Inspectors, stone products

What does an inspector within stone products do? – Tasks and work environment

An inspector within stone products is responsible for quality control and final inspection of processed stone materials, such as granite, marble, and limestone, before they are delivered to customers or further processed. Tasks include careful inspection of surfaces, measurements, and structure to ensure products meet internal quality standards and customer specifications. It may also involve documenting deviations, reporting errors, and suggesting measures to improve production quality. The work environment is often production-oriented, involving both indoor and outdoor work, where protective equipment and safety routines are essential parts of daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for an inspector within stone products has shown positive development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,500 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 33 800 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a more noticeable salary increase, with the average rising to 38 000 SEK. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 12.4% over two years. This trend can be explained by increased demand for quality control in the construction and civil engineering sectors, as well as general salary increases within the profession of stonemasons and similar trades. A certain skills shortage and need for experienced personnel have also contributed to rising wages, while the specialized nature of the profession means employers are often willing to pay more for the right skills.

Inspector, stone products salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 000 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: Data unavailable, but varies depending on experience and location
• Hourly wage: 228 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn an average of 38 300 SEK, data on women is unavailable
• Regional differences: Specific salary data is lacking, but wages are often influenced by proximity to the stone industry and construction sector

Education and qualifications

To work as an inspector within stone products, a high school education with a technical or industrial focus is usually required, preferably complemented by experience in stone processing or construction production. Practical knowledge of materials science, reading drawings, and quality control are important qualifications. Some employers may also require specific certificates or courses related to work environment and safety.

• High school education: Industrial or construction technical focus, 3 years
• Certifications: Work environment, safety, and sometimes machine operation permits
• Practical experience: Practical experience from the stone industry or related fields is highly meritorious
• Prerequisites: Attention to detail, good physical condition, and technical interest
• Courses/advanced training: Opportunities for specialized courses through industry organizations

Common benefits and compensations

Employment as an inspector within stone products often includes collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and extra vacation days. Work clothing, protective equipment, and sometimes opportunities for skills development through internal or external courses are common. Shift work may occur, sometimes with additional allowances.

Competition and challenges

The job market for inspectors within stone products is influenced by the economic cycle in the construction and civil engineering sectors and demand for natural stone products. Since the profession is specialized and requires experience, competition for the most qualified positions is moderate, but the availability of new jobs varies regionally. A challenge for the profession is that tasks can sometimes be monotonous and physically demanding, while the demands for accuracy and documentation increase. Digitalization and automation are raising requirements for technical understanding, but human quality assessment remains central.

Tips for those wanting to become inspectors within stone products

To succeed as an inspector within stone products, it is good to combine meticulousness with a genuine interest in materials and details. Being attentive and organized helps you quickly identify deviations in production. Practical experience, such as summer jobs or internships in the stone industry, provides valuable insight into the profession's daily life and enhances employability. Developing good teamwork and communication skills is also important, as the role often involves close collaboration with production and management. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are appreciated by employers, especially when unforeseen challenges arise during production. Finally, staying updated on new materials and techniques within the industry is advantageous for progressing to more advanced tasks.

Key facts about Inspectors, stone products

• Education level: High school diploma with technical/industrial focus
• Work environment: Production-oriented, often a combination of indoor and outdoor work
• Employment type: Full-time or hourly employment, sometimes shift work
• Demand: Specialized profession with limited positions but some shortage of experienced inspectors
• Special skills: Quality control, materials science, and reading drawings

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an inspector within stone products can advance to leading roles such as quality manager, production supervisor, or team leader within the stone industry. It is also possible to specialize further by studying materials technology or production engineering. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for this profession due to limited statistical data, but there are a total of 1,437 available jobs in the field of stonemasons and similar trades. The industry outlook is stable, although the availability of new positions can vary regionally and be influenced by the construction cycle.

Frequently asked questions about Inspectors, stone products

• What does an inspector within stone products earn?
  - The average salary is 38 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and location.
• What education is required to become an inspector within stone products?
  - High school education with a technical or industrial focus is recommended, preferably with practical experience.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 38 300 SEK, but specific data on women is unavailable for the profession.
• What is the work environment like for an inspector within stone products?
  - The work environment is production-oriented and can involve indoor and outdoor work with high safety standards.
• What career opportunities are there in the profession?
  - Advancement to roles such as quality manager, supervisor, or further education in material technology is possible.
• What are the future prospects for inspectors within stone products?
  - The outlook is stable but varies regionally; there are 1,437 available jobs within the profession.