Industry guide

What does an Industrial Guide do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Industrial Guide leads visitors through factories, industrial facilities, and production environments to inform about processes, technology, and the company's history. The role involves planning and conducting guided tours, answering questions, and tailoring information for different audiences such as school classes, business delegations, and tourists. Industrial Guides often work in environments where safety and clear communication are crucial, and they need to stay updated on technical changes and production flows. The work environment can range from noisy workshop areas to more office-like spaces for presentations and introductions, requiring flexibility and the ability to navigate different settings.

Salary development over time

The salary for an Industrial Guide has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK, which increased slightly to 28 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen to 30 200 SEK, corresponding to an increase of just over 7% during this period. This salary development reflects an increased demand for the role as more companies open for site visits and tours, and as interest in the industry's role in society and sustainable development grows. The salary increase can also be linked to broader skill requirements, especially in communication and technology, and some competition for workforce within the guide and tour guide profession.

Industrial Guide salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (women), 30,600 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (women), 31,500 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do (29 900 SEK/month compared to 30 800 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: No specific regional salary data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an Industrial Guide, a high school education is usually required, often supplemented with specialized courses in technology, safety, or communication. Many employers value documented experience from the industry and the ability to communicate in multiple languages. Practical elements such as internships or trainee positions are common, especially in larger industrial companies, where the guide's knowledge of the specific production environment is essential.

• High school education: often technical or industrial programs (2–3 years)
• Courses in communication and safety: strongly recommended
• Internship/trainee: common in larger companies
• Language skills: meritorious, especially English and German
• Prerequisites: experience from industrial environments is often required

Common benefits and compensations

For Industrial Guides, it is common to receive additional pay for unsociable hours, especially for tours outside regular working hours. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for professional development through internal training. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches and collective pension schemes.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an Industrial Guide can vary depending on region and company size. Since the profession is part of the broader group of guides and tour guides, there are over 550 available jobs, but dedicated Industrial Guide positions are relatively few. Challenges in the profession include requirements for good adaptability, technical understanding, and working under safety regulations. The forecast from the Employment Service is limited due to sparse data, making future prospects difficult to predict. The profession can also be affected by economic cycles, as industrial visits are often deprioritized during downturns.

Tips for those wanting to become an Industrial Guide

To succeed as an Industrial Guide, it is beneficial to combine strong communication skills with a genuine interest in technology and industrial processes. Flexibility and the ability to tailor presentations to different visitors are crucial, as is patience when groups vary in prior knowledge. It is also important to be thorough and follow safety routines, especially in production environments where risks may exist. Building language skills by learning additional languages provides an advantage, especially if the company receives international visitors. Practical experience in the industry is often a significant benefit, so seeking internships is recommended to understand daily operations. Finally, social skills and the ability to engage visitors are important qualities that make guided tours more memorable and professional.

Key facts about Industrial Guides

• Education level: High school education (2–3 years), often supplemented with courses
• Work environment: Industrial production environments and factories
• Common employment types: Permanent and hourly employment
• Demand: Approximately 550 available jobs within the guide and tour guide profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years as an Industrial Guide, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as training managers for internal company visits or coordinators for larger events and conferences. Some choose to further their education in technical communication or marketing within the industry. The Employment Service does not make a specific forecast for Industrial Guides, but currently, about 550 jobs are reported within the guide and tour guide group. This indicates a certain demand, although the number of positions can vary depending on economic conditions and industry development.

Frequently asked questions about Industrial Guides

• What does an Industrial Guide earn?
  - An Industrial Guide has an average salary of 30 200 SEK per month.
• Are there gender differences in salary for Industrial Guides?
  - Yes, women earn 29 900 SEK on average, while men earn 30 800 SEK, meaning women earn 97% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become an Industrial Guide?
  - Usually, a high school education, preferably with a technical focus, and courses in communication and safety are required.
• What are the future prospects for Industrial Guides?
  - The Employment Service does not make a specific forecast, but there are approximately 550 available jobs within the guide and tour guide profession.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for Industrial Guides?
  - The highest salary is 33,600 SEK (female, public sector), the lowest is 27,700 SEK (female, various sectors).
• What personal qualities are important as an Industrial Guide?
  - Communication skills, technical interest, social competence, and thoroughness are key qualities.
• Are there regional salary differences for Industrial Guides?
  - No specific regional salary data is available for Industrial Guides.