Ironmonger salary

Working as an Ironmonger: An Insight into the Profession

Working as an ironmonger means being a specialized retail salesperson in the trade industry. This profession requires both product knowledge and customer service skills. Ironmongers usually work in stores that sell tools, building materials, and other related products. Their main task is to assist customers in finding the right products and provide advice on usage and maintenance.

What Does an Ironmonger Earn?

The average salary for an ironmonger is 31 900 SEK per month. However, there is a variation in salaries based on gender; men earn an average of 32 700 SEK while women earn 31 300 SEK, meaning that women earn approximately 96% of what men do in this profession. The hourly wage for an ironmonger, based on a month with 166 working hours, is around 192 SEK.

Salary Development and Disparities

Over the past year, the average salary for ironmongers has increased from 30 900 SEK to 31 900 SEK. The highest salary in the profession is 34600 SEK for a man working in the regional sector with a secondary education of up to two years. For women, the highest salary is 32 700 SEK. On the lower end of the salary scale, a man who is a privately employed official with less than nine years of pre-secondary education earns 29500 SEK, while the lowest salary for a woman is 30100 SEK.

Education and Qualifications

Working as an ironmonger often requires a secondary education. Many employers value experience in the trade industry or similar sales work as product knowledge is a significant advantage. There are also opportunities to take courses or training offered by the employer to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques.

Future Prospects and Job Market

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment as a store salesperson, including ironmongers, are generally good nationwide. Over a five-year period, demand is expected to remain unchanged. However, there are recruitment difficulties, especially since many work part-time in the profession. This may mean that there are good opportunities for those seeking full-time positions.

Working Conditions

The working environment for an ironmonger can vary depending on the store's size and location. The majority of the work takes place in a store environment where customer contact is central. It is common to handle heavy products, so good physical condition can be an advantage. Working hours may vary, with evening and weekend shifts as part of the job description.

• The opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with varied tasks.
• Developing product knowledge and customer service skills.
• Flexibility in working hours, but also a requirement for evening and weekend shifts.

What to Expect as an Ironmonger

Benefits that may be offered in the profession sometimes include discounts on products, but it is less common to have perks such as paid training or remote work in this field. However, the varied work environment and the opportunity to help customers daily can be a major driving force for many in the profession.

Challenges and Competition

Working as an ironmonger can be challenging, especially in larger stores with high customer volume. Competition in the retail sector can be tough, but those who are dedicated and have good product knowledge have excellent opportunities to advance in the profession. Many ironmongers value personal customer contact and the opportunity to find solutions that meet customers' needs.

Overall Assessment

Overall, the profession of an ironmonger offers a stable career path for those interested in the trade industry and customer service. With promising future prospects and the opportunity to work with products and services one is passionate about, it can be a rewarding profession for the right individual.