Salary progression Lead maker, printing company

Average salary 35 300 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 33 400 kr

What does a type setter in printing do? – Tasks and work environment

A type setter in printing works with preparing and setting text and images for printing, often focusing on traditional and quality-demanding printing techniques. Tasks include handling lead types, adjusting typesetting areas, and inspecting originals before the printing process begins. Precision, accuracy, and technical understanding are essential as the work affects the final quality. The environment is typically production-oriented, involving both manual work and machine operation, where safety routines and ergonomics are important factors.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for type setters in printing has shown relative stability. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, then increased to 34 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 35 300 SEK, representing a slight decrease of about 0.3% compared to the previous year. Over the three-year period, wages have increased by just over 5%, which can be explained by inflation adjustments and increased demand for specialized skills in the printing industry. The market has been marked by some uncertainty, but expertise in artisanal printing techniques continues to be highly valued, reflected in the long-term salary trends.

Type setter salary in printing – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 209 SEK
  • Women: 33 400 SEK/month
  • Men: 37 700 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 89% of what men do
  • Regional differences: No clear regional differences reported

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a type setter in printing usually involves vocational training in graphic technology or printing, complemented by practical experience. Formal educational requirements may vary, but the industry often values craftsmanship and technical aptitude. Internships or apprenticeship periods are common, as the profession demands precision and a good feel for materials and processes.

  • Vocational training: Graphic technology or printing (1–3 years)
  • Certifications: Optional courses in printing technology and work environment
  • Internship/apprenticeship: Strongly recommended for practical experience
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish, mathematics, and technology
  • Tips: Interest in craftsmanship and attention to detail is a big advantage

Many type setters in printing work on unique book projects, special editions, and artistic prints, making the profession particularly attractive for those who appreciate creative collaboration and historical printing techniques.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Type setters in printing are often offered vacation pay, occupational pension, and insurance through collective agreements. Many employers also provide work clothes, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training within the printing industry. Shift work may be involved and sometimes compensated with overtime pay.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession of type setters in printing is influenced by technological development and the digitization of printing. The number of trained type setters is relatively low, which offers good opportunities for those with the right skills, but high demands are placed on flexibility and continuous skill development. Automation and decreased demand for traditional printing techniques may shrink the job market somewhat in the long run, though specialized and creative assignments will still be in demand. Being prepared for change and able to adapt to new work methods and technical solutions is important in the printing industry.

Tips for those wanting to become a type setter in printing

To succeed as a type setter in printing, patience combined with a strong attention to detail is essential, as precision is crucial at every step. Having a technical curiosity makes it easier when new machines or software are introduced, and an interest in craftsmanship and typography helps develop professional skills. It’s recommended to seek internships or apprenticeships to gain practical experience quickly and build a network within the industry. Collaboration skills are also important, as many projects require close teamwork with other professionals in the printing house. Staying updated on new materials and techniques is vital to remain competitive, and flexibility when work methods and customer requirements change is also advantageous.

Key facts about type setters in printing

  • Occupational group: Prepress technicians
  • Average salary: 35 300 SEK/month
  • Typical employment: Full-time, production environment
  • Education level: Vocational training or apprenticeship
  • Job vacancies (2024): 1,437 within the occupational group

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a type setter in printing, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, production planner, or specialized technician within the printing industry. Some choose to further their education in graphic production, prepress, or digital printing technology to broaden their skills. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for the profession of type setter in printing, but within the occupational groups prepress technicians and printers, a large number of job openings are reported, indicating continued demand for skills. Specialization in artistic or advanced printing techniques can also open doors to niche markets and project-based assignments.

Common questions about type setters in printing

  • What does a type setter in printing earn?
    - The average salary is 35 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and gender.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 37 700 SEK while women have 33 400 SEK on average per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a type setter in printing?
    - The highest salary is 37,800 SEK and the lowest 31,800 SEK, depending on gender and employment type.
  • What education is required to become a type setter in printing?
    - Vocational training in graphic technology or apprenticeship programs are recommended.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Good opportunities exist as 1,437 job openings have been reported within the occupational group, but no specific forecast exists for type setters.
  • What tasks does a type setter perform in printing?
    - Setting text and images, handling lead types, and quality control before printing.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No clear regional differences have been reported for the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lead maker, printing company is 39000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 37700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Lead maker, printing company is 33300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
55-64 35600 kr 36200 kr
Snitt 89% 34800 kr 35300 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 Lead maker, printing company has the SSYK code 7321, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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