
Welder in Germany – what qualifications are required?
The demand for qualified welders in Germany remains very high and there is no indication that this trend will reverse in 2025. A welder is one of the best-paid and most valued professional groups in the industrial and construction sectors. German employers are looking for specialists who have practical experience and, at the same time, the appropriate qualifications confirming their qualifications.
Working as a welder in Germany is a chance for attractive earnings and the opportunity to work on prestigious projects. Welders work on steel structures, in the shipbuilding industry, in the assembly of rail and energy infrastructure elements…
Also read: Work for an electrician in Germany – requirements, earnings, offers
Table of contents:
What qualifications should a welder have when going to work in Germany?
Employment in Germany as a welder requires meeting several conditions. The most important of them is current welding qualifications – preferably in accordance with international standards (e.g. ISO 9606-1 or DIN EN 287-1). In many cases, German employers also recognize certificates issued in Poland, as long as they are compliant with the required methods and up to date. The most sought-after welders are those with qualifications in the following methods:
- 135 – MAG welding (active gas arc welding),
- 136 – flux cored wire welding,
- 141 – TIG welding (non-consumable tungsten electrode welding),
- 111 – coated electrode welding (MMA).
In addition to welding methods, some employers also require knowledge of technical drawing. In addition, the ability to work with documentation in German and experience in a specific environment – e.g. working with black steel, stainless steel or aluminum.
Welder in Germany. Legal work and verification of qualifications
However, in order to take up legal work as a welder in Germany, it is not enough to present certificates confirming qualifications. Employers may also require passing welding samples (so-called test samples). They are performed on-site at the employer’s or at a certified training center.
Thanks to our constrAction.app tool, candidates have the opportunity to prepare documents in advance and familiarize themselves with the requirements of a specific project. The application indicates which authorizations are necessary for a given offer. In turn, the team of coordinators helps in the process of recognizing qualifications.
In practice, the above information means that:
- The authorizations must be current – usually not older than 6-12 months.
- The certificate must include the welding method, position and type of material.
- In many cases, it is necessary to take a trial exam – performed in the presence of a controller or quality inspector.
Welder’s earnings in Germany
The remuneration of welders in Germany is among the highest in the technical industry. The rates depend primarily on the welding method, experience and region of work. The average welder with 135/136 authorization can count on a rate of 17 to 22 euros gross per hour. In the case of TIG welders (141) or those with experience in high-pressure pipes, the remuneration may exceed 25 euros per hour. The real earnings of a welder in Germany can therefore be as much as 3500–4500 euros gross per month.
Summary
Working as a welder in Germany is a huge opportunity! You can count on professional development, high earnings and stable employment in one of the most developed technical markets in Europe. However, the condition is to have current, recognized certificates and be ready to work in accordance with German standards.
Are you a welder and looking for current job offers in Germany? Are you wondering how much you could earn? We will help you find them. We are currently recruiting employees! Check out: Employee recruitment. Contact us and we will present you with an offer tailored to your needs.