- Salary statistics
- Kilare, quarry
Kilare, quarry
37 700 - 38 000 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Kilare, quarry
What does a wedge worker in a quarry do? – Tasks and work environment
A wedge worker in a quarry works with processing and splitting stone blocks into smaller, manageable parts for further refinement or sale. The work is often outdoors in quarries, where heavy machinery and hand tools are used to position wedges into prepared cracks and break apart stone material. The work environment is physically demanding and involves exposure to noise, dust, and weather changes. Safety regulations are strict, focusing on protective equipment and ergonomics to reduce the risk of accidents and strain injuries.
Salary development over time
The salary for a wedge worker in a quarry has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,500 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 33 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the salary has risen significantly to 38 000 SEK per month, corresponding to an increase of approximately 12.4 % compared to the previous year. This development can be explained by an increased demand for skilled labor in the stone industry, while fewer people are seeking the profession due to its physical demands. A shortage of specialists and increased demand for natural stone have also contributed to rising salary levels. Overall, the profession shows a stable and positive salary development, especially in the past year.
Wedge worker in a quarry salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 38 000 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies depending on experience and region
- Hourly wage: 228 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 38 300 SEK; specific figures for women are not available
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on access to quarries and demand in the region
Working as a wedge worker in a quarry requires not only physical strength but also precision and an eye for the natural cracks in the material. Many experienced wedge workers develop a unique feel for the properties of the stone over time, making their contribution invaluable in production.
Education and qualifications
To work as a wedge worker in a quarry, no formal university education is usually required, but practical vocational high school with a focus on stone or construction industry is a common background. Employers often value practical experience and technical understanding, and many acquire their skills through apprenticeships or internal training at the workplace. Certifications in machinery safety and work environment are advantageous and sometimes mandatory depending on the tasks.
- Vocational high school: Construction and civil engineering program with specialization in stone or construction (3 years)
- Internship/apprenticeship: Common way to gain practical experience
- Certifications: Safety, machine operator certificates, and work environment courses
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical skills
- Tips for choosing: Interest in craftsmanship and outdoor work is an advantage
Common benefits and compensation
Employees working as wedge workers in quarries are often offered benefits such as work clothes, wellness allowances, additional insurance, and sometimes access to occupational health services. Overtime pay and per diems may be provided for work in other locations or during inconvenient working hours. Some employers also offer bonuses based on production targets.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a wedge worker in a quarry is generally low, but the labor market is influenced by economic conditions and the development of the construction sector. Challenges mainly relate to the physically demanding work and the risk of work-related injuries. The profession requires great accuracy and experience in handling heavy tools and machinery. Job availability can vary regionally depending on the presence of active quarries. Limited digitalization and automation mean that craftsmanship skills remain crucial.
Tips for those who want to become a wedge worker in a quarry
To succeed as a wedge worker in a quarry, it is good to have endurance and good physical condition, as the tasks are often demanding and performed under varying weather conditions. A careful eye is important for reading the stone's structure and placing wedges correctly, which reduces material loss. Those who enjoy practical work and have a genuine interest in craftsmanship will find it easier to enter the profession, especially if they are eager to learn from experienced colleagues. Initiative and responsibility are qualities appreciated by employers, as safety is always central. It is also valuable to be cooperative and attentive, as the work is often done in teams where communication is crucial. Applying for internships or summer jobs in quarries can be an excellent way to gain insight and experience before employment.
Key facts about wedge workers in quarries
- Education level: Vocational high school or apprenticeship training
- Work environment: Outdoors, often noisy and dusty
- Typical employment: Full-time or hourly employment
- Demand: Approximately 1,437 job openings within the profession including stonemasons, etc.
- Special skills: Craftsmanship and machinery experience
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a wedge worker in a quarry, opportunities for further development may include roles such as site supervisor, machine operator, or specialization in stone processing. Some choose to further their education to become stonemasons or technicians within the construction sector. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Service indicate that there is insufficient data for an exact assessment of future prospects, but the job market is considered stable with some demand due to retirements and the need for experienced workers. Digitalization has so far had limited impact on the profession, which means traditional skills remain valuable.
Frequently asked questions about wedge workers in quarries
- What does a wedge worker in a quarry earn?
- The average salary for a wedge worker in a quarry is 38 000 SEK per month. - What is the working environment like for a wedge worker in a quarry?
- The working environment is physically demanding, often outdoors, and involves exposure to noise and dust. - What education is required to become a wedge worker in a quarry?
- Vocational high school with a focus on stone or construction, along with practical experience, is most common. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 38 300 SEK, but specific figures for women are not available. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- There are approximately 1437 job openings within the profession, but no exact forecast is available. - What personal qualities are important as a wedge worker in a quarry?
- Endurance, precision, teamwork skills, and responsibility are especially important.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38100 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38100 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38100 kr | 38300 kr |
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 Kilare, quarry has the SSYK code 8116, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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