Lens grinder

What does a lens grinder do? – Tasks and work environment

A lens grinder works with grinding, shaping, and processing optical lenses made of glass or plastic, often for glasses, cameras, or other optical instruments. Tasks include using specialized grinding machines, inspecting lens quality, and ensuring they meet precise specifications for optics and surface finish. Daily work also involves measuring, polishing, and sometimes mounting lenses into frames or holders. The work environment is usually a workshop or industrial laboratory, where precision, accuracy, and good eye coordination are essential. Often, work is performed in small groups or alone, depending on production volume and workplace size.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, lens grinders have experienced a relatively stable but positive salary trend. In 2022, the average salary was 34,400 SEK, which increased slightly to 33 700 SEK in 2023 – a slight decline that may reflect temporary market variations. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary has risen to 37 100 SEK, representing an increase of about 10% from the previous year. This salary increase can be linked to increased demand for qualified process operators within glass processing, technological development, and a generally higher salary level in the industrial sector. Despite minor fluctuations, the trend shows steady improvement in conditions for lens grinders, especially those with specialized education and experience.

Lens grinder salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 223 SEK
• Women: 35,700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 37 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a lens grinder, a high school education in technology or industry is usually required, often with a focus on process technology, glass, or optics. Many employers also seek practical experience in machine handling and quality control. Some workplaces offer internal training or trainee programs where new employees learn the specific tasks of the profession. A good understanding of mathematics, physics, and materials science, along with an interest in precision work, is advantageous.

• High school education: Industrial technology programs or similar (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Short technical courses in optics or mechanical engineering
• Internship or traineeship: Often offered through employer internal training
• Prerequisites: Passing grades in mathematics and technical subjects
• Certifications: May be required at larger companies or for specialized roles

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for lens grinders include collective agreement-based occupational pension schemes, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development through the employer. Many workplaces also provide work clothing, protective equipment, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Shift work may occur, which can sometimes provide additional pay on top of the base salary.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of lens grinders is moderate, but there is some uncertainty regarding future recruitment needs according to the latest forecasts from the Employment Service. Since the profession falls under a broader category of process and machine operators, the job market situation may vary depending on region and specialization. Challenges for the profession include technological development, automation, and increased demands for precision. Tasks can be monotonous and require patience and concentration. To stand out in the job market, specialized experience or further training is often necessary.

Tips for those wanting to become a lens grinder

To succeed as a lens grinder, it is good to have an eye for detail and be meticulous in all work. An interest in technology and mechanics facilitates learning new machines and methods, and resilience is important as some tasks can be repetitive. Showing patience and the ability to work focused for longer periods is a big advantage. Good teamwork skills are valuable, especially if work is performed in a team, while independence is required for quality control and fine-tuning. Being open to learning new skills and continuously developing your abilities provides the best chances to thrive and grow in the profession.

Key facts about lens grinders

• Education level: High school education, often industrial technology programs
• Work environment: Workshop or laboratory, often with specialized machines
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Special skills: Precision, quality control, optical processing

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience, a lens grinder can progress to roles such as supervisor, quality manager, or specialize in advanced optics and precision grinding. Some choose to further their education as process technicians or machine operators in related industries. The Employment Service does not provide a specific forecast for lens grinders due to limited data, but within the broader category of process and machine operators, there are 1,437 available jobs, indicating good opportunities for those with the right skills. However, technological development could change the work content and impose new digital skills requirements. In the long term, automation may influence demand, but craftsmanship and specialized expertise remain valuable in manufacturing advanced optics.

Frequently asked questions about lens grinders

• What is the average salary of a lens grinder?
  - The average salary is 37 100 SEK per month.
• How do gender differences in salary look?
  - Women earn approximately 95% of men's salaries, with an average of 35,700 SEK compared to men's 37 400 SEK.
• What education is required to become a lens grinder?
  - Usually, a high school education in technology or industry, preferably with a focus on optics or process engineering.
• Are there regional salary differences for lens grinders?
  - No specific regional statistics are available, but salary may vary depending on workplace and region.
• What are the future prospects for lens grinders?
  - The prognosis is uncertain, but there are 1,437 available jobs within the process and machine operators category.
• What personal qualities are important for a lens grinder?
  - Accuracy, patience, technical interest, and the ability to work independently are key.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for lens grinders?
  - The highest salary is 39,000 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education), and the lowest is 35,400 SEK (female, high school education).