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What does a grader do? – Tasks and work environment

A grader works with carefully inspecting, measuring, and adjusting details on textiles and clothing, often in close collaboration with tailors, atelier seamstresses, and other craftspersons within the fashion and garment industry. The tasks typically involve reviewing finished garments or textile parts, ensuring measurements and fit meet specifications, and performing fine-tuning to ensure high quality. The work environment is often characterized by precision, sedentary tasks, and work in small ateliers or larger textile factories. Graders may also participate in fittings and quality assurance processes, where an eye for detail and patience are crucial.

Salary development over time

The average salary for graders has shown a relatively stable trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average was 28,800 SEK, increasing to 31 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 30 900 SEK, representing about a 7% increase from 2022 to 2024, but a marginal decrease of 0.3% in the last year. This development can be linked to a relatively stable demand for the profession, while competition for jobs has increased. Salary trends are also influenced by the general wage structure within crafts and the textile industry, where demand for specialist skills is sometimes counterbalanced by an oversupply of labor, which can limit larger salary increases.

Grader salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
• Hourly wage: 186 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 30 800 SEK, data for men is unavailable
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a grader, education in textiles and fashion is typically required, often with specialization in sewing, pattern construction, or quality assurance. Many employers also value practical experience from ateliers or industrial settings, as well as good skills in reading and interpreting technical drawings and measurement tables. Some graders are self-taught through extensive work experience, but formal education increases employment opportunities and career development.

• Textile and fashion education: Vocational or post-secondary training (1–3 years)
• Specialized courses: Pattern construction, sewing, and quality control
• Internships: Often internships or trainee positions in ateliers or industry
• Prerequisites: Precision, good eyesight, and a sense of detail
• Tips: Experience in the textile industry and good collaboration skills are highly valued

Common benefits and compensations

Graders are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, and insurance. Many also include work clothing, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development through courses or internal training. Some larger employers also offer subsidized lunches or employee discounts on textile products.

Competition and challenges

The competition for grader positions is considered high, with an oversupply of labor in the profession according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Job opportunities are limited nationwide, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on new techniques and materials, maintaining high precision despite time pressure and sometimes monotonous tasks. The industry’s development is also influenced by automation and globalization, making flexibility and further training increasingly important.

Tips for those who want to become a grader

To succeed as a grader, it is important to be meticulous and have an eye for detail, as the profession requires precision in every task. Patience and a methodical approach facilitate working through repetitive tasks that demand endurance. Good teamwork skills are crucial, especially when working in teams or with other craftsmen in ateliers or factories. Actively seeking internships and taking initiatives for further education in new textile techniques can increase employment chances. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable, as tasks may vary depending on the workplace. Building networks within the industry and staying updated on trends and new materials can also provide a competitive edge. Finally, demonstrating a commitment to quality and continuous improvement is highly appreciated by employers.

Key facts about Grader

• Occupational group: Tailors and atelier seamstresses, among others
• Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
• Work environment: Atelier or textile industry, often precision work
• Job opportunities: Limited, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Number of available jobs: 341 within the occupational group

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a grader can advance to supervisory roles in quality control or become responsible for larger production lines within the textile industry. Specialization in pattern construction or technical product development is also possible. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast indicates that job opportunities for graders, within the group of tailors and atelier seamstresses, are limited and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. An oversupply of labor means competition for available positions is high, but niche opportunities exist for those who specialize or combine grader skills with other textile competencies. A total of 341 job openings were available, offering some opportunities for flexible individuals willing to relocate or further their education.

Frequently asked questions about Grader

• What is the average salary of a grader?
  - A grader has an average monthly salary of 30 900 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between women and men in the grader profession?
  - Women earn on average 30 800 SEK, but data for men is unavailable.
• What is the job market like for graders?
  - Job opportunities are limited and there is a surplus of labor according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What education is required to become a grader?
  - Education in textiles, fashion, or sewing is recommended, preferably with internships or specialized courses.
• What personal qualities are important for a grader?
  - Attention to detail, patience, teamwork skills, and an eye for precision are essential.
• What are the career prospects after a few years?
  - Graders can advance to supervisory roles in quality control or specialize in technical areas.
• What benefits are common for graders?
  - Collective agreement benefits such as pension, wellness allowances, and skills development are common.