5213 Welding trades

In short

• ONS unit group 5213, in minor group 521 (Metal forming, welding and related trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £34,900 (£17.90 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £29,500 (£15.13 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Welding trades workers join metal parts by welding, brazing and soldering, and cut and remove defects from metal using a variety of equipment and techniques.

Typical entry routes

Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically by apprenticeship incorporating practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs at levels 1, 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available. Welders must normally pass a competency test in the particular type of welding to be carried out.

Tasks

• selects appropriate welding equipment such as electric arc, gas torch, etc.
• connects wires to power supply, or hoses to oxygen, acetylene, argon, carbon dioxide, electric arc, or other source and adjusts controls to regulate gas pressure and rate of flow
• cuts metal pieces using gas torch or electric arc
• guides electrode or torch along line of weld, burns away damaged areas, and melts brazing alloy or solder into joints
• cleans and smooths weld
• checks finished workpiece for defects and conformity with specification

Related job titles

• Fabricator-welder
• Fitter-welder
• Spot welder
• Welder
• Welding technician

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5213 Welding trades

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Braziers and solderers
• Pipe welders
• Plate welders
• Welding trades not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£34,900 (£17.90 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5213 Welding trades

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5215

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Braziers and solderers
• Pipe welders
• Plate welders
• Welding trades not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£29,500 (£15.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 521

• 5211 Sheet metal workers
• 5212 Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations
• 5214 Pipe fitters

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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