Degreaser

What does a degreaser do? – Tasks and work environment

A degreaser primarily works within the industry and is responsible for cleaning and surface-treating metals or other materials before further production or painting. Tasks often include using chemical solutions, machines, or manual methods to remove grease, oil, and other contaminants from surfaces. The work usually takes place in production environments where time pressure and safety routines are central, and it is important to follow instructions for both quality and work environment. The role requires precision and the ability to work efficiently in a team, and the work environment can sometimes be noisy or involve exposure to chemicals, which demands protective equipment and good knowledge of safety regulations.

Salary development over time

The salary for degreasers has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month, increasing to 32 800 SEK in 2023 and further up to 35,200 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 13% over three years. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified machine operators in surface treatment, as well as a greater focus on work environment and quality within the industry. Additionally, inflation and general wage adjustments in the industry have influenced the development. Despite the salary increase, gender differences remain, with women still earning a lower average salary than men. Market demand for specialized skills and technical knowledge has contributed to maintaining stable and competitive salary levels.

Degreaser salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 212 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 35 700 SEK, women 32,400 SEK (91% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: The highest salary is found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a degreaser, usually no extensive formal education is required, but high school education with a focus on industry, engineering, or similar is often advantageous. Practical experience in industrial work or machine handling is valuable, and some employers may require internal training in chemical handling and safety routines. Workplace internships and introductions are common to quickly enter the profession.

• High school education: Industry, engineering, or technical programs (2–3 years)
• Workplace introduction: Practical training on-site
• Certifications: Work environment and chemical handling (sometimes required)
• Experience: Previous industrial work is advantageous
• Pre-skills: Precision and ability to follow instructions

Common benefits and compensations

Degreasers are often covered by collective agreements, which include access to occupational pension, insurance, overtime pay, and sometimes wellness subsidies. Work clothing, protective equipment, and safety training are usually provided by the employer. Other benefits may include subsidized lunches, staff discounts, and opportunities for further training within the company.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a degreaser is generally moderate but can vary depending on the region and industry demand. A challenge is that the profession involves exposure to chemicals and noise, requiring strict adherence to safety regulations and the use of protective gear. Changes within the industry, such as automation and higher environmental standards, demand increased skills development. Tasks can be monotonous and physically demanding, so endurance and accuracy are important qualities. At the same time, there are opportunities for those willing to further their education in production or quality assurance.

Tips for those who want to become a degreaser

To succeed as a degreaser, it is good to be meticulous and detail-oriented, as the quality of surface treatment often determines the final result. Showing responsibility and always following safety routines is crucial because the work may involve handling chemicals and machinery. Good teamwork skills facilitate working in production teams where tasks often depend on others. Being flexible and adaptable makes it easier to handle different tasks and quickly learn new techniques or methods. Initiative is appreciated by employers, especially when reporting deviations or suggesting process improvements. For those interested in technical solutions and development, taking the initiative for further training or certifications can be wise. Patience is also important, as some tasks can be monotonous and require a steady work pace over longer periods.

Key facts about Degreasers

• Education level: High school, often industry or engineering
• Work environment: Industry, often involving chemical handling and noise
• Common work form: Shift work is common
• Demand: 1,437 job openings in spring 2024
• Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the share of women is increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a degreaser, there are opportunities to move into more specialized roles within surface treatment, machine operation, or quality control. Further education towards production technology or supervisory roles is also common. Forecasts from the Employment Service show continued demand for jobs within industrial manufacturing, although no precise assessment exists for degreasers due to limited data. Those interested in developing within the industry can therefore expect good opportunities for employment and advancement, especially within larger companies or groups that encourage internal mobility.

Frequently asked questions about Degreasers

• What does a Degreaser earn?
  - The average salary for a degreaser is 35,200 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 35 700 SEK and women 32,400 SEK, which means women earn 91% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a degreaser?
  - High school education in industry or engineering is most common, along with internal training and sometimes certifications in work environment safety.
• What does the work environment look like for degreasers?
  - The work often takes place in industrial settings with noise and chemicals, requiring protective gear and attention to detail.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - After a few years, degreasers can advance to roles in quality control, production engineering, or supervisory positions.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - At the beginning of 2024, there were 1,437 job openings in the occupational group of machine operators, surface treatment.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a degreaser?
  - The highest salary is 36,200 SEK and the lowest is 32,400 SEK.