Welding Stainless Steel in the Czech Republic – Why It’s One of the Most Important (and Best-Paid) Skills in 2025
Stainless steel (AISI 304, 316L, 321, 1.4301, 1.4404…) isn't just "prettier steel". It's a material that has to survive aggressive environments – chemicals, seawater, food, pharmaceuticals, high temperatures and pressures. That's exactly why stainless steel welding is one of the highest-paid and most in-demand trades in the entire Czech Republic right now.
Why Stainless Steel Matters So Much in Czechia (2025)
The Czech Republic is a global leader in industries where perfect stainless welds are non-negotiable:
- Food & beverage (Prazdroj, Budvar, Madeta dairies, meat processors)
- Breweries and wineries – tanks, piping, fermenters
- Pharma & biotech (Zentiva, Lonza Biotech Klášterec, Contipro)
- Chemical industry (Spolana Neratovice, DEZA Valašské Meziříčí)
- Nuclear power (Temelín, Dukovany – secondary circuits, spent fuel pools)
- Shipyards & yachts (Aluship Technology – stainless + aluminium)
- Medical equipment (Linet hospital beds, Chirana instruments)
- Architecture & design (stainless railings, facades, swimming pools)
Result? According to the Czech Labour Office and the Czech Welding Society, in 2025 there is a permanent shortage of certified stainless steel welders – companies are offering 550–850 CZK/hour (sometimes more in Prague and Plzeň regions) and often cover accommodation and travel.
Who Desperately Needs Stainless Steel Specialists Right Now
Breweries and food-processing plants
Every tank, pipeline and CIP station must be TIG-welded with 316L or 308L filler, manually or orbitally – the weld must show no discoloration (only straw-yellow or silver allowed).
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
Requirement: welds to ASME BPE standard, full documentation, passivation, borescope inspection, Ra < 0.4 μm on the pipe inside.
Nuclear and conventional power plants
Secondary circuits in Temelín/Dukovany – stainless grades 321 and 347, pressure tests, 100 % radiographic inspection.
Manufacturers of stainless structures and locksmith companies
Luxury railings, pools, elevators, gastro equipment – usually TIG + plasma + polishing.
Service & maintenance companies
Repairs of stainless pipelines in chemical plants – most often orbital welding with Polysoude or Orbimatic machines.
How Much It Pays (2025)
- Manual TIG stainless (qualification 141): 600–850 CZK/hour
- Orbital welder (pipes up to DN100): 800–1,400 CZK/hour
- Welder with WPS/EN ISO 9606-1 for pressure equipment: 700–1,100 CZK/hour
- Welding supervisor / IWE on stainless projects: 90,000–140,000 CZK gross per month
Most Common Methods Used in Czechia for Stainless
- TIG (141) – ~80 % of all stainless welds
- Orbital TIG – pharma and food-grade tubing
- Plasma keyhole welding – thicker materials
- Pulsed MIG (131) or CMT – only rarely on structural stainless (faster but lower quality)
Where to Get Trained or Re-Certified in Czechia
- Czech Welding Institute Ostrava
- TUV NORD Czech – orbital courses
- SVV Praha – specialist in stainless and aerospace welds
- 2JCP Třebíč – free retraining courses for stainless (state-supported)
Conclusion
If you can weld stainless steel cleanly with TIG, you basically have guaranteed work in the Czech Republic for many years to come – and pay that ordinary structural welders can only dream of. Companies today don't care whether they pay 700 or 850 CZK per hour – they care where on earth they can find such a person.
Looking for stainless steel welding work, or looking for welders? Drop me a message – happy to connect people.