corresponds to the entry-level salary for beginners. With professional experience and additional qualifications, typically, upgrades to the maximum salary are possible.

Regionally, there may be deviations from this salary range depending on the industry and company size.

Salaries for Welders in the Largest Cities

Let's now take a look at the salaries for welders in the largest cities in Germany:

CityAverage SalarySalary Range
Stuttgart38,800 €32,400 € - 45,400 €
Munich37,600 €32,100 € - 43,000 €
Cologne36,800 €30,500 € - 42,500 €
Bonn35,700 €30,300 € - 41,800 €
Hamburg35,600 €30,800 € - 41,900 €
Essen35,500 €30,000 € - 40,600 €
Duisburg35,400 €29,700 € - 40,800 €
Dortmund35,000 €29,600 € - 40,600 €
Wuppertal34,900 €29,700 € - 40,200 €
Nuremberg34,700 €29,700 € - 40,000 €
Bielefeld34,700 €30,000 € - 39,800 €
Münster34,700 €29,600 € - 39,900 €
Düsseldorf34,700 €29,600 € - 39,900 €
Frankfurt am Main34,600 €29,700 € - 40,000 €
Bochum34,200 €29,400 € - 39,300 €
Bremen34,100 €29,200 € - 39,300 €
Hanover33,700 €28,900 € - 38,800 €
Berlin32,600 €27,800 € - 37,600 €
Leipzig32,000 €27,700 € - 35,600 €
Dresden31,000 €26,900 € - 35,200 €

Here it shows that welders in southern Germany tend to earn better than in northern and eastern Germany. Salaries often align with the economic strength of the region.

The cost of living also varies regionally, so the net income in expensive cities like Munich, despite higher salaries, sometimes does not turn out to be much more generous.

Factors that influence a welder's salary

Several factors determine the amount you earn as a welder:

  • Work experience: With increasing experience, salaries usually rise as well. Career starters usually begin with entry-level salaries.

  • Further training: Additional qualifications such as master craftsman certificate, technician degree, or welding engineer increase earning potential.

  • Specialization: Depending on the focus (e.g., stainless steel welding, aluminum welding), there may be differences in earnings.

  • Company size: Large industrial companies often pay more than small craft businesses.

  • Industry: Pay varies between vehicle construction, mechanical engineering, steel construction, etc.

  • Region: In economically strong areas, wages are higher.

  • Collective agreement: Being bound to collective wages positively affects the salary.

  • Working hours: Overtime or shift bonuses increase gross income.

Professional Development for Welders

As a welder, you have good opportunities to advance your career and achieve a higher salary.

The following training programs offer you new development opportunities:

  • Master certificate: As a welding master, you can start your own business.

  • Technician: With a state-certified technician, your career prospects improve.

  • Industrial master: This qualification opens the way for you in the industry.

  • Welding engineer: An engineering degree allows for higher positions.

  • Trainer: The aptitude test for trainers qualifies you to teach apprentices.

With such qualifications, higher salaries of over 50,000 euros per year are typically possible.

Conclusion

Welders in Germany earn an average of about 38,300 euros gross per year. The salary range varies from starting salaries around 32,500 euros to top earnings of 45,900 euros.

Payment depends on factors such as work experience, further education, specialization, company, and region. In southern Germany, wages are often higher than in the north or east.

With professional development to master, technician, or welding specialist, advancement opportunities and significant salary increases are possible. As a qualified welder, you therefore have excellent earning prospects.

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