Foundry, concrete products industry

What does a concrete product worker do in the concrete industry? – Tasks and work environment

A concrete product worker in the concrete industry primarily works with producing various types of concrete products, such as pipes, slabs, and elements for the construction industry. The tasks often include preparing molds, mixing concrete, supervising the casting process, and finishing to ensure the products meet quality and dimensional standards. The work takes place in a production environment, often in factories with high safety and precision requirements. Physical work is common, and a good understanding of machinery and processes is necessary, along with the ability to work independently and in teams.

Salary development over time

The salary development for a concrete product worker in the concrete industry has shown a steady but clear increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,800 SEK per month, rising to 35 500 SEK in 2023 and reaching 36 000 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of about 6.2% over three years. The salary increase can mainly be attributed to continued demand for skilled personnel in the construction and industrial sectors, as well as general adjustments in collective agreements reflecting inflation and labor market conditions. Despite the increase, gender pay gaps remain significant, with women earning on average 94% of what men do. The trend indicates a continued stable salary development, but without any significant jumps at present.

Concrete worker, concrete industry salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 216 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 36 200 SEK, women 34,100 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a concrete product worker in the concrete industry, a high school education within the construction and civil engineering program is usually required, preferably with specialization in concrete or civil engineering. Many employers also value practical experience from the industry or previous work with similar machinery. Certifications for handling certain machines and safety training can be advantageous and, in some cases, mandatory.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, 3 years
• Certifications: Machinery operator certificates, safety training
• Practical training: Often included in education or as internships
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for high school
• Tips: Practical experience in the industry is highly advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Concrete workers in the concrete industry are often covered by collective agreements that provide occupational pension, insurances, wellness contributions, and overtime pay. Other common benefits include workwear, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skill development through internal or external courses. Working hours are often shift-based, which in some cases can lead to additional pay.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a concrete worker in the concrete industry varies depending on the region and economic conditions. The industry is affected by fluctuations in the construction sector, which can lead to periods of higher or lower demand for labor. A challenge is that the work environment can be physically demanding and sometimes noisy or dusty, requiring good physical condition and attention to safety routines. Technological development and automation are changing the tasks, and there is a need to learn new machines and methods. At the same time, specialized experience and craftsmanship are difficult to replace, providing security for committed workers eager to develop.

Tips for those who want to become a concrete product worker in the concrete industry

To succeed as a concrete product worker, combining technical interest with precision and a sense of responsibility is beneficial. Early internships or summer jobs in the industry provide valuable experience and demonstrate drive and engagement. Good teamwork skills are important, as work often occurs in teams requiring smooth communication. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks or machinery are also advantageous, especially as technology evolves. Endurance and good physical condition help in daily work, and solution-oriented individuals find it easier to handle unexpected problems in production. Finally, a positive attitude and willingness to learn new things are appreciated, as tasks can vary greatly between workplaces.

Key facts about Concrete Product Workers in the concrete industry

• Education level: High school, 3 years
• Typical work form: Shift work in industry
• Work environment: Factory setting, often noisy and physically demanding
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the occupational group
• Gender distribution: Clear salary differences, women earn 94% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, process operator, or quality control specialist. Some choose to further their education in production technology or machinery maintenance to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts, it is difficult to give an exact assessment for concrete workers in the concrete industry, but the sector as a whole shows a stable demand with 1,437 available jobs. Automation and technological development are changing the profession, but experienced staff with the right skills will continue to be in demand. Specialization and further training can improve chances for higher salaries and more qualified tasks.

Frequently asked questions about Concrete Product Workers in the concrete industry

• What does a concrete product worker earn in the concrete industry?
  - A concrete product worker in the concrete industry has an average salary of 36 000 SEK per month.
• What is the highest salary for a concrete product worker in the concrete industry?
  - The highest salary is 36,600 SEK per month and belongs to a man who is a privately employed civil servant with a high school diploma.
• What is the hourly wage for a concrete product worker in the concrete industry?
  - The hourly wage is 216 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.
• How do gender pay differences look?
  - Women earn on average 94% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What education is required to become a concrete product worker in the concrete industry?
  - High school education within the construction and civil engineering program is most common, often supplemented with practical training and certificates.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the occupational group, but no exact forecast for this specific role according to the Swedish Employment Agency.
• What common benefits are offered?
  - Benefits often include occupational pension, insurances, wellness contributions, and overtime pay.