Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 62'380 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 65'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 69'944 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 71'146 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 75'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 75'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
Schweissfachmann/-frau BP / International Welding Specialist
You plan, monitor and inspect welding work according to international standards.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Specialists plan manufacturing processes. You choose the right methods. You monitor quality. You ensure strict safety standards are met.
Precise welds are essential in modern metalworking. Schweissfachmann/-frau BP / International Welding Specialist take charge of planning and controlling complex manufacturing processes. You check technical drawings. You choose the right materials and methods. You focus on cost efficiency and top safety standards. Qualified monitoring and inspection guarantee flawless results for critical structures and industrial plants.
FieldMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryAutomotive
Swissdoc 0.554.16.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Welding Operator. Based on 881 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+8% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 66'300 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 70'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 69'615 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 71'577 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Solothurn | CHF 79'925 | 17 |
| Basel-Stadt | CHF 78'500 | 30 |
| Schwyz | CHF 78'050 | 14 |
| Aargau | CHF 75'400 | 46 |
| Fribourg | CHF 74'268 | 22 |
| Thurgau | CHF 74'250 | 26 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 80'000 | 27 |
| Utilities | CHF 72'500 | 20 |
| Machine / System construction | CHF 72'000 | 239 |
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 71'538 | 54 |
| Commercial operation / Skilled crafts | CHF 69'307 | 170 |
| Consumer / Luxury goods industry | CHF 67'679 | 7 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Schweissfachmann/-frau mit eidg. Fachausweis
- ⏱ 41 Tage, verteilt über mehrere Monate
Official education path
You complete specialized training. This prepares you for the federal exam for International Welding Specialist.
Typical training path
Schweissfachmann/-frau mit eidg. Fachausweis
Prerequisites
- Diplom International/European Welding Practitioner and at least 2 years of professional experience in welding technology
- Bachelor of Science (Engineer) and at least 2 years of professional experience
- dipl. Techniker HF Metallbau/Metall- und Fassadenbautechniker/in HF and at least 2 years of professional experience
- eidg. Diplom as Metallbaumeister and at least 2 years of professional experience in welding technology
- eidg. Fachausweis as Metallbau-Werkstatt- und Montageleiter/in, Metallbaukonstrukteur/in or Betriebsfachmann/Prozessfachmann/-frau in the metal industry and at least 2 years of professional experience in welding technology
- Completion of at least 90% of the training lessons according to IIW guidelines (International Institute of Welding)
Where this can lead
You can enter via a federal vocational certificate in a metal trade or a Diploma as European Welding Practitioner. Engineers or higher professional school graduates can also specialize.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Standards knowledge
- Technical understanding
- Quality awareness
- Safety mindset
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the control panel. You check the feasibility of new parts using technical drawings. You select the right welding parameters. You instruct the team to ensure a safe working environment.
- You plan welding work. You consider technical and economic factors.
- You check technical drawings. You verify the feasibility of orders.
- You choose suitable materials. You select the right welding methods for different metals.
- You control welding parameters. You aim for optimal results and clean joints.
- You monitor the work of certified welders. You check the quality.
- You carry out visual and magnetic particle tests. You detect errors early.
- You document all welding data. You ensure material traceability.
- You ensure strict compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Working conditions
You work in steel, machinery and plant engineering companies. You also work in vehicle and aircraft operations. You can also work in repair workshops or as a freelancer.
Where to learn
- Schweizerischer Verein für Schweisstechnik SVS St.Alban-Rheinweg 222, 4052 Basel
Strengths
- Standards knowledge
- Technical understanding
- Quality awareness
- Safety mindset
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Strict standards
- Physical strain
- Shift work
06 · Similar
