How much does a Hardener, metal make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Hardener, metal
Image that illustrates Hardener, metal

Hardener, metal

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 Hardener, metal

Average salary 39 800 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 39 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 35 Vacant jobs ->

What does a metal hardener do? – Tasks and work environment

A metal hardener works with heat-treating and processing metals to improve their strength, wear resistance, and other mechanical properties. Tasks often include monitoring and controlling furnaces and other hardening equipment, checking temperatures and process parameters, and performing quality checks on the finished material. The work typically takes place in industrial environments, often at steel and metal plants where high temperatures and noise are common. Safety routines and precision are central to daily work, as handling hot materials and chemicals involves risks.

Salary development over time

The group of metallurgical hardeners has experienced a clear salary increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 36 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 800 SEK per month. This development represents a total salary increase of approximately 9.6 % over three years, with the largest increase between 2023 and 2024. The salary rise can be linked to increased demand for skilled workers in industry, as well as inflation and collective agreement increases. The demand for competent hardeners remains relatively stable, contributing to positive salary development for the profession.

Metal Hardener Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (female, multiple sectors)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education max 2 years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 39900 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 39 500 SEK (99 % of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries in regional sector, lowest in multiple sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal hardener, a high school diploma in industry, technology, or similar is usually required. Practical experience from the metal industry is highly meritorious, and many employers offer internal training or trainee programs to ensure the right skills. For certain tasks, specific certifications or courses may be required, such as handling advanced hardening equipment or industrial furnaces.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certification courses: Hardening techniques, safety, and materials science
  • Internship/trainee: Often offered by employers
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics, physics, and technical interest
  • Online/self-study: Opportunities for supplementary studies in materials science and process control

Experience from other parts of industry, such as machine operator or welder, can be a great asset for those wanting to work as a metal hardener. Many employers value broad practical competence and flexibility, especially in production environments where multiple tasks can be combined. It is common for hardeners to have access to internal further training and specialization within the company.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Metal hardeners are often offered benefits such as shift and overtime premiums, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes bonus programs linked to production or safety. Occupational pensions and insurance are also standard in the industry, and some employers offer subsidized lunches or access to staff cafeterias.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a metal hardener is characterized by a relatively stable job market, but competition can vary depending on region and economic conditions. Since it is part of a larger occupational group, with currently 1,433 job openings, the availability of positions is good. At the same time, the tasks require high precision, safety awareness, and the ability to work in sometimes demanding environments. Technological changes and increased automation also demand ongoing training and adaptability to meet new methods and machinery systems.

Tips for aspiring metal hardeners

To succeed as a metal hardener, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with precision and a sense of responsibility. The first step is to obtain a high school education in industry or technology, and gain practical experience during education, such as through summer jobs or internships. Flexibility and good teamwork skills are highly valued, as the work often takes place in teams and in shifts. A continuous desire to learn and stay updated on machinery and processes is important, especially as technology develops rapidly. Good knowledge of safety routines and the ability to work methodically are crucial to avoid accidents. Showing engagement and initiative at work can also open opportunities for further training and advancement within the company.

Key facts about metal hardeners

  • Education level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often 2- or 3-shift
  • Demand: 1,433 job openings within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: Hardening techniques and process control

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a metal hardener can advance to supervisory roles, such as shift supervisor or production technician. There are also opportunities to specialize in quality control, maintenance, or process technology. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast is made due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates stable demand. Further education in automation or production technology can broaden career opportunities, and there are also pathways toward roles in training or technical support within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Metal Hardener

  • What does a Metal Hardener earn?
    - A metal hardener has an average salary of 39 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on sector and experience.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn an average of 39 500 SEK per month, which corresponds to 99 % of men's average salary of 39900 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a metal hardener?
    - Typically, a high school diploma in industry or technology, along with practical experience or on-the-job training.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, the highest salaries are in regional sectors, while the lowest are within so-called multiple sectors.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - Work mainly occurs in industrial environments with shift work, often requiring protective gear and strict safety routines.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Possible paths include supervisory roles, specialization in quality control or process technology, and further education in technical services.
  • How high is the demand for metal hardeners?
    - Currently, there are 1,433 job openings, indicating a stable demand.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-08 20:52:04

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Hardener, metal 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 Hardener, metal 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Hardener, metal has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
  • Read more about working as Assembler, metal

    Assembler, metal

    Assemblers, metal, rubber and plastic products

    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 23:57
  • Read more about working as Mixing operator, rubber

    Mixing operator, rubber

    Machine operators, rubber industry

    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 12:50
  • Read more about working as Seed cleaner

    Seed cleaner

    Other machine operators, food industry etc.

    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 01:37
  • Read more about working as Coppersmith

    Coppersmith

    Sheet metal workers

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 14:16
  • Read more about working as Gluers, carpentry

    Gluers, carpentry

    Machine carpenters and machine operators, wood industry

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 14:47

  • Weavers

    Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 12:06
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics