Glasses sharpener

What does a glasses grinder do? – Tasks and work environment

A glasses grinder works with manufacturing and customizing lenses for glasses frames according to precise measurements and prescriptions from opticians. Tasks include measuring, grinding, and assembling lenses into frames, as well as checking that the final product meets quality standards. Glasses grinders use advanced grinding machines and optical instruments, often working in bright, clean workshop environments with high demands on accuracy and attention to detail. The profession requires both technical skills and a good understanding of material properties, as each pair of glasses is uniquely tailored to the customer's needs.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for glasses grinders has shown a steady, positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 34,400 SEK per month, which decreased slightly compared to the previous year but recovered quickly. In 2023, the salary increased to 33 700 SEK, and already in 2024, the average salary has risen to 37 100 SEK. This represents an increase of just over 8% over two years. The salary increase can be explained by a rising demand for technically skilled specialists in glass processing and the continued growth of the glasses market, especially in the premium segment. At the same time, demands for quality and precision have led employers to value experience and education more highly, which is reflected in salary development.

Glasses grinder salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female, vocational training, 3 years)
• Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education < 3 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 223 SEK
• Gender difference: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 37 400 SEK, women: 35,700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a glasses grinder, a typical requirement is upper secondary education in crafts or engineering, preferably with a focus on optics or fine mechanics. Many employers view post-secondary courses in glass processing, optics, or similar as positive, while some skills are learned through on-the-job training. The technical nature of the profession makes both practical experience and solid theoretical knowledge valuable.

• Upper secondary education: Crafts or engineering program, 3 years
• Post-secondary courses: Glass processing, optics, or similar (voluntary, often < 1 year)
• Internship/trainee: Common, often 3–6 months
• Certifications: No formal requirements, but advantageous
• Prerequisites: Precision, technical interest, good eyesight

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for glasses grinders include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and sometimes employee discounts on optical products. Some employers also offer skill development and training in new grinding techniques or machinery operation. Pension plans and insurance coverage are often included in employment packages.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a glasses grinder is moderate, but job availability can vary between regions and depend on the economic situation within the optical industry. Because the profession requires high precision and technical competence, it is important to stay updated on new machinery and methods. A challenge is that the role is sometimes combined with other process operator roles, which can influence career paths and salary development. Digitalization and automation have also changed parts of the work, requiring adaptability and technical curiosity.

Tips for aspiring glasses grinders

To succeed as a glasses grinder, it is beneficial to have an eye for detail and be precise in your work, as small deviations can affect the final result. An interest in technology makes handling machines and precision tools easier, and being able to quickly learn new tasks is an advantage. Service-mindedness and the ability to collaborate with opticians and colleagues are important, as work often takes place in teams and customer contact may occur. Patience and the ability to work under pressure provide good conditions for meeting production and delivery requirements. Continuously seeking further education and keeping up with developments in the glass and optics industry makes it easier to remain attractive on the job market. Good physical condition and ergonomic awareness help prevent injuries during repetitive tasks. Finally, early internships are recommended to build experience and network within the industry.

Key facts about glasses grinders

• Education level: Upper secondary or shorter post-secondary education
• Work environment: Workshop environment, often in teams with opticians
• Average salary: 37 100 SEK/month
• Typical employment: Full-time, permanent employment
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the occupational group (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a glasses grinder, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as supervisor, machine manager, or technician within the optics industry. Some choose to further educate as an optician assistant or work in product development and quality assurance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for process and machine operators in glass and ceramics, no specific assessment is made for glasses grinders due to limited data, but the occupational group has 1,437 available jobs, indicating relatively good demand. Future prospects are influenced by technological development and changes in the glasses industry, where digitalization and automation may alter tasks and skill requirements over time.

Common questions about glasses grinders

• What is the average salary of a glasses grinder?
  - A glasses grinder has an average salary of 37 100 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn 35,700 SEK on average, which corresponds to 95% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a glasses grinder?
  - The most common is upper secondary education in crafts or engineering, sometimes supplemented with post-secondary courses.
• Are there many job opportunities in the profession?
  - Within the occupational group of process and machine operators, there are 1,437 available jobs (2024).
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for a glasses grinder?
  - The lowest salary is 35,400 SEK and the highest is 39,000 SEK per month.
• What personal qualities suit the profession?
  - Precision, technical interest, and patience are especially important.
• What do future prospects look like?
  - No specific forecast exists for the profession, but demand is considered stable within the occupational group.