- Salary statistics
- Drill, wood salary
Drill, wood salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 300 - 35 900 SEK / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Related tools
Salary progression Drill, wood
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 33 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has reached 34 700 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: 34 700 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 (96% of men's salary, which is 34 900 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.
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 34 700 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 198 SEK. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn 96% of what men do, with an average salary of 32,200 SEK compared to men's 34 900 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33100 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33700 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33200 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34100 kr | 35400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33300 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33100 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33700 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33200 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34100 kr | 35400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33300 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33100 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33700 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33200 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34100 kr | 35400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33300 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33800 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33200 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34500 kr | 35800 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33500 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33800 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33200 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34500 kr | 35800 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33500 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31100 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33800 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33200 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34500 kr | 35800 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33500 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 94% | 32000 kr | 33600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 31900 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 94% | 32000 kr | 33600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 31900 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 94% | 32000 kr | 33600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 31900 kr | 33400 kr |
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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