Ranking of Welding Methods: Where Are the Highest Salaries Today?
The welding market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While overall demand for metal joining services remains strong, the gap in pay between different methods and specializations is becoming increasingly pronounced. For professionals planning career growth or renegotiating employment terms, understanding which certifications serve as real bargaining power is essential.
Method 141 (TIG): Precision That Pays the Most
TIG welding consistently ranks at the top of the pay scale. This is because it is considered the most technically demanding and physically intensive method. In 2026, the highest salaries are found in three key sectors:
- Pharmaceutical and food industry:
Welding stainless steel piping (material group 8) to a “mirror finish” standard. Specialists in this field working in Poland can earn approximately:
➡️ €2,800 – €3,700 net/month - Nuclear and conventional energy:
Welding thick-walled pipes subject to full radiographic testing (RT). Hourly rates for experienced welder-fitters often translate to:
➡️ €4,000+ net/month - Yachting sector:
Working with aluminum requires not only precision but also an excellent understanding of AC current parameters. The shortage of specialists keeps salaries at:
➡️ €2,300+ net/month
Importantly, in TIG welding, the material group has a critical impact on earnings. Working with carbon steel typically results in salaries about 25% lower compared to certifications for titanium or nickel alloys.
Methods 135/136 (MAG/FCAW): Industrial Backbone and “Productivity Pay”
Despite the prestige of TIG, methods 135 (MAG) and 136 (FCAW – flux-cored wire) form the backbone of industrial welding.
MAG (135) dominates in terms of job availability, but its popularity creates a wide salary range—from basic workshop tasks to highly specialized projects:
- Beginner: €1,100 – €1,300 net/month
- Specialist: €1,500 – €2,000 net/month
- Expert: €2,100 – €2,700 net/month
A noticeable financial jump occurs with method 136. Welders capable of multi-pass welding of thick structures (above 20 mm) typically earn 15–25% more than standard MAG welders:
- Beginner: €1,200 – €1,600 net/month
- Specialist: €2,000 – €2,500 net/month
- Expert: €2,600 – €3,500 net/month
Method 111 (Shielded Metal Arc Welding): Field Specialization
Method 111 (stick welding) is gradually losing its role as the primary technology in modern production halls, where it is being replaced by more efficient MAG processes. However, it remains indispensable in specific niches.
- Workshop-based welders working on repairs of agricultural or construction machinery typically earn:
➡️ €1,200 – €1,500 net/month
The real earning potential in method 111 begins outside the workshop. Fieldwork—often at heights or in trenches—comes with additional allowances that significantly increase income:
- Pipeline construction, district heating systems, and the extraction sector:
➡️ €2,300+ net/month
Important Note
The above figures apply to specialists with:
- valid certifications (ISO 9606-1)
- the ability to read technical drawings
Natural skill alone, without formal qualifications and theoretical knowledge, can reduce a worker’s market value by 20–30%.
Key Takeaways
- TIG (141) offers the highest earning potential, especially in high-spec industries
- FCAW (136) provides strong income growth for experienced welders
- MAG (135) ensures job stability but with wide salary variation
- SMAW (111) becomes highly profitable in demanding field conditions
Editorial Note
This analysis is based on:
- 500+ job postings (February 2026)
- salary reports from technical recruitment agencies
- interviews with supervisory personnel (IWE/IWI level)