Image that illustrates Drill, metal

Drill, metal

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Drill, metal

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a metal drill operator do – tasks and work environment

The tasks of a metal drill operator in the metal industry revolve around processing metal components through various types of drilling, often using advanced machines and tools. The work can include drilling holes in metal parts for further assembly, preparing materials for welding and other processing steps. The work environment is characterized by proximity to machinery, often in production halls where precision and safety are crucial. It is common to work in teams and follow detailed instructions to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Personal protective equipment and structured safety routines are an integral part of daily work.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a metal drill operator has shown a stable and positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and has reached 35 200 SEK per month in 2024. This change represents a total increase of approximately 6.7% over the period. The rise can largely be attributed to high demand for skilled workers in the industry, while a shortage of experienced machine operators pushes wages upward. However, the salary growth appears to level off as technological development and automation influence the demand for traditional drilling work. Despite this, the profession remains attractive, especially for those with the right education and technical skills.

Metal drill operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
  • Women earn: 34 100 SEK (96% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 35 400 SEK
  • Regional differences: May occur but vary depending on local industry demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal drill operator, a high school diploma with a technical focus is usually required, such as the industrial technology program. Many employers also value experience from similar work, as well as the ability to handle and set up advanced machinery. Further training and certifications can increase employment opportunities and salary levels.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: Machine operator certificates, safety training
  • Internship: Usually part of the education period
  • Experience: Previous work in the metal industry is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology skills

Many metal drill operators quickly take responsibility for machine maintenance and quality assurance, which provides good opportunities for development and variation in the workday. Interest in technology and problem-solving skills are often cultivated early in their careers.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as shift and overtime allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes bonus programs linked to production results are often offered. It is common for employees to be covered by collective agreements regulating pensions, insurances, and other security benefits.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a metal drill operator is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions, especially in regions with a strong industrial presence. One of the major challenges is increasing automation, where traditional tasks are increasingly replaced by robots and CNC-controlled machines. This requires continuous skills development and adaptability. At the same time, there is a shortage of qualified drill machine operators, creating good opportunities for those with education and experience. The work environment can be physically demanding and require great precision, especially when working with heavy materials and complex drawings.

Tips for aspiring metal drill operators

To succeed as a metal drill operator, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with precision and perseverance. Gaining practical experience early through internships or summer jobs increases chances of securing a permanent position. Analytical skills help in understanding drawings and troubleshooting during machine processing. Being flexible and willing to further your education is also an advantage, especially given the rapid technological development in the industry. Good teamwork skills are appreciated, as work often takes place in teams. Staying updated on safety routines and machine maintenance contributes to safety and quality. Finally, demonstrating responsibility and willingness to work shifts is important, as many workplaces have varying working hours.

Key facts about metal drill operators

  • Education level: High school, industrial technology program
  • Work environment: Industrial workshop, often shift work
  • Demand: High in the short term, expected to decrease over 5 years
  • Job openings: 1,437 advertised positions within the profession
  • Special skills: Machine setup, reading drawings, safety procedures

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a metal drill operator can advance to roles such as supervisor, machine setter, or quality manager within production. There are also opportunities for further training as CNC operators or production technicians. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities remain strong in the short term, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to technological development and increased automation. Nevertheless, the recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of qualified personnel, meaning that those with the right education and experience will have good employment prospects in the future.

Frequently asked questions about metal drill operators

  • What does a metal drill operator earn?
    - A metal drill operator has an average salary of 35 200 SEK per month.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's wages?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 35 400 SEK and women 34 100 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's wages.
  • What education is required to work as a metal drill operator?
    - Usually, a high school education in industry or technology, along with practical experience, is required.
  • What is the job market like for metal drill operators?
    - Opportunities are currently plentiful, but demand is expected to decrease slightly within five years according to the Employment Service.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a metal drill operator?
    - Drilling in metal parts, machine setup, quality control, and teamwork in production.
  • Are there opportunities for further training?
    - Yes, additional training in CNC or production technology can open more career paths.
  • What is the salary range for a metal drill operator?
    - The lowest salary is 31,400 SEK and the highest is 36,100 SEK, depending on experience, education, and sector.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Drill, metal is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Drill, metal is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 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 Drill, metal has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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