Image that illustrates Planers, sawmills

Planers, sawmills

36 800 kr

Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

35 400 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Planers, sawmills

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 35 400 kr

What does a planer in a sawmill do? – Tasks and work environment

A planer in a sawmill is responsible for processing wood through planing, which involves refining raw timber into finished products with precise dimensions and smooth surfaces. The work is often performed on large, computer-controlled machines where precision and accuracy are crucial to ensure product quality. The planer monitors the machines, performs ongoing maintenance and adjustments, and checks that the products meet customer and industry requirements. The work environment can be noisy, dusty, and physically demanding, as heavy lifting and long shifts are common. Safety routines are central, and the use of protective equipment is a natural part of daily work.

Salary development over time

The profession of a planer in sawmills has experienced steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 35 000 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 shows an average salary of 36 800 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. This development reflects a combination of increased demand for skilled personnel, general industry wage adjustments, and a continued focus on retaining competent workers. Salaries are also influenced by local collective bargaining and efforts to reduce gender pay gaps, although differences still exist within the profession.

Planer, sawmill salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 221 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Men's average salary: 37 000 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: The highest salary for men is found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a planer in a sawmill, a high school education in wood technology or industrial production is generally required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in machine handling and basic technical knowledge. Practical experience from industrial work, the ability to read drawings, and working with computer-controlled machines are advantageous. Further training or internal courses may be available, especially for those seeking greater responsibility or working with advanced equipment.

  • High school education: Wood technology or industrial technology, usually 3 years
  • Certifications: Internal safety and machine operation certificates
  • Practical training: Often part of high school education
  • Prerequisites: Technical understanding and good physical condition
  • Advanced training: Opportunities for further courses in production technology

An interesting aspect of working as a planer in a sawmill is that the role often involves close collaboration with production technicians and quality managers. Those who enjoy solving practical problems and contributing to efficient production have good opportunities to develop and become key team members.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Planers in sawmills are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and paid vacation. Shift work may be required, which sometimes involves extra compensation for inconvenient hours. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development through internal training.

Challenges and competition

The job market for planers in sawmills is influenced by economic cycles in the timber and construction sectors. Since the profession is relatively narrow, competition for the most attractive jobs can be noticeable, especially in regions with fewer sawmills. Technological developments, such as increased automation, require employees to continuously develop their skills. Physical challenges and occupational risks also demand attention to safety and ergonomics. At the same time, the demand for experienced and reliable planers remains stable, offering good opportunities for those with the right education and attitude.

Tips for those who want to become a planer in sawmills

To succeed as a planer in a sawmill, it is good to have an interest in technology and a willingness to work practically with machines. Precision is critical when processing wood parts according to exact specifications, and a problem-solving attitude helps when machines need adjustments or faults occur. Collaboration skills are important since the work is team-based, and initiative helps you quickly take on new tasks or improvement suggestions. Good physical fitness and endurance are also advantageous, as the work can be physically demanding and repetitive. Those open to learning new things and taking responsibility for safety have good chances to thrive and develop in the profession.

Key facts about planers in sawmills

  • Educational level: High school diploma in wood technology/industry
  • Typical work form: Full-time, often shift-based
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with machine-based tasks
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Still some salary differences between genders

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a planer in a sawmill, those interested in development can move into supervisory roles or specialize in machine maintenance and quality control. For those interested in technology and production, opportunities exist to further educate themselves as production technicians or machine operators with broader responsibilities. According to the Swedish Employment Agency, future prospects are difficult to assess precisely for this profession due to limited detailed statistics, but there are signs of continued demand for skilled labor in the wood industry. With 1,437 job openings, demand remains good, although the job market may vary between regions and economic cycles. Automation and technological development may influence tasks, but competent and experienced planers will remain important in the future.

Common questions about planers in sawmills

  • What is the average salary of a planer in sawmills?
    - The average salary for a planer in sawmills is 36 800 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a planer in sawmills?
    - The most common is a high school education in wood technology or industry, supplemented with practical training.
  • What tasks are included for a planer?
    - Processing wood, monitoring machines, quality control, and maintenance of equipment.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is stable with over 1400 job openings, but competition varies regionally.
  • What is the lowest and highest salary for a planer in sawmills?
    - The lowest salary is 35,400 SEK, and the highest is 37,400 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Planers, sawmills is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Planers, sawmills is 35400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 31000 kr 36300 kr
25-34 95% 32300 kr 36900 kr
35-44 96% 32400 kr 36400 kr
45-54 93% 32700 kr 37000 kr
55-64 97% 32900 kr 37200 kr
Snitt 96% 32400 kr 36800 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 Planers, sawmills has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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