Image that illustrates Hardening workers

Hardening workers

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 Hardening workers

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

What does a Härderiarbetare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Härderiarbetare works with heat-treating metals to improve their strength, wear resistance, and other mechanical properties. Tasks include monitoring and controlling the hardening process in industrial furnaces, checking temperatures and times, and performing quality checks on the finished material. The work is often carried out in collaboration with other operators and technicians within the steel and metal industry. The work environment is characterized by proximity to heavy machinery and high temperatures, which demands high safety and precision standards.

Salary development over time

Härderiarbetare have experienced steady salary increases in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, which increased to 36 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 39 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 9.6% over three years. Factors driving this positive trend include high demand for skilled labor in the steel and metal industry, as well as increased technical complexity in tasks. A certain shortage of specialized operators has also contributed to rising salary levels.

Härderiarbetare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (female, pre-vocational education)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (female, high school education, regional sector)
  • Hourly wage: 239 SEK
  • Women earn: 39 500 SEK (99% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 39900 SEK
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, especially among women

Education and qualifications

To work as a Härderiarbetare, a high school education in industrial technology is usually required, preferably with a focus on metalworking or production technology. Practical experience from the industry and a good understanding of technical processes are highly meritorious. Some employers also offer internal training programs and certification courses to ensure the right skill level.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: Internal company courses and safety training
  • Internships: Common during education or as trainees
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology
  • Tips for choosing: Opt for a focus on metalworking for the best match

Many Härderiarbetare work in shifts, which may include night and weekend work. This often provides opportunities for extra pay but also requires flexibility and the ability to handle irregular working hours.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Härderiarbetare often have access to benefits such as shift allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation, and work clothing. Many employers also offer pension contributions and opportunities for further training within the company, especially for those who want to develop within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Härderiarbetare involves some competition, especially since it requires technical skills and experience from the industry. Challenges include staying updated on new techniques and working methods, as well as working safely in an environment with high temperatures and heavy machinery. The limited pool of candidates makes it difficult to assess the exact recruitment situation, but technological developments in the industry increase demands for flexibility and adaptability. For those willing to further their education, good opportunities exist to become attractive in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a Härderiarbetare

To succeed as a Härderiarbetare, it is good to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Precision is crucial, as small mistakes can have significant consequences for material quality. Training in following instructions and working systematically is advantageous. Flexibility and readiness to work shifts improve chances of getting a job and thriving long-term, especially in larger industries. Good teamwork skills are needed, as work often occurs in teams and requires effective communication. Demonstrating engagement in safety issues and continuously developing technical knowledge also provides an advantage in the job market.

Key facts about Härderiarbetare

  • Education level: High school education, often industrial technology program
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and high temperatures
  • Demand: 1,437 vacant jobs within the profession (May 2024)
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences, women earn 99% of men's salary
  • Special skills: Heat treatment and material technology

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a Härderiarbetare can advance to roles such as supervisor, production manager, or quality inspector within the metal industry. For those wishing to develop further, opportunities exist within process development or technical specialist roles, especially if additional education is completed. According to the Employment Service, no precise forecast is made for the profession due to limited data, but the overall profession has a large number of vacant positions. Technological advances and automation may influence tasks, but the demand for qualified operators is expected to remain.

Frequently asked questions about Härderiarbetare

  • What does a Härderiarbetare earn?
    - The average salary is 39 800 SEK per month. The hourly wage is 239 SEK.
  • How does the salary difference between men and women look?
    - Women earn 39 500 SEK, which corresponds to 99% of men's salary (39900 SEK).
  • What education is required to become a Härderiarbetare?
    - A high school education in industrial technology is most common, preferably with a focus on metalworking.
  • What is the work environment like for a Härderiarbetare?
    - Work takes place in industrial environments, often with shift work and high temperatures.
  • Are there good job opportunities?
    - There are 1,437 vacant jobs within the profession according to the latest data.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Shift allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation, and work clothing are common benefits.
  • What career paths are available for Härderiarbetare?
    - Opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, production manager, or technical specialist.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Hardening workers 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 Hardening workers 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 Hardening workers has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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