- Salary statistics
- Circular saws salary
Circular saws salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
36 700 - 39 200 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Related tools
Salary progression Circular saws
What does a circular saw operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A circular saw operator primarily works with starting, monitoring, and maintaining circular saws within sawmills and the wood industry. The profession involves handling both manual and automated machines to saw, cut, and process wood according to given measurements and specifications. The work requires precision and safety awareness, as the machines are powerful and require careful handling. The work environment is often noisy and physically demanding, with some tasks involving heavy lifting and constant oversight of material flow. Circular saw operators typically work shifts, especially in larger sawmills, and the tasks vary depending on the production focus and scope.
Salary development over time
Salaries for circular saw operators have shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, which increased to 36 800 SEK in 2023. The latest figure from 2024 shows that the average salary is now 38 300 SEK. This represents an increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. The salary increase can be linked to continued demand for skilled labor in the wood industry, as well as adjustments to meet inflation and rising living costs. Although the salary trend is stable, there are some regional and employer-based variations, but overall, conditions for circular saw operators are steadily improving.
Circular saw operator salary – full overview
- Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (male, regional sector)
- Hourly wage: 221 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 38 600 SEK, women: 35,400 SEK)
- Regional differences: Regional sector shows higher wages, especially for men
Education and qualifications
To work as a circular saw operator, a high school education in industrial technology or wood technology is usually required, supplemented with internal training from the employer. Many employers value practical experience and safety awareness highly. Some workplaces may require specific certificates for machine safety or work environment training, and introductory programs are often provided for new hires. Further education within production technology or machine maintenance is also possible.
- High school education: Industrial technology or wood technology (3 years)
- Certifications: Machine safety, work environment training
- Internships: Often through education or the workplace
- Prerequisites: Basic education, technical interest
- Further education: Production technology, machine maintenance
Many circular saw operators develop a deep understanding of wood properties and machine functions over time, making them invaluable resources for special orders or troubleshooting in production.
Common benefits and compensations
For circular saw operators, collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, and wellness allowances are common. In some cases, meal subsidies, work shoes, and protective equipment are also offered. Shift work may include overtime pay, and some employers offer bonuses for high productivity or long-term employment.
Competition and challenges
Competition for jobs as a circular saw operator varies depending on region and season. Larger cities and bigger sawmills generally have more vacancies, while smaller towns may have limited opportunities. A challenge is technological development, where automation and digitalization change tasks and require higher technical skills. Safety remains a constant concern, as working with large machines demands precision and risk awareness. Physical strain and noisy environments can also be taxing over time.
Tips for aspiring circular saw operators
To succeed as a circular saw operator, it’s important to combine precision with a strong sense of safety, as the work requires constant attention to the machines. An interest in technology facilitates learning new machines and understanding production processes. Flexibility is key, as tasks can vary between different operations and shifts. Being cooperative is appreciated, since work often takes place in teams where communication and responsibility are crucial. Physical endurance is also an asset, especially during longer shifts and heavy lifting. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new techniques can open doors for advancement. Finally, always following safety routines and being attentive to the work environment helps minimize accident risks.
Key facts about circular saw operators
- Education level: High school education in industrial technology or wood technology
- Work environment: Noisy, physically demanding, often shift-based
- Employment type: Permanent or hourly employment
- Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
- Special skills: Machine safety and material knowledge
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a circular saw operator, opportunities exist to move into roles such as supervisor, production planner, or machine technician within the wood industry. Some choose to further their education in production technology or maintenance, which can lead to roles with greater responsibility. The forecast from the Employment Service for the operator profession in sawmills is uncertain due to limited data, but the number of job openings remains high. Ongoing technological advances in the wood industry create new skill requirements, making experienced and technically knowledgeable circular saw operators well-positioned to develop their careers in the field.
Frequently asked questions about circular saw operators
- What does a circular saw operator earn?
- A circular saw operator has an average salary of 38 300 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 221 SEK. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession. - What education is required to become a circular saw operator?
- High school education in industrial technology or wood technology is most common, often supplemented with internships and safety training. - What does the job market look like?
- There are a total of 1,437 job openings within the profession, indicating strong demand. - What are the most common job tasks?
- Starting, monitoring, and maintaining circular saws, as well as processing wood according to specifications. - How can one advance within the profession?
- After a few years of experience, opportunities exist to become a supervisor, machine technician, or production planner.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 32000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33700 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33900 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 34400 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 33900 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 32000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33700 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33900 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 34400 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 33900 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 32000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33700 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33900 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 34400 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 33900 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 32200 kr | 37000 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33800 kr | 38600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 34100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 34500 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34100 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 32200 kr | 37000 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33800 kr | 38600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 34100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 34500 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34100 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 32200 kr | 37000 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33800 kr | 38600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 34100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 34500 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34100 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 31000 kr | 35600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33100 kr | 37300 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33300 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 32900 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 31000 kr | 35600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33100 kr | 37300 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33300 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 32900 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 31000 kr | 35600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 33100 kr | 37300 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33300 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 32900 kr | 36800 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 Circular saws has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Vehicle Driver at Södra Cell Mönsterås
Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 23:03 -
Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 09:04 -
Process Operator/Sawmill Operator in Teurajärvi
Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 08:02 -
Sawmill Operator in Stora Levene – Day Shift
Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 07:05 -
Operator for Secure Production Environment in Falkenberg
Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 - 22:29
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Average salary: 42 600 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Machine operators, chemical technology and photographic products
Compare with Circular saws
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:51 -
Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Machine setters and machine operators, metal work
Compare with Circular saws
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 07:10 -
Machine operator, textile industry, shoes, bags etc. salary
Average salary: 32 200 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry
Compare with Circular saws
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:54 -
Helpers, paper industry salary
Average salary: 42 500 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Process operators, paper
Compare with Circular saws
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 10:37 -
Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Machine operators, mill, bakery and confectionery industry
Compare with Circular saws
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 06:58 -
Average salary: 33 700 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Other machine operators, food industry etc.
Compare with Circular saws
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 02:24
