Yarn dyer

What does a yarn dyer do? – Tasks and work environment

A yarn dyer primarily works with dyeing yarn and textile materials according to specific shades and quality requirements. Tasks include preparing dye baths, handling dyes, monitoring the dyeing process, and ensuring the final result meets customer specifications. Industrial machines are often used to streamline the process, but manual work also occurs, especially for fine adjustments and special orders. The work environment is usually industrial, involving production facilities where noise, moisture, and strong chemical odors may be present. Protective equipment and careful handling of chemicals are essential parts of daily work to ensure both quality and safety.

Salary development over time

The profession of yarn dyer has experienced relatively stable salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 26 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased more clearly to 27 800 SEK per month, representing an increase of approximately 4.9 % compared to the previous year. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased focus on textile production within the country and a gradual adjustment to inflation levels. The demand for skilled machine operators and specialists in dyeing has also contributed to upward pressure on wages, although the profession remains traditional and sensitive to economic fluctuations. Gender differences are small, and the profession is characterized by pay equality, which is uncommon in the industrial sector. Overall, the trend indicates a cautious but steady increase in wages for yarn dyers.

Yarn dyer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school diploma 3 years)
• Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school diploma up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 167 SEK/hour
• Gender pay gap: Women 27 900 SEK, men 27 700 SEK
• Regional differences: Limited information, small variations according to available statistics

Education and qualifications

To work as a yarn dyer, a high school education in industrial technology, textiles, or a related field is generally required. Many employers seek experience in machine handling and knowledge of chemical processes. Practical experience is highly valued and can be obtained through internships, trainee positions, or work in similar industrial environments. Some workplaces also offer internal training to ensure proper competence in dyeing and quality assurance.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, textiles, or similar (3 years)
• Internships: Work-based internships during education are common
• Internal training: Many employers provide introductory training in machines and processes
• Certifications: No formal requirements, but training in chemical handling and occupational safety can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Interest in technology, color theory, and precision are important qualities

Common benefits and compensations

Yarn dyers often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and insurance. Employers in the industry may also offer subsidized lunches, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for skill development through internal courses. Overtime pay and shift allowances are common in shift work, which is typical for the profession.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for yarn dyers is influenced by the global textile industry’s development and automation within Swedish industry. Competition for jobs can be moderate, but the number of positions is limited relative to larger industrial roles. A challenge is to maintain and develop skills as new machines and digital systems are introduced. The ability to quickly adapt to new working methods and understand chemical processes is crucial for success. The lack of formal educational pathways can also make it difficult to find the right competence, sometimes leading employers to train their own staff. However, there remains demand for skilled yarn dyers, especially within niche and high-quality textile production.

Tips for those wanting to become a yarn dyer

To succeed as a yarn dyer, it’s good to be meticulous and have an eye for detail, as the work often requires quickly identifying small color deviations. An interest in technology facilitates understanding and handling machinery and chemical processes, which are central to the profession. Being solution-oriented helps with troubleshooting and adjusting dye recipes, especially for special orders. Good teamwork skills are important, as the work is often done in teams and requires communication with other parts of production. Finally, patience and the ability to work systematically are key qualities to ensure consistent quality over time and handle monotonous tasks that may occur in production.

Key facts about Yarn Dyers

• Education level: High school education in technology or textiles
• Work environment: Industrial setting with machines and chemicals
• Typical work form: Shift work and teamwork
• Available jobs in the profession: 1,437 (2024)
• Gender pay difference: Very small – women and men earn almost equally

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a yarn dyer can advance to roles such as process manager, supervisor, or technical specialist in textile dyeing. There are also opportunities to develop towards quality control or production technology, especially for those combining work experience with further education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no precise assessment for yarn dyers, but generally, stable demand is reported within the machine operator roles in bleaching, dyeing, and washing. With 1,437 available jobs, there is some demand, although the labor market may vary regionally and depending on economic conditions. International competition and automation influence long-term development, making continuous skills development an important factor for ongoing employability.

Common questions about Yarn Dyers

• What does a yarn dyer earn?
  - A yarn dyer has an average salary of 27 800 SEK per month according to current statistics for 2024.
• What education is required to become a yarn dyer?
  - Typically, a high school education in industrial technology or textiles is required, along with practical experience.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - No, women earn on average 27 900 SEK and men 27 700 SEK, which indicates very small differences.
• What are the career paths for a yarn dyer?
  - Opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, process manager, or technical specialist after a few years.
• What workplace risks are there?
  - Exposure to chemicals and noise, requiring protective gear and safety routines.
• How high is the demand for yarn dyers?
  - Demand is stable with 1,437 available jobs within the profession, but may vary regionally and over time.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a yarn dyer?
  - The highest salary is 30,000 SEK and the lowest is 23,400 SEK, depending on sector and education level.