CNC operator, metal salary

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CNC operator, metal salary

36 300 SEK

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

33 600 - 37 300 SEK / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

Average salary 36 300 SEK/month Monthly gross salary
Salary range 33 600 - 37 300 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a CNC operator, metal do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time CNC operator, metal salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression CNC operator, metal

Average salary 36 300 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 35 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 603 Vacant jobs ->

What does a CNC operator, metal do? – Tasks and work environment

A CNC operator in metal primarily works with programming, setting up, and monitoring computer-controlled machines for metal processing. Tasks often include reading and interpreting drawings, adjusting machines, overseeing production, and ensuring the final product meets quality and measurement standards. The work is usually performed in an industrial environment where precision, accuracy, and technical knowledge are essential. The work environment features shift work, noise, and the need for protective equipment, with safety routines always to be followed.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a CNC operator, metal has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 35 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 300 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 6.7% over three years, reflecting a continued demand for skilled operators despite increased automation in the industry. Salary development has been influenced by labor shortages, where competent CNC operators are difficult to recruit, as well as a slight wage drift as job tasks have become more qualified. Differences between genders persist, but the development aligns with inflation and industry-wide salary changes.

CNC operator, metal salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (women), 31,800 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 34,500 SEK/month (women), 36,100 SEK/month (men)
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and demand, but specific figures are not provided

Education and qualifications

To work as a CNC operator in metal, a high school education in industrial technology is usually required, preferably supplemented with further education in CNC technology. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers prefer applicants who have attended vocational college or courses in programming and machine handling. Modern workplaces increasingly demand technical understanding and problem-solving skills.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational college in CNC technology (1–2 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in CNC programming and machine safety
  • Internships: Common during education
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic math skills

Many CNC operators in metal get the opportunity to work with advanced automation and robotics, providing a unique insight into the future manufacturing industry. Technological development means tasks are constantly evolving, offering great opportunities for specialization and career advancement.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for CNC operators in metal include collective agreement-based pension schemes, extra vacation, wellness grants, and opportunities for further training. Shift work can often provide additional compensation in the form of overtime premiums and bonuses related to production and quality. Insurance and work clothing are generally included as part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for CNC operators in metal is currently characterized by high demand and a pronounced shortage of qualified personnel. At the same time, technological development and increased automation mean the profession is changing rapidly and requires higher technical knowledge and adaptability. In the longer term, demand is expected to decrease, mainly due to efficiency improvements and new technology, which could make competition for the most attractive jobs fiercer. The ability to continuously retrain and keep up with digitalization is therefore becoming increasingly important.

Tips for those who want to become a CNC operator, metal

To succeed as a CNC operator in metal, it’s good to combine technical interest with precision and responsibility. Being solution-oriented helps with troubleshooting and machine adjustments, while patience and focus are crucial for handling repetitive tasks. Investing in a broad education and taking advantage of internships to gain practical experience is advisable. Staying updated on the latest technology increases chances for development and job security. Teamwork skills are also important since work often occurs in teams and requires good communication with colleagues and management. Finally, initiative and a willingness to further educate oneself can open doors to more qualified tasks and specialization.

Key facts about CNC operator, metal

  • Education level: High school or vocational college education
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work and safety requirements
  • Demand: Shortage of qualified workforce, but long-term decline expected
  • Number of job openings: 1437 within the profession (May 2024)
  • Special skills: CNC programming, reading drawings, machine maintenance

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a CNC operator in metal, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as production technician, supervisor, or specialist in CNC programming and automation. Some also choose to further their education to become engineers or technicians responsible for maintenance and optimization of production lines. According to employment agency forecasts, job opportunities remain large in the short term, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to increased automation and technological development. Acquiring specialized skills in new technology and digitalization will therefore be crucial for long-term career security.

Frequently asked questions about CNC operator, metal

  • What does a CNC operator, metal earn?
    - The average salary is 36 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and region.
  • What education is required to become a CNC operator in metal?
    - Usually, high school education in industrial technology, preferably supplemented with vocational college or courses in CNC technology.
  • What is the job market like for CNC operators, metal?
    - There is a shortage of qualified CNC operators today, but demand is expected to decrease in the longer term.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are common tasks for a CNC operator in metal?
    - Programming and monitoring machines, quality control, and machine maintenance are among the most common tasks.
  • What are career prospects for CNC operators?
    - Opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, production technician, or automation specialist.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Collective agreements, pension solutions, overtime pay, wellness grants, and further training are common.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 12:19:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a CNC operator, metal is 37300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a CNC operator, metal is 33600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 31900 kr 34300 kr
25-34 98% 34200 kr 36400 kr
35-44 96% 34400 kr 36400 kr
45-54 96% 35100 kr 36900 kr
55-64 95% 35100 kr 36700 kr
65-68 33500 kr 34800 kr
Snitt 97% 34300 kr 36300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 CNC operator, 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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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

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