Image that illustrates Glowworm

Glowworm

39 800 kr

Other machine and process operators, steel and metal

38 100 - 41 000 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Glowworm

Average salary 39 800 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 39 500 kr

What does a glödgare do? – Tasks and work environment

Glödgare work with heat-treating metals to improve their properties, such as strength and formability. The profession involves monitoring and controlling furnaces and other technical equipment at steel and metalworks, ensuring that processes meet exact temperature and timing requirements. The work is often carried out in industrial environments where temperatures can be high, and safety routines are crucial to prevent accidents. The work environment is characterized by shift work, clear safety regulations, and close cooperation with other machine operators and technicians.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for glödgare has increased noticeably. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK, rising to 36 900 SEK in 2023, which is an increase of about 1.7%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further increased to 39 800 SEK, corresponding to a growth of just over 7.8%, which is an unusually strong salary development within the industrial sector. This positive trend can mainly be explained by sustained high demand for skilled labor in the steel and metal industry, as well as an increased need for specialized competence to handle advanced equipment and processes. At the same time, inflation and changes in collective bargaining have contributed to raising salary levels for this profession.

Glödgare salary – a complete overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (female, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (female, secondary education, regional sector)
  • Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
  • Gender difference: Women earn 39 500 SEK (99% of men's salary, men: 39900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Highest salary recorded within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a glödgare, a vocational upper secondary education in metal or process technology is generally required. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed a technical education at upper secondary level, but there are also cases where individuals with pre-secondary education are employed and trained on-site. Practical experience and a good understanding of safety routines are essential for success in the profession.

  • Vocational upper secondary education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Internship/trainee: Internships or in-house training are often offered at the workplace
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical skills
  • Certifications/courses: Safety training and any hot work certificates
  • Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on metal or process technology for the best prospects

Working as a glödgare requires not only technical knowledge but also good physical endurance, as the work environment is often hot and the pace can be high. The ability to quickly detect deviations in the process is a valued trait among employers.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Glödgare often have access to collective agreement benefits such as extra vacation, shift allowances, wellness contributions, and pension schemes. Many employers also provide work clothing and protective equipment, as well as opportunities for further training within the industry.

Competition and challenges

There is some competition within the profession, especially for positions at workplaces with particularly good working conditions or higher salaries. One of the main challenges is maintaining a high safety level in an environment where work is performed near heavy machinery and high temperatures. Technological changes and automation can also affect job tasks and require continuous skills development. At the same time, many job openings exist within the profession, providing relatively good employment opportunities for those with the right skills.

Tips for those who want to become a glödgare

To succeed as a glödgare, it is good to have a technical aptitude and an interest in industrial processes. Being precise is crucial, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in a heat treatment process. Good physical endurance and stress resistance facilitate shift work and working in high temperatures. It is also important to be cooperative, as the work is often team-based where clear communication is key to safe and efficient production. Engagement and willingness to learn new techniques are appreciated by employers, as is a strong safety mindset. Those who are flexible and can adapt to changes in the work environment have great opportunities to thrive and develop within the profession.

Key facts about glödgare

  • Education level: Most commonly vocational upper secondary education
  • Work environment: Industrial environment, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
  • Special skills: Process monitoring and safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a glödgare, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as shift supervisor or process manager, especially for those who engage in further education and take on more responsibility. Some choose to specialize in process development or quality assurance, while others can move on to technical roles in maintenance or production technology. The Employment Service's assessment of the profession is uncertain due to limited statistical data, but with over 1,400 job openings for machine and process operators in steel and metalworks, demand remains strong. Technological advances and automation may eventually change the profession, but the need for skilled operators is expected to persist in the foreseeable future.

Frequently asked questions about glödgare

  • What does a glödgare earn?
    - The average salary is 39 800 SEK per month according to current statistics.
  • What are the gender differences in salary for glödgare?
    - Women earn an average of 39 500 SEK, which is 99% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a glödgare?
    - Most commonly, a vocational upper secondary education in industrial technology or process engineering.
  • Are there many job openings for glödgare?
    - Yes, there were 1,437 job vacancies within the profession in May 2024.
  • What occupational safety risks are there for glödgare?
    - The work involves exposure to high temperatures and heavy machinery, requiring strict safety procedures.
  • How has the salary development for glödgare evolved?
    - The salary has increased from 36,300 SEK in 2022 to 39 800 SEK in 2024.
  • What personal qualities suit the profession?
    - Precision, endurance, and technical interest are particularly valuable qualities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Glowworm is 41000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 40400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Glowworm is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 30500 kr 35300 kr
25-34 100% 33900 kr 39100 kr
35-44 101% 34900 kr 40100 kr
45-54 98% 36200 kr 41100 kr
55-64 100% 36300 kr 40700 kr
Snitt 99% 34900 kr 39800 kr
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 Glowworm has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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