Welder

The national minimum wage for all ordinary hours of work, including for welders, is R30.33 per hour effective 1 March 2026. This amounts to R5,914 per month for a standard 195-hour month. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the normal rate up to 15 hours per week.

Under the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council agreement effective 2024-2026, entry-level welders with N2 hold a minimum wage of R22,500 per month as of 1 July 2026. Qualified artisan welders earn R32,800 per month minimum. These rates apply to covered sectors like manufacturing.

Foreigners require a General Work Visa sponsored by a South African employer offering a position on the labour market test. The visa is issued for up to 5 years and requires proof of qualifications equivalent to South African standards plus a job offer at market-related salary of at least R30,333 per month in 2026. Processing takes 8-10 weeks via VFS Global.

A minimum N1-N3 technical certificate in welding or boiler making plus 18-24 months apprenticeship and a passing trade test (Red Seal) is required for artisan welder positions. Entry-level roles accept Grade 12 with N2 and 6 months on-the-job training. Registration with merSETA is mandatory for certification.