Coal, other

What does a charcoal burner do – tasks and work environment

A charcoal burner works with the production of charcoal through a process where wood is carbonized under controlled conditions, often in kilns or retorts. Tasks include monitoring and controlling the process, checking temperature and oxygen supply, and handling the finished charcoal. The job requires physical effort and precision because the process is time-consuming and sensitive to disturbances. The work environment is often outdoors or in simple industrial premises, where exposure to smoke, heat, and dust is common. Safety routines and protective equipment are an important part of daily life to minimize risks associated with hot materials and fire hazards.

Salary development over time

The salary for a charcoal burner has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 33 600 SEK in 2023. By 2024, the salary has risen further and now stands at 38 100 SEK, representing an increase of just over 16.8% during this period. This development reflects increased demand for technical knowledge and experience within the profession, but can also be explained by general industry salary adjustments and the need to retain expertise. Differences between women and men remain, although the percentage gap has decreased slightly. Despite limited statistical data, a stabilization at a relatively high salary level compared to other industrial occupations is observed.

Charcoal burner, other salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 229 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men 38,500 SEK, women 36,900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a charcoal burner is often practical and based on experience in industrial production, preferably with a focus on chemical-technical processes. Formal education requirements vary, but high school education in industry, technology, or natural resource management is common. Additional training in machine operation or process industry can be advantageous, and internships or apprenticeships often provide good opportunities for employment.

• High school education: Industry, technology, or natural resource management (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Short courses in process industry may be beneficial
• Practical experience: Apprenticeship or on-the-job training is common
• Prerequisites: Good physical health, precision, and technical interest
• Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on machine and process technology

Common benefits and compensations

Charcoal burners often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime compensation, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits include work clothing, protective gear, and opportunities for further training within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a charcoal burner is niche, and recruitment is affected by a limited number of positions and specialized tasks. Competition for available jobs is relatively low, but high demands are placed on technical understanding and the ability to work independently. The lack of formal educational pathways can make it difficult for newcomers to enter the profession, and the work environment requires good physical health and precision to minimize risks. Since the future of the profession is partly influenced by environmental regulations and technological development within industry, adaptability and continuous education are important for long-term job security.

Tips for those interested in becoming a charcoal burner

To succeed as a charcoal burner, it is good to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills and patience. Being precise and responsible helps manage the process's sensitivity and ensure a good final result. Physical endurance is an advantage since the work can be demanding and involve long shifts outdoors or in industrial environments. Be open to learning new things, as technical updates and changes in work methods are common. Demonstrating teamwork and communication skills facilitates collaboration with colleagues and increases your chances of development within the profession. Seek internships to gain insight into the job and build your experience over time. Finally, it is important to have safety awareness and always follow established routines to create a safe working environment.

Key facts about Charcoal burner, other

• Education level: High school diploma or equivalent practical experience
• Work environment: Outdoors or in simple industrial premises, often physically demanding
• Demand: Specialized profession with low competition for positions
• Typical work pattern: Shift work or daytime, depending on the workplace
• Special skills: Process monitoring, machine handling, and safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a charcoal burner, opportunities exist to advance to supervisory roles or further education in process industry and machinery handling. The profession, classified among machine operators for chemical-technical and photographic products, reports a total of 1,437 available jobs. The employment agency's forecasts for the profession are uncertain due to limited data, but overall demand is considered stable within industrial manufacturing. Skills in modern technology and environmentally adapted production increase the chances for career development. For those interested in related occupations, options include process operator, machine operator within the wood and paper industry, or environmental technician.

Frequently asked questions about Charcoal burner, other

• What does a charcoal burner earn?
  - The average salary for a charcoal burner is 38 100 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn on average 36,900 SEK, which is approximately 96% of men's salary at 38,500 SEK.
• What education is required to become a charcoal burner?
  - High school education in industry, technology, or natural resource management is common, often supplemented with practical training or apprenticeship.
• What is the job market like for charcoal burners?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs within the profession, but competition is low due to the specialized nature of the work.
• What are the job duties of a charcoal burner?
  - Monitoring of the carbonization process, machine handling, and safety work are central parts of the profession.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, further training in process industry and mechanical engineering is common and can lead to more qualified roles.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work often takes place outdoors or in simple industrial facilities and can be physically and environmentally demanding.