What does a painter within the industry earn?

The average salary is 33,400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.

What education is required to become a painter within the industry?

High school education with a focus on industrial technology or vehicle technology is recommended, preferably supplemented with practical training.

Are there differences between men and women in the profession?

Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do within the profession.

What is the work environment like for painters?

The work is carried out in industrial workshop environments and requires protective equipment due to chemicals and noise.

How many job openings are there for painters within the industry?

There are currently 1,437 job vacancies within the profession in Sweden.

What are the most common benefits?

Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and opportunities for further training.

Can I further my education within the profession?

Yes, further education to become a technician, supervisor, or specialized painter is common after a few years in the profession.

Varnishes, industry salary

36 400 SEK

Painters and industrial painters

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

31 900 - 37 300 SEK / month

Women earn 86% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

Average salary 36 400 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 31 900 - 37 300 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a painter within the industry do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Painter within the industry salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data

Salary progression Varnishes, industry

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What does a painter within the industry do? – Tasks and work environment

An industrial painter primarily works with applying protective and decorative coatings to metals, plastics, or other materials within manufacturing industries. Tasks include surface pre-treatment, mixing paints and coatings, and precise application using spray guns or other tools in specialized spray booths. High demands are placed on accuracy, precision, and safety, especially since work often occurs in environments with strong chemicals and ventilation systems. The work environment can be noisy and requires protective gear such as respirators and coveralls to minimize health and safety risks.

Salary development over time

Industrial painters have experienced some variation in salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 33 400 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, the salary increased significantly to 36 400 SEK in 2024, corresponding to an increase of about 5% from the previous year. This recovery can be explained by increased demand for qualified painters within the industry and a greater focus on surface protection and finishing in manufacturing processes. Salary variations may also depend on changes in collective agreements, regional differences, and gender-based disparities within the profession.

Experience and specialization, such as advanced spray painting or working with specific materials, can quickly open doors to more responsibility and new roles. Many painters choose to further their education to become supervisors or technicians in surface treatment, which significantly broadens career opportunities.

– statsskuld.se

Painter within the industry salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 36 400 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 31,700 SEK/month (female), 32,700 SEK/month (male)
Highest salary: 33,000 SEK/month (female), 35,600 SEK/month (male)
Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK
Gender pay gap: Women earn 86% of men's salary (31,700 SEK vs 36 900 SEK)
Regional differences: Data varies, but salaries are influenced by geographic location and the size of the industry locally

Education and qualifications

To work as an industrial painter, a high school education with a focus on industrial technology or vehicle technology is usually required, often with additional courses in painting or surface treatment. Many employers also value practical experience, which can be obtained through internships or apprenticeships. Specialized courses and certifications in workplace safety, chemical handling, or advanced spray painting can be advantageous.

High school education: Industrial technical programs (3 years) with specialization in surface treatment/painting
Certifications: Courses in chemical handling, environmental and workplace safety
Practical experience: Apprenticeships or internships with industrial companies
Prerequisites: Good physical condition, precision, and interest in technology
Further education: Opportunities to take specialized courses or further training to become technicians or supervisors

Common benefits and compensations

Industrial painters are often covered by collective agreements that provide entitlement to holiday pay, overtime pay, and occupational pension. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonuses for meeting production targets. Access to further training and safety equipment is also standard.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an industrial painter can vary depending on region and economic conditions. Despite there being 1,437 current job vacancies, having the right education and practical experience is crucial to stand out in the job market. Challenges include physically demanding tasks, strict quality requirements, and exposure to chemicals, which place high demands on work environment and safety. Additionally, automation and technological development may influence the demand for traditional painter roles, while specialized skills become increasingly important.

Tips for aspiring industrial painters

To succeed as an industrial painter, it’s important to develop both technical precision and attention to detail. Endurance and good physical condition facilitate the often monotonous and physically demanding tasks. A strong safety mindset is essential, especially when handling chemicals and machinery, to ensure routines are always followed. Good communication skills are valuable, as collaboration with colleagues, supervisors, and sometimes clients is part of daily work. Showing interest in new methods or techniques can open doors to further training and faster career progression. Flexibility is also an asset, as work tasks can vary between projects and companies. Lastly, responsibility and punctuality are appreciated in an industry where production flow is high and quality standards are constantly maintained.

Key facts about industrial painters

Education level: High school education with a focus on industrial technology or vehicle technology
Work environment: Industrial workshop environment requiring protective equipment
Work form: Full-time, often shift work
Demand: 1,437 job vacancies within the profession in Sweden
Gender differences: Women earn on average 86% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, opportunities open for further education to become a supervisor, surface treatment technician, or specialized painter responsible for advanced projects. Some choose to become quality inspectors or trainers for new employees. Forecasts from the Employment Service are uncertain due to limited data, but there is a continuous need for experienced industrial painters, especially in regions with strong manufacturing industries. Automation and new technology may change job tasks, but the need for skilled professionals is expected to persist in the medium term. The possibility to transition to related professions, such as industrial painter or surface treatment technician, is also good.

Common questions about industrial painters

What does an industrial painter earn?
- The average salary is 36 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
What education is required to become an industrial painter?
- High school education with a focus on industrial technology or vehicle technology is recommended, preferably supplemented with practical training.
Are there differences between men and women in the profession?
- Yes, women earn on average 86% of what men do within the profession.
What is the work environment like for painters?
- The work is performed in industrial workshop environments and requires protective equipment due to chemicals and noise.
How many job openings are there for painters within the industry?
- Currently, there are 1,437 job vacancies in Sweden.
What are the most common benefits?
- Benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and opportunities for further training.
Can I further my education within the profession?
- Yes, further education to become a technician, supervisor, or specialized painter is common after a few years in the profession.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 11:11:00

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		32700 kr	33100 kr
25-34		33900 kr	34300 kr
35-44		36500 kr	36900 kr
45-54		37100 kr	38100 kr
55-64		36400 kr	38800 kr
Snitt	86%	35500 kr	36400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		32700 kr	33100 kr
25-34		33900 kr	34300 kr
35-44		36500 kr	36900 kr
45-54		37100 kr	38100 kr
55-64		36400 kr	38800 kr
Snitt	86%	35500 kr	36400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		32700 kr	33100 kr
25-34		33900 kr	34300 kr
35-44		36500 kr	36900 kr
45-54		37100 kr	38100 kr
55-64		36400 kr	38800 kr
Snitt	86%	35500 kr	36400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		32900 kr	33200 kr
25-34		34300 kr	34700 kr
35-44		37300 kr	37800 kr
45-54		37500 kr	38500 kr
55-64		36700 kr	39200 kr
Snitt	86%	36000 kr	36900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		32900 kr	33200 kr
25-34		34300 kr	34700 kr
35-44		37300 kr	37800 kr
45-54		37500 kr	38500 kr
55-64		36700 kr	39200 kr
Snitt	86%	36000 kr	36900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		32900 kr	33200 kr
25-34		34300 kr	34700 kr
35-44		37300 kr	37800 kr
45-54		37500 kr	38500 kr
55-64		36700 kr	39200 kr
Snitt	86%	36000 kr	36900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	86%	31400 kr	31900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	86%	31400 kr	31900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	86%	31400 kr	31900 kr

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

Salary per sector

Salary based on education

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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 Varnishes, industry has the SSYK code 7132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.