- Salary statistics
- Sheet metal workers
Sheet metal workers
35 500 - 36 500 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Sheet metal workers
What does a heavy gauge sheet metal worker do? – Tasks and work environment
A heavy gauge sheet metal worker primarily works with manufacturing, assembling, and repairing large sheet metal structures used in industry, construction, and infrastructure projects. This can include tanks, bridges, ventilation systems, and steel structures for buildings and infrastructure. The profession often involves outdoor work or in large industrial facilities, where heavy lifting and working at heights are common. Safety is a key aspect of the work environment, and precision as well as good physical condition are required to handle the challenges involved in the profession.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, heavy gauge sheet metal workers have experienced steady and positive salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 32,800 SEK per month, increasing to 33 900 SEK in 2023. By 2024, the average salary further increased to 36 500 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 11.3 % over the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled craftsmen in the industry, as well as a general upward pressure on wages in construction and infrastructure sectors. The shortage of experienced heavy gauge sheet metal workers and the fact that the tasks often require specialized skills have also contributed to rising wages in line with market needs.
Heavy gauge sheet metal worker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 500 SEK/month
- Minimum/Maximum salary: Data missing for exact ranges, but variations occur depending on experience and workplace
- Hourly wage: 219 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn on average 36 600 SEK/month, no specific data for women
- Regional differences: Variations exist, with higher wages in metropolitan regions and larger industrial projects
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a heavy gauge sheet metal worker typically involves completing a high school program in industrial technology with specialization in sheet metal work or welding. After finishing the education, practical training or an apprenticeship period is often required to gain full competence. It is also common to supplement with certifications in welding and safety, depending on the employer and workplace requirements.
- High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
- Certifications: Welding licenses and safety training are often advantageous
- Practical training: Apprenticeship period at the workplace, usually 1–2 years
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of mathematics and technology
- Tips for choosing: Interest in technology, precision, and good physical condition are beneficial
Many heavy gauge sheet metal workers have the opportunity to work on exciting and diverse projects, from bridge construction to custom industrial structures. This variety provides a unique chance to develop both technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits for heavy gauge sheet metal workers often include collective agreement-based pension schemes, insurance, and access to workwear and protective equipment. Some employers also offer wellness contributions, further training, and extra compensation for unsociable hours or work at heights.
Competition and challenges
The job market for heavy gauge sheet metal workers is characterized by competition for the most experienced and specialized professionals, especially in regions with high industrial concentration. At the same time, the profession involves physically demanding tasks and tough working environments, which can pose challenges for recruitment and long-term health. The industry is also affected by economic fluctuations and investments in construction and infrastructure, which can create periods of high and low demand. Staying updated on new techniques and safety regulations is crucial to remain attractive in the job market.
Tips for those who want to become a heavy gauge sheet metal worker
To succeed as a heavy gauge sheet metal worker, it is good to be both meticulous and interested in technology, as the work requires precision and attention to detail. Good physical condition makes the work easier, as it often involves heavy lifts and challenging environments. It is wise to seek practical training and apprenticeships early to gain hands-on experience and build a network within the industry. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are important, especially when unexpected situations arise on site. Continuously updating skills and obtaining certifications in welding and safety enhances employment prospects. Teamwork skills are also central, as much of the work is done in teams. Finally, patience and perseverance are key to managing long projects and varying working conditions.
Key facts about Heavy Gauge Sheet Metal Workers
- Educational level: High school education with practical/apprenticeship period
- Work environment: Industry, construction sites, and outdoor environments
- Demand: 1,437 job openings in 2024
- Special skills: Welding, construction, and safety procedures
- Work form: Full-time, often project-based
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a heavy gauge sheet metal worker can advance to lead installer, supervisor, or specialize in advanced welding and assembly. Some choose further education to become project managers or start their own business in sheet metal and steel construction. Projections from the Employment Service show no precise assessment for the profession due to limited data, but the high number of job openings indicates continued demand. For those wishing to develop further, opportunities include additional training and certifications in related fields such as industrial welding, project management, or quality assurance.
Frequently asked questions about Heavy Gauge Sheet Metal Workers
- What does a heavy gauge sheet metal worker earn?
- The average salary is 36 500 SEK/month, with variation depending on experience and workplace. - How do you become a heavy gauge sheet metal worker?
- The profession requires a high school education in industrial technology plus practical training or an apprenticeship. - Are there many job openings for heavy gauge sheet metal workers?
- Yes, there were 1,437 job openings during 2024. - What are the occupational health and safety risks?
- Heavy lifting, working at heights, and noise are common risks, requiring good safety awareness. - Do you need certifications to work?
- Certifications in welding and safety are often advantageous or required by employers. - What are the future prospects?
- Prognoses are uncertain, but there is stable demand due to many job openings. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, good physical condition, teamwork skills, and problem-solving abilities are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36600 kr |
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 Sheet metal workers has the SSYK code 7215, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Dedicated Steel Construction Assemblers Wanted
Steel construction assemblers and heavy plate workers
Tue, 4 Nov 2025 - 17:10 -
All-Round Problem Solver with a Passion for Sheet Metal Formatting
Steel construction assemblers and heavy plate workers
Fri, 4 Jul 2025 - 11:51
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00