Tile stove maker

What does a tile stove maker do? – Tasks and working environment

Tile stove makers work with manufacturing, renovating, installing, and repairing tile stoves and fireplaces in various environments. The work includes everything from bricklaying and tile setting to performing detailed craftsmanship that requires high precision and accuracy. Projects can range from restoring culturally historic tile stoves to installing new, energy-efficient models in modern homes. The working environment is often varied and may involve indoor work at construction sites and in older buildings, where ergonomics and safety are important considerations. Physical work and sometimes heavy lifting are common, and many projects require collaboration with other tradespeople.

Salary development over time

The salary development for tile stove makers has been stable over the past three years. The average salary was 36,200 SEK in 2022, rising to 37 300 SEK in 2023. This level has been maintained through 2024, representing an increase of about 3 percent from 2022 to 2023, then leveling off. The salary level is largely influenced by demand for skilled craftsmen, especially in restoring older tile stoves where specialized skills are necessary. The market is characterized by a relatively small professional group and an increased appreciation for craft traditions, which can help keep wages competitive. The reported national shortage of qualified tile stove makers has not yet resulted in sharply rising wages; instead, salary levels have stabilized at a high level.

Tile stove maker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: Varies depending on experience and region
• Hourly wage: 224 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 37 200 SEK/month, specific figures for women are not available
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on demand, but specific regional figures are not provided

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a tile stove maker often involves apprenticeship or upper secondary vocational education in construction and civil engineering, with specialization in bricklaying or tiling. Many in the profession have also completed specialized courses or further training in craft and tile stove making. Practical experience is crucial, and it is common to work as an apprentice under the supervision of an experienced tile stove maker before working independently.

• Vocational training: Upper secondary construction and civil engineering programs, specializing in bricklaying (about 3 years)
• Apprenticeship: Practical training or employment as an apprentice under supervision
• Certification: Possibility of obtaining a trade certificate or industry certification after completing training and apprenticeship
• Further education: Specialized courses in tile stove making and craft traditions
• Prerequisites: Good physical health and interest in craftsmanship; no formal higher education requirements

Common benefits and compensations

Tile stove makers are often covered by collective agreements that provide holiday pay, occupational pension, and insurance. Other common benefits may include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training through the employer. In some cases, bonuses or extra compensation are offered for work during inconvenient hours or for particularly demanding projects.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a tile stove maker is relatively low due to the limited availability of trained professionals. At the same time, the profession demands high craftsmanship skills and accuracy, especially when restoring older tile stoves, where incorrect work can damage objects and buildings. Technical advances and changing building codes also require tile stove makers to stay updated on materials and methods. The physical work environment can be challenging, with heavy lifting and working in tight spaces, requiring good physical condition and endurance. The reported shortage of new recruits may, over time, lead to increased workload for those already active in the field.

Tips for those wanting to become a tile stove maker

To succeed as a tile stove maker, it is good to combine precision with a strong sense for details, as each step requires accuracy and patience. Being solution-oriented helps with unexpected challenges, especially when restoring older structures. Good teamwork skills are important since the work often takes place alongside other craftspeople on construction sites. A certain creativity facilitates when unique decorative patterns need to be recreated or adapted. Finally, an interest in cultural history and craftsmanship traditions is an advantage, as many projects involve preserving important cultural values.

Key facts about tile stove makers

• Educational level: Upper secondary vocational education with apprenticeship
• Work environment: Construction sites, historic buildings, and cultural heritage sites
• Demand: Great job opportunities, national shortage of skilled workers
• Work form: Mostly full-time employment, sometimes project- or hourly-based
• Special skills: Craftsmanship and cultural-historical understanding

Career paths and future prospects

A tile stove maker can, after three to five years of experience, advance to supervisor, self-employed, or specialize in restoring culturally historic objects. There are also opportunities to move into teaching roles or consulting within building preservation. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the opportunities for employment are large for bricklayers and tilers, including tile stove makers, and the shortage of skilled workers is expected to persist. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, with continued good chances of employment in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about tile stove makers

• What does a tile stove maker earn?
  - A tile stove maker has an average salary of 37 300 SEK per month.
• How do you become a tile stove maker?
  - The profession requires upper secondary education in construction and civil engineering programs and an apprenticeship with an experienced tile stove maker.
• What are the job responsibilities of a tile stove maker?
  - The duties include bricklaying, installation, repair, and restoration of tile stoves and fireplaces.
• What are the future prospects for tile stove makers?
  - Demand is high and prospects are considered still good according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary data for men shows 37 200 SEK, but specific data for women is not available.
• What qualities are important for enjoying this profession?
  - Accuracy, patience, teamwork skills, and interest in craftsmanship are important qualities.
• Is it common to have project-based employment or are permanent positions more typical?
  - Full-time employment dominates, but project- and hourly-based employment also occur.