Image that illustrates Drill, wood

Drill, wood

33 000 kr

Machine carpenters and machine operators, wood industry

32 200 - 33 800 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Drill, wood

Average salary 33 000 kr
Males 33 100 kr
Females 32 200 kr

What does a wood drill operator do? – Tasks and work environment

Wood drill operators work with processing wood components by performing drilling and precision boring, often as part of a larger production within the wood industry. The tasks require both technical knowledge and accuracy, following drawings and ensuring each detail meets quality standards. The profession is practiced in workshop environments where modern machines and tools are used, characterized by physical work and some monotony. Safety regulations are important to follow, especially when handling machines and materials.

Salary development over time

The salary for a wood drill operator has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month, increasing to 32 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has reached 33 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 6% over the three-year period. The largest increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, likely due to increased demand in the wood industry and general wage adjustments. In the past year, the wage development has plateaued somewhat, possibly due to market stabilization and a more balanced supply of labor. Gender differences remain, although they are somewhat smaller than in other craft trades.

Wood drill operator salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (female), 32,700 SEK/month (male)
  • Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female), 33,800 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage: 198 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 32,200 SEK (97% of men's salary, which is 33 100 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Specific regional salary data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on demand and industry presence.

Education and qualifications

To work as a wood drill operator, a high school education in wood technology, industrial technology, or equivalent craft training is usually required. Practical experience from workshop environments and knowledge of machine handling are highly meritorious. There are also opportunities to supplement education with specialized courses in wood processing and machine safety.

  • High school education: Wood technology, industrial technology, or similar (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in machine safety and handling of wood processing machines
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning (OJT) during education
  • Prerequisites: Interest in technology and practical work
  • Tips for choosing: Select education with a clear focus on industrial wood production for better employment opportunities

Many drilled details are used not only in furniture but also in advanced constructions such as musical instruments and custom interiors. This sometimes requires great precision and a feel for the material properties.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Wood drill operators often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowances, and work clothing. Employers may also offer work clothes, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skill development at the workplace. Overtime pay and shift premiums are common during shift work or production at inconvenient hours.

Competition and challenges

The job market for drilling within the wood industry is characterized by stable demand, but competition for the most attractive positions can be high, especially in regions with many wood industries. Challenges include automation of production, which requires technical competence and adaptability. To stand out, experience and the ability to quickly learn new machine systems are important. Physical endurance and accuracy are crucial, as the work often involves long days and monotonous tasks. The lack of detailed statistics makes it difficult to precisely assess the competitive situation.

Tips for those who want to become a wood drill operator

To succeed as a wood drill operator, it is good to be precise and patient, as many tasks require accuracy and repetition. Showing technical interest during education and actively seeking internships provides valuable experience and increases employment chances. Good problem-solving skills are important, especially when dealing with unexpected material properties or machine failures. Flexibility facilitates shift work and varied tasks, and being a team player is advantageous since the work is often done in teams. Finally, a sense of responsibility is highly valued, as safety at the workplace always comes first.

Key facts about wood drill operators

  • Education level: High school diploma in wood technology or industrial technology
  • Work environment: Industrial workshop with machinery
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often daytime or shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs in spring 2024
  • Special skills: Machine handling and material knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a wood drill operator, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, machine operator with broader responsibilities, or specialist in CNC-controlled wood processing. Some choose to further education in production technology or quality assurance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, specific assessments for this profession are lacking due to limited data, but there are many available positions within the profession. This indicates good future prospects, especially for those who are flexible and willing to develop with new technology and digitalization within the wood industry.

Common questions about wood drill operators

  • What does a wood drill operator earn?
    - The average salary is 33 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 198 SEK.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn 97% of what men do, with an average salary of 32,200 SEK compared to men's 33 100 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a wood drill operator?
    - A high school education in wood technology or industrial technology is recommended, preferably with practical training.
  • What does the job market look like for wood drill operators?
    - There are 1,437 available jobs in the profession, indicating strong demand.
  • What tasks are included in the profession?
    - Drilling holes in wood components, machine handling, and quality control are central parts of the work.
  • Is there room for advancement within the profession?
    - Yes, with experience, one can become a supervisor, machine specialist, or further specialize in production technology.
  • What benefits are often offered to wood drill operators?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowances, and work clothing.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Drill, wood is 33800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Drill, wood is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29500 kr 31400 kr
25-34 31300 kr 32600 kr
35-44 31700 kr 32600 kr
45-54 32300 kr 33300 kr
55-64 99% 32700 kr 33900 kr
Snitt 97% 31900 kr 33000 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, wood has the SSYK code 7523, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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