Assembler, metal

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

A metal assembler is responsible for assembling, joining, and putting together various metal components into finished products or subsystems within the industry. Tasks vary depending on the company and product but often include reading and interpreting drawings, handling machines and tools, and ensuring that the assembly meets quality and tolerance standards. The work environment is typically workshop-based and may involve work on an assembly line, at stationary workstations, or in small teams where precision and teamwork are crucial. Safety routines are important, as work often occurs near heavy machinery and materials.

Wage development over time

The salary for a metal assembler has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month, which increased to 30 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 10.5% during the period, with a particularly noticeable rise between 2023 and 2024. This positive trend can be linked to sustained high demand for assemblers in the industry, as well as technological development and increased skill requirements driving up wage levels. Despite a paradoxical situation with both high unemployment and recruitment difficulties in the profession, wages continue to develop in line with industry needs for skilled labor.

Metal assembler salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 196 SEK
• Men's average salary: 33 100 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 31 100 SEK/month
• Women earn: 94% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a metal assembler usually goes through the industrial technology program at high school or equivalent adult education, supplemented with practical training and sometimes internal courses at the workplace. Employers prefer candidates with experience in reading drawings and some machine handling. Advanced knowledge in welding, assembly techniques, and quality assurance is meritorious, and some workplaces require certifications depending on the production focus.

• High school education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
• Vocational adult education: Industrial technology specialization, often 1–1.5 years
• Practical training: Longer internships or apprenticeship positions are common
• Certifications: May be required in certain areas, e.g., welding licenses
• Prerequisites: Basic math, technology, and drawing interpretation
• Tips: Engagement in technology and precision facilitates learning

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for metal assemblers often include wellness allowances, extra vacation days, reduced working hours, and sometimes bonuses linked to production or quality. Many employers also offer employee discounts and opportunities for internal training. Shift work can provide additional pay, and overtime compensation is common in the industry.

Challenges and competition

Although the job market for metal assemblers is considered good with large opportunities nationwide, there exists a paradoxical situation where unemployment within the profession is relatively high, while employers report difficulties finding the right skills. This may be due to increased demand for specific technical knowledge and experience, combined with varying educational levels among job seekers. Digitalization and automation also impose new requirements for adaptability and technical understanding. The profession can be physically demanding, and the work environment sometimes involves monotonous tasks, requiring endurance and precision.

Tips for those wishing to become a metal assembler

To succeed as a metal assembler, it is beneficial to have a strong sense of precision and quality, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in production. An interest in technology facilitates learning new machines and methods, allowing quick adaptation to changes. Teamwork skills are important since work often occurs in teams where communication must function smoothly. Being resilient and having good physical condition helps during long shifts and monotonous tasks. Initiative is valued by employers, especially when it comes to solving problems independently. Flexibility is an asset, as tasks and working hours may vary depending on production needs. Lastly, a willingness to continuously further educate oneself increases chances of advancement and job security.

Key facts about a metal assembler

• Education level: High school or equivalent vocational adult education
• Work environment: Workshop, often in shifts and teams
• Demand: Large opportunities for work according to the Employment Service
• Number of available jobs: 1,433 within the profession
• Special skills: Drawing interpretation and assembly techniques are meritorious

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years as a metal assembler, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, production technician, or quality coordinator. Some choose to further their education in automation, welding, or mechanical engineering to broaden their career options. The Employment Service’s forecast for assemblers of metal, rubber, and plastic products indicates that the job market is considered stable with large nationwide opportunities, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. Despite recruitment challenges and high unemployment in the profession, those with the right skills and willingness to develop further have good chances. Technological development and increased automation make digital skills and machine control expertise increasingly important for future roles.

Frequently asked questions about a metal assembler

• What does a metal assembler earn?
  - The average salary is 32 700 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 196 SEK.
• What education is required to become a metal assembler?
  - Most commonly, the industrial technology program at high school or vocational adult education, often supplemented with practical training.
• Are there differences in wages between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for metal assemblers?
  - Opportunities for employment are considered large nationwide, with 1,433 available jobs within the profession.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Advancement to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or production technician is possible.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries in the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 29,700 SEK, and the highest is 35,600 SEK per month.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Attention to detail, teamwork skills, and an interest in technology are particularly valuable qualities.