Jobs: Welder
High-demand skilled trade in shipyards, construction, and manufacturing across EU
Quick facts: Welder jobs in EU
- Average salary
- Welders in Germany earn €17-26/h according to EURES 2026 data. Finland €16-24/h, Netherlands €17-25/h, Norway €20-30/h (offshore +50%).
- Top countries
- Norway (offshore premium), Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Poland (shipyards)
- Language requirements
- German A2 sufficient for most sites. English A2-B1 for Norway/Finland. Polish/Russian very common on Eastern European crews.
- Required documents
- EU passport or work permit. Welding certifications (MIG/MAG, TIG, electrode) according to EN ISO 9606. Certificate type determines salary bracket.
- Time to hire
- 10-18 days through GigaMatch with AI matching
About Welder jobs in EU
Welders are skilled metalworkers who join metal parts using heat and pressure. In the European Union, welders are in consistently high demand across multiple industries including shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing, and the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
The profession offers excellent wages, particularly for specialized welding types. TIG welders and those with pipeline certifications command premium rates. The offshore sector in Norway and the North Sea offers the highest earnings, with qualified welders often earning 50% more than onshore positions.
Working as a welder in the EU involves various techniques depending on the industry: MIG/MAG for construction and manufacturing, TIG for precision work and stainless steel, and electrode welding for field repairs and heavy construction. Many positions involve working on large infrastructure projects including wind turbines, bridges, and industrial facilities.
For workers from Poland and Ukraine, welding is one of the most accessible paths to employment in Western Europe. Ukrainian welding certifications are generally well-regarded, though EN ISO 9606 certification may be required for certain projects. The profession provides good work-life balance with regular hours on most construction sites.
Welder salaries in EU (2026)
| Country | Hourly rate | Monthly (net) | With certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇴Norway | €20-30/h | €3,000-4,500 | Offshore +50% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | €17-26/h | €2,400-3,600 | TIG +20% |
| 🇫🇮Finland | €16-24/h | €2,300-3,400 | +15% |
| 🇳🇱Netherlands | €17-25/h | €2,400-3,500 | +15% |
| 🇵🇱Poland (shipyards) | €10-15/h | €1,400-2,100 | +10% |
Responsibilities
- MIG/MAG welding for construction and manufacturing
- TIG welding for precision and stainless steel work
- Read and interpret welding blueprints and symbols
- Prepare metal surfaces for welding
- Inspect welds for defects and quality
Requirements
- 2+ years of welding experience
- EU passport or valid work permit
- Welding certifications (MIG/MAG, TIG, or electrode)
- German A2 for Germany; English A2-B1 for Norway/Finland
- Physical fitness and good hand-eye coordination
Example job listings
DEMO - Onboarding employersThese are sample listings shown during employer onboarding. Sign up to be notified when real positions are posted.
GigaMatch vs other platforms
| Feature | GigaMatch | OLX Praca | EURES | Layboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI matching | — | — | — | |
| Free for workers | ||||
| Verified employers only | — | — | ||
| 8 languages | — | — | — | |
| Mobile app | — | — | ||
| AI CV improvement | — | — | — |
Fair notes: Layboard has been operating since 2014 with a larger Russian-speaking community. OLX Praca has ~13M monthly users in Poland. EURES is the official EU portal with direct access to public job listings.
Frequently asked questions
Which welding certification pays the most?
Are Ukrainian welding certificates valid in the EU?
What is offshore welding and how to get started?
Does GigaMatch charge fees for welders?
Related professions
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