- Salary statistics
- Finisher, leather
Finisher, leather
33 200 - 33 300 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Finisher, leather
What does a Leather Finisher do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Leather Finisher works on processing, completing, and refining leather products after the main manufacturing. Typical tasks include sanding, polishing, dyeing, surface treatment, and sometimes repairing leather goods such as shoes, bags, furniture, and accessories. The work requires good manual skills, a sense for materials, and the ability to work with both manual and machine tools. The work environment can vary from small ateliers to larger industries, often involving dust, chemicals, and noise. Ergonomic aids and protective equipment are therefore common to ensure a safe working environment.
Salary development over time
The salary for a Leather Finisher has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,600 SEK, rising to 29 300 SEK in 2023. The most significant increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 33 300 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 13.7% in just one year. This positive salary trend can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled craftsmen and a growing interest in sustainable, handmade products. The market tends to reward experience and specialization, which has also contributed to salary increases within the profession. Despite relatively small gender differences in available statistics, some variation is seen depending on workplace and region.
Many Leather Finishers develop their own techniques and signature styles, often combining traditional craftsmanship with personal expression. This can open doors to niche markets or entrepreneurship.
Leather Finisher Salary – Complete Overview
- Average Salary: 33 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest Salary: Data not available
- Hourly Wage: 200 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender Differences: Men earn 33 100 SEK/month, no data for women
- Regional Differences: Not specified
Education and Qualifications
The career path to becoming a Leather Finisher often involves vocational training at high school level or higher vocational education, focusing on materials knowledge and practical skills. In some cases, an apprenticeship or internship with established craftsmen is required to acquire the right techniques and detailed work. Formal requirements are relatively few, but competition increases for those with specialized training or documented experience in leather craftsmanship.
- High School Education: Crafts program with specialization in textiles/leather (3 years)
- Higher Vocational Education: Specialized courses in leather craftsmanship (1–2 years)
- Internship/Apprenticeship: Often 6–12 months with experienced craftsmen
- Courses and Certifications: Short courses in finishing techniques or material science
- Prerequisites: Interest in craftsmanship and attention to detail recommended
Common Benefits and Compensation
Common benefits for Leather Finishers include wellness allowances, work clothes, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training, skill development, and flexible working hours. In smaller workshops, bonuses and commission systems may be present for larger orders or high productivity.
Competition and Challenges
The profession as a Leather Finisher has a limited job market with relatively few positions, although currently there are 341 job openings. Competition can be tough for the most attractive positions, especially in metropolitan areas and among established manufacturers. Challenges include automation, import of cheaper products, and customer demands for high quality and sustainability. Success requires continuous updating of techniques and material knowledge, as well as the ability to adapt to new trends in design and production.
Tips for Aspiring Leather Finishers
To succeed as a Leather Finisher, attention to detail and precision are crucial, as small errors can greatly affect the final result. Developing a solid interest in materials and techniques makes it easier to quickly learn various finishing methods. Creativity is a valuable asset for solving unique problems or creating new expressions in leather. Clear communication and teamwork are important, especially when working with colleagues or custom orders. Flexibility and patience help when handling unusual or time-consuming projects. Finally, staying updated on industry trends and networking within the craft community can open new opportunities and inspiration.
Key Facts about Leather Finishers
- Education Level: Vocational training or higher education in crafts
- Work Environment: Workshops, factories, or small ateliers
- Job Openings: 341 within the profession (2024)
- Special Skills: Material science and finishing techniques
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years in the profession, Leather Finishers can advance to roles such as supervisor, quality manager, or specialized craftsman with their own niche. Some choose to start their own workshop or work as consultants for smaller manufacturers and designers. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that, due to limited data, no precise future job outlook can be provided. However, the number of job openings and increasing demand for sustainable craftsmanship suggest that expertise will continue to be valued, especially for those willing to develop their skills and adapt to new industry requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leather Finishers
- What does a Leather Finisher earn?
- The average salary is 33 300 SEK per month according to current statistics. - What are the gender differences in salary for Leather Finishers?
- Men earn 33 100 SEK/month, with no specific data for women. - What education is required to become a Leather Finisher?
- Usually, high school education in crafts or vocational training focused on leather. - Are there many job openings for Leather Finishers?
- There are 341 available jobs according to current statistics. - What work environments are common for Leather Finishers?
- Workshops, factories, and small ateliers are typical work environments. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Due to limited data, no exact forecast is made, but demand for skilled craftsmen remains stable. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Attention to detail, patience, creativity, and material interest are especially valuable.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33100 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33100 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33100 kr | 33100 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 Finisher, leather has the SSYK code 7534, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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