Welding

Welding work in South Africa: what it costs and what to specify

Updated 4 November 2026

Welding in South Africa is quoted per job, so there is no single price list to compare. Equipment prices are a useful reference: a 120 A inverter welder is listed at about R 1,355 and a 160 A at R 2,310, and welding courses start from about R 7,468 (approximately, according to sellers' websites, November 2026). For a quote on your job, describe it on BlaBlaPrice.

What the price depends on

• what is to be welded, and the type of metal
• the dimensions and thickness, in millimetres
• whether the work is a call-out on site or a job in a workshop
• who supplies the metal, and whether a coating needs to be redone
• the site address and the deadline

Certificates to ask for

The sources point to qualifications and certificates rather than a licence for welders. A welder's occupational certificate is a three-year programme, and some short courses, such as CO2 welding, end with a certificate. Ask whether the welder holds a welding certificate, and for a structural job, which process and standard they work to.

Season and working conditions

Summer, December to February, brings strong afternoon heat, so plan outdoor welding for the morning. Winter, June to August, is cooler, which suits long days of outdoor work. Either way, ask the welder to bring the protective equipment for the job and to confirm the work area is safe before they start.

How welding is bought here

Work is booked by the job, with measurements in millimetres and metal in metres or sheets. The welder needs the site address in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha, and will often ask whose metal is used. Say whether you want a call-out to your site or a pickup to a workshop.

What to write in the request

Mention what needs welding, the metal (steel, aluminium or stainless), the dimensions, whether you supply the metal, whether a coating is needed, the site address, your deadline and your budget. A photo of the broken part helps the welder quote before the visit.

BlaBlaPrice's AI reads your request, asks for missing measurements and checks local price lists in South Africa. Welders registered on BlaBlaPrice reply in the chat with their price and terms, and your contact details stay hidden until you choose to share them. For related work see Construction services and Finishing work.