The average Welder salary in South Africa is R10,790.00 per month. Welders work in a variety of industries in South Africa, but they are most prevalent in the construction and mining industries. A welder’s salary can be very high, and other benefits can be included in his or her earnings.
The most common benefit given to welders in South Africa is a performance bonus. Welder performance bonuses range from R2,000.00 to R29,000.00 per year. Not many Welders in South Africa receive a bonus; in fact, only 29% of Welders in South Africa received a bonus in 2023. (Salary Explorer).
Those who received a bonus in 2023 reported that it ranged from 1% to 4% of their annual salary. Welders receive a low percentage of bonuses because their work is limited in terms of direct revenue generation. Those who work for a company that relies on welding for revenue are more likely to receive a bonus.
Contributions are another benefit that a Welder may receive from his or her employer. Contributions can go toward medical aid, a pension fund, life insurance, and other things. An employer can contribute to one or more of the contributions and contribute up to 50% of the monthly premiums due.
As a Welder’s income can be influenced by a variety of factors, so can his or her salary. Below, we look at the factors that influence a Welder’s salary.
Factors that influence the salary of a Welder
Level of Education
A Welder’s education level is important in determining their salary. On average, a Welder with some tertiary education earns more than one with no tertiary education. In South Africa, for example, the average monthly salary of a Welder with a high school certificate is R7,730.00.
A Welder with a national diploma earns 65% more than a Welder with a high school certificate, with those with a diploma earning an average monthly salary of R12,800.00. A Welder’s salary rises dramatically when he or she obtains a diploma.
Employer
A Welder’s salary is affected by the company for which they work. The employer has the final say on how much a Welder earns and what benefits are provided. Here are some of the best employers for welders, along with their hourly rates.
| Company Name | Average Rate per hour |
| Murray & Roberts | R115.00 |
| Transnet Rail Engineering | R107.00 |
| Steinmuller Engineering Services | R112.00 |
| Welfit Oddy | R66.00 |
City of Employment
The city where a welder is employed plays a role in determining their salaries. Here are the highest-paying cities in South Africa for Welders according to Indeed.com:
| # | City | Average Monthly Salary |
| 1 | Mpumalanga | R24,793.00 |
| 2 | Witbank, Mpumalanga | R19,391.00 |
| 3 | Rustenburg, North West | R19,350.00 |
| 4 | Johannesburg, Gauteng | R17,760.00 |
| 5 | Secunda, Mpumalanga | R16,751.00 |
| 6 | Bloemfontein, Free State | R15,940.00 |
| 7 | Cape Town, Western Cape | R13,288.00 |
Another factor influencing a Welder’s salary in South Africa is their level of experience. Below, we examine how a Welder’s level of experience influences his or her salary.
Salary of a Welder based on their level of experience in the field
Salary of a Welder with 0 – 2 years of work experience in 2024
A Welder with 0 to 2 years of experience can expect to earn R5,470.00 per month on average. Welders with the lowest monthly earnings are likely to be those with no work experience.
Welders with two years of work experience earn the most in this category, with an average monthly salary of R6,180.00.
Salary of a Welder with 3 – 5 years of work experience in 2024
A Welder with 3 to 5 years of experience can expect to earn R7,030.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 29% increase over the average salary of Welders with 0 to 2 years of experience.
Welders with 5 years of experience are the highest paid in this category, with an average monthly salary of R8,500.00. Welders with 3 years of experience earn the least in this category, with an average monthly salary of R6,430.00.
Salary of a Welder with 6 – 10 years of work experience in 2024
A Welder with 6 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn R9,700.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 38% increase over the average salary of Welders with 3 to 5 years of experience.
Welders with 10 years of experience and a diploma earn the most in this category, with an average monthly salary of R11,100.00. Welders with 6 years of experience earn the least in this category, with an average monthly salary of R8,890.00.
Salary of a Welder with 11 – 15 years of work experience in 2024
A Welder with 11 to 15 years of experience can expect to earn R12,000.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 24% increase over the average salary of Welders with 6 to 10 years of experience.
Those with 15 years of work experience earn the most in this category, with an average monthly salary of R12,500.00. Welders with 11 years of experience earn the least in this category, with an average monthly salary of R11,400.00.
Salary of a Welder with 16 – 20 years of work experience in 2024
A Welder with 16 to 20 years of experience can expect to earn R12,900.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 7% increase over the salary of Welders with 11 to 15 years of experience.
A Welder’s salary can reach R14,700.00 per month for Welders with 20+ years of experience and a diploma.
Conclusion
In South Africa, the salary of a Welder increases rapidly for those with 5 to 15 years of experience. Welders’ salaries can increase by 72% during the period, allowing for an annual average salary increase of 7%.
