Image that illustrates Inspectors, sawmills

Inspectors, sawmills

36 800 kr

Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

35 400 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Inspectors, sawmills

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 35 400 kr

What does an inspector at a sawmill do? – Tasks and work environment

An inspector at a sawmill is responsible for inspecting and assessing the quality of sawn timber before it proceeds in the production chain. The work involves careful checking of the wood’s surface, structure, and measurements, where the inspector identifies defects such as cracks, knots, and other flaws. Results are documented and often reported digitally, while sorting and labeling are done according to current standards. The work environment is industrial, often noisy and dusty, requiring good physical fitness as well as precision and endurance. Protective equipment is used regularly, and tasks are performed both individually and in close collaboration with colleagues in production.

Salary development over time

Inspectors in the sawmill industry have seen steady salary increases in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded salary for 2024 is 36 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for quality control in the wood industry as well as general wage development within the industrial sector. The market continues to need skilled workers with experience in inspection, which also helps maintain salary levels. Wage increases also reflect industry investments in technological development and quality assurance.

Inspector, sawmill salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 221 SEK
  • Men (average): 37 000 SEK/month
  • Women (average): 35,400 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 96% of men’s salaries
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries for men in regional sectors with high school education

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an inspector at a sawmill typically involves completing a vocational high school program focused on industry with specialization in wood technology or production. Practical experience from sawmills or other wood industries is often advantageous and sometimes a requirement. Additional courses in quality assurance and machinery handling can increase chances of employment and career development.

  • High school education: Industrial technical program, wood technology specialization (3 years)
  • Internship: On-the-job training at sawmills is common
  • Courses: Quality assurance, work environment, and machinery safety
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition, precision, and technical interest
  • Certifications: May be required depending on workplace and machinery

Many inspectors develop an almost intuitive sense for the properties of wood over time and can quickly determine quality by sight, which is highly appreciated by employers and colleagues.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Employees working as inspectors at sawmills are often offered benefits such as shift allowances for night and weekend work, wellness contributions, work clothing and protective gear, and sometimes bonuses linked to production targets. In addition to the base salary, pension contributions and insurance may be included in the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for inspector positions at sawmills varies depending on the region and economic situation. Large sawmill companies may face more intense competition, while smaller towns might offer more opportunities due to fewer applicants. A challenge is the technological development that demands increased digital skills and machinery handling. Physically demanding environments and monotonous tasks can also be stressful, making endurance and accuracy crucial qualities for success and job satisfaction.

Tips for those wanting to become inspectors at a sawmill

To succeed as an inspector at a sawmill, it’s good to have an eye for detail and a strong sense of quality. Developing a technical understanding of machines and processes can give an advantage, as can showing engagement during internships. Good physical fitness and endurance are important, as the work environment is often demanding and fast-paced. Being communicative and able to collaborate with colleagues facilitates daily work and improves the work environment. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new routines or technology are also valuable. It’s also wise to take initiative for further training in quality assurance or work environment topics, as this increases opportunities for development and specialization. Finally, responsibility and precision are highly valued since the inspector’s work directly impacts the final product’s quality.

Key facts about inspectors at sawmills

  • Education level: Vocational high school training
  • Work environment: Industrial, noisy, and dusty environment
  • Work pattern: Shift work is common
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession in 2024
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as an inspector at a sawmill, opportunities may open for roles such as quality manager, production technician, or supervisor within the wood industry. Some choose to further their education in production management or specialize in advanced quality assurance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the operator group within sawmills, it is difficult to give an exact future outlook due to limited data, but there is a clear demand for labor, with 1,437 job vacancies reported in 2024. Technological advancements and increased focus on sustainability may positively influence the profession’s content and skill requirements over time.

Common questions about inspectors at sawmills

  • What does an inspector at a sawmill earn?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 221 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become an inspector at a sawmill?
    - Vocational high school education with a focus on wood technology or industry is most common.
  • What does the work environment look like?
    - The work environment is industrial, often noisy and dusty, requiring good physical ability.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The outlook is uncertain, but there are many job openings within the profession.
  • What career paths are available?
    - Opportunities exist to advance to quality manager, production technician, or supervisor.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, the highest salaries are among men in regional sectors with high school education.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Inspectors, sawmills is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Inspectors, sawmills is 35400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 31000 kr 36300 kr
25-34 95% 32300 kr 36900 kr
35-44 96% 32400 kr 36400 kr
45-54 93% 32700 kr 37000 kr
55-64 97% 32900 kr 37200 kr
Snitt 96% 32400 kr 36800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Inspectors, sawmills has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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31 377
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