Image that illustrates Planers, wood

Planers, wood

33 000 kr

Machine carpenters and machine operators, wood industry

32 200 - 33 800 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Planers, wood

Average salary 33 000 kr
Males 33 100 kr
Females 32 200 kr

What does a planer in the wood industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A planer in the wood industry primarily works with processing wood products by operating and monitoring various types of planers and machines. Tasks include setting up machines, supervising production, quality checks, and basic maintenance. Material handling and preparing raw materials for processing are often included. The work environment is typically industrial and can be noisy, requiring precision, safety awareness, and the ability to follow instructions. Protective equipment is used regularly, and tasks are performed both independently and collaboratively with colleagues in production.

Salary development over time

The profession of wood planer has shown steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased slightly to 32 900 SEK, representing about a 6% increase compared to the previous year. The trend continued in 2024 with a small rise to 33 000 SEK. This development reflects a stable job market with relatively low but steady growth, likely influenced by technological advancements and demand for wood products. The salary increase has been consistent, possibly due to ongoing demand for skills in the wood industry and a slight shortage of experienced machine operators.

Wood planer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (female), 32,700 SEK/month (male)
  • Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female), 33,800 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage: 198 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do (32,200 SEK/month vs 33 100 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Data missing for specific regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a wood planer, a high school education with a focus on wood technology or industrial production is generally required. Practical experience and familiarity with machinery are highly valued and often a requirement by employers. Education is available at both high school and adult education levels, and additional certifications in machine safety can enhance employability.

  • High school: Building and construction program, specialization in wood technology (3 years)
  • Adult education: Vocational training in wood industry/machine carpentry
  • Certificates: Machine safety and occupational health courses
  • Internships: Practical training during education or through apprenticeship systems
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest

Many wood planers develop an impressive feel for the properties of wood over time and can quickly assess quality and suitable processing methods – a skill highly valued by employers in the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Wood industry planers are usually covered by collective agreements, which include access to occupational pensions, insurance, and compensation for unsociable hours. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for on-site training. Bonuses or performance-based supplements may also be offered depending on the employer and production results.

Competition and challenges

The job market for wood planers is stable but sensitive to economic fluctuations and technological development. Competition for jobs can vary by region and industry demand, with some periods marked by a shortage of experienced machine operators. Digitalization and automation of production increase requirements for technical skills and adaptability. High safety standards and physically demanding work environments require endurance and precision. For those wanting to specialize or advance, further education or certification may be necessary.

Tips for aspiring wood industry planers

To succeed as a wood planer, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with a willingness to learn new machines and methods. Precision is crucial, as quality and safety must always be prioritized in wood processing. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in high-paced environments. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are important when machines need adjustment or unexpected situations arise. Demonstrating responsibility and taking initiative to develop your skills are appreciated by employers. Physical endurance is also valuable, as the work can be monotonous and physically demanding. Lastly, a positive attitude toward safety regulations and routines helps create a secure workplace.

Key facts about wood industry planers

  • Education level: High school vocational training or equivalent
  • Work environment: Industrial, often noisy and physically demanding
  • Work schedule: Shift work occurs, including day and evening shifts
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in 2024
  • Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the proportion of women is increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, production planner, or further training as a machine technician. Specialization in CNC-controlled machines or quality control can provide additional career opportunities and higher salaries. The employment agency’s forecasts for the profession of machine carpenters and machine operators in the wood industry are uncertain due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates continued demand for skills. Industry development is influenced by the construction and interior design sectors’ economic cycles and technological innovations. Those interested in broadening their skills can also work in related fields such as machine operation in other materials industries or manufacturing personnel.

Frequently asked questions about wood industry planers

  • What does a wood planer earn?
    - The average salary is 33 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
  • How to become a wood industry planer?
    - High school education in wood technology or industrial production is the most common route, sometimes supplemented with adult education or apprenticeships.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What occupational health and safety risks exist?
    - The work environment can be noisy and physically demanding, with requirements for protective gear and safety routines.
  • What is the job market like for wood planers?
    - There are 1,437 job openings within the profession, indicating strong demand.
  • What career opportunities are there?
    - Opportunities to advance to supervisor, production planner, or specialize in CNC or quality control.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Planers, wood is 33800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Planers, wood is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29500 kr 31400 kr
25-34 31300 kr 32600 kr
35-44 31700 kr 32600 kr
45-54 32300 kr 33300 kr
55-64 99% 32700 kr 33900 kr
Snitt 97% 31900 kr 33000 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, wood has the SSYK code 7523, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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* Updated with 2025 taxes