MIG/MAG Welder in the Netherlands
This is a practical role profile for MIG/MAG Welding assignments in the Netherlands—most commonly steel fabrication, structural components, and production welding in workshops or on industrial sites. Openings are project-based, so exact tasks, schedule and location can differ by client.
Gross pay range and what drives the rate
Pay guidance (gross)
Typical market ranges for MIG/MAG welders in the Netherlands often land around the low-to-mid €20s gross per hour, with variation by experience and sector. We show a realistic project range of €18.00–€27.50 gross/hour.
| Profile | Gross pay (EUR/hour) | Typical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / steady workshop welder | €18.00–€20.50 | Basic fabrication, consistent output, follows instructions |
| Experienced MIG/MAG (test weld passes) | €20.50–€24.50 | Reads drawings/WPS, controls distortion, clean finishing |
| High-skill structural / tight tolerances | €24.50–€27.50 | Certs a plus (ISO 9606-1), complex assemblies, QC focus |
Pay depends on province/city, client sector, collective agreement (CAO), shift pattern, and your verified experience. Public salary benchmarks also show averages around ~€21/hour gross for MIG welder roles, but project offers can be lower or higher.
Overtime, shifts, and premiums
Dutch projects commonly apply premiums for overtime and special hours under sector rules/collective agreements. Exact conditions are assignment-specific (confirmed before acceptance).
Sector CAOs (e.g., metal and electrical engineering) define how overtime premiums can be applied; the exact percentages vary by time/day and agreement.
What makes these MIG/MAG roles different (hiring story)
Many Dutch clients do not hire welders “by title” alone—they hire repeatable quality. On most projects, the first filter is your CV (recent welding experience, materials, thicknesses, positions), and the second filter is practical: a test weld and visual/measurement checks.
The strongest candidates are the ones who can explain what they welded recently, how they controlled heat input, and how they work with drawings/WPS without supervision. If that sounds like you, this track is typically a good match.
The work: day-to-day responsibilities
Daily tasks (practical)
- Perform MIG/MAG welding (process 135/136) on steel components to required quality.
- Prepare joints: fit-up, tack, alignment, bevel prep as needed.
- Set parameters, select wire/gas, and follow WPS or client instructions where provided.
- Control distortion and clean/finish welds (grinding, deburring) when required by spec.
- Work with jigs/fixtures, measure, and support QC checks (visual + dimensional).
Project scope can be production welding, fabrication, or structural assemblies—confirmed per assignment.
Tools, materials, standards
Common environment elements (varies by site):
Certificates and standards that can be relevant (not always mandatory): ISO 9606-1 (welder qualification), EN 1090 awareness for structural components, and basic safety credentials (e.g., VCA on some sites).
Requirements and strong advantages
Minimum expectations
- Proven MIG/MAG welding experience in a workshop, fabrication, or industrial setting.
- Ability to follow instructions and maintain consistent weld quality.
- Basic drawing understanding (or the ability to learn fast on-site).
- Professional approach to safety: PPE use, clean workstation, disciplined process.
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
Strong advantages
- Current welding certificates (e.g., ISO 9606-1) and/or documented test results.
- Experience with structural steel, thicker materials, or tight tolerances.
- Comfort working to WPS and maintaining traceability when required.
- Basic English for safety instructions; additional languages are a plus.
- Driver’s license and ability to commute (project-dependent).
Candidate fit
You are a good fit if you…
- Can produce consistent welds without constant supervision.
- Have recent MIG/MAG experience with steel components (not only hobby/occasional work).
- Are comfortable with fit-up, tack welding, and correcting alignment.
- Can pass a basic test weld and accept QC feedback professionally.
- Understand the importance of parameters, prep, and clean finishing.
- Can communicate basic work/safety topics in English (or can learn quickly).
- Keep your CV and employment history clear and verifiable.
This role is not for you if you…
- Prefer only TIG welding and do not want MIG/MAG work.
- Cannot work to instructions or refuse test welds/quality checks.
- Struggle with basic preparation (fit-up, cleaning, grinding as required).
- Expect guaranteed locations/shift patterns before screening and matching.
- Do not have a CV (applications without a CV are not processed).
Conditions on Dutch projects (practical, non-promissory)
Typical conditions
- Working week commonly around 38–40 hours; overtime depends on workload and site policy.
- Safety is strict: PPE, housekeeping, and site instructions are expected.
- Tools may be provided by client; sometimes personal hand tools are useful (confirmed per project).
- Probation / initial trial periods can apply depending on contract structure.
If accommodation or travel support is part of the project package, terms and any deductions (if applicable) are confirmed before you accept the offer.
What we need from you (to move fast)
- English CV (clear dates, tasks, materials, processes, thickness range).
- Passport / ID document details for verification.
- Certificates (if you have them) and any proof of experience.
- Availability date and whether you can travel/relocate for projects.
Documents and work authorization (non-EU applicants)
Non-EU candidates are welcome to apply. Work authorization requirements depend on the employer, project duration, and the exact arrangement (for example, employer-specific authorization and/or a combined residence/work route). In the Netherlands, common employer routes include a work permit path (TWV) and a combined residence/work permit (GVVA), depending on the case.
- Valid passport (and, if applicable, current residence status in the EU/Schengen).
- CV + supporting documents (certificates, references, proof of experience).
- Basic background checks may apply for certain industrial clients (project-dependent).
- For posted-work arrangements, employer notifications and social security documentation may apply (handled case-by-case).
We confirm the relevant route after screening, because requirements differ significantly by nationality, duration, and client.