Lump sorter

What does a lumpsorterare do? – Tasks and work environment

A lumpsorterare primarily works within the textile, leather, and fur industries, sorting and classifying textiles, leather, or other materials for recycling or further processing. The tasks involve manually or machine-based separation of materials based on quality, color, or type, as well as assessing which parts can be reused or need to be discarded. The work may also include some machine operation, weighing, and documentation of quantities. Lumpsorterare often work in production facilities or recycling plants, where the work environment can be noisy and sometimes dusty. Good physical condition is often required, as the work can be monotonous and involve heavy lifting and repetitive movements.

Salary development over time

The salary of lumpsorterare has developed steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, which increased to 29 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 30 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.8% over the period. This salary development reflects an increased demand for labor within the industry, as well as general adjustments to meet inflation and labor market demands. The wage increase between 2023 and 2024 was slightly lower than the previous year, possibly due to market stabilization and prior larger wage adjustments. There are still differences between employers and regions, which are reflected in the salary ranges.

Comprehensive overview of lumpsorterare salary

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 183 SEK
• Men's average salary: 31 200 SEK
• Women's average salary: 29 700 SEK
• Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 95%

Education and qualifications

To work as a lumpsorterare, a high school education is generally required, often with a focus on industry, textiles, or production. Many employers offer internal on-the-job training, and there are few formal requirements for vocational certificates or certifications. Practical experience in similar work and good physical condition are advantageous. Some employers may also require basic knowledge of work environment and safety.

• High school education: Industry, textiles, or production, 2–3 years
• Internal training: Common at the workplace
• Practical experience: Meritorious, especially within production or recycling
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and attention to detail
• Courses in work environment/safety: May be required by some employers

Common benefits and compensations

Lumpsorterare are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to overtime pay, holiday pay, and additional allowances. Other common benefits include wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches. In some cases, bonus programs or extra compensation for shift work and working during inconvenient hours are available.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for lumpsorterare is characterized by limited competition but also relatively few available positions compared to other industrial jobs. As the profession is physically demanding, it is important to handle monotonous tasks and sometimes heavy lifting. Automation and technological development within recycling and textile industries may influence the demand for manual work, making flexibility and adaptability crucial qualities. The work environment can be strenuous in noisy or dusty facilities, requiring both precision and endurance.

Tips for those interested in becoming lumpsorterare

To succeed as a lumpsorterare, it is good to combine precision with good physical endurance, as the work is often monotonous and requires maintaining focus during long shifts. Being flexible and quickly adapting to different material flows or changing tasks is an advantage. Actively seeking internships or summer jobs in the textile or recycling industries can provide insight into industry demands. Demonstrating initiative and taking responsibility for personal safety is appreciated by employers, as is the ability to collaborate with colleagues in sometimes fast-paced environments. Patience and a positive attitude towards repetitive tasks are also important, as these are common in the profession.

Key facts about lumpsorterare

• Education level: High school education (2–3 years)
• Work environment: Industry and recycling facilities, often noisy or dusty
• Work form: Shift work is common
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the profession
• Special skills: Material knowledge and precision

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a lumpsorterare, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as supervisor, process operator, or quality technician within the industry. Some choose to specialize further in recycling or material handling, which can lead to more advanced technical positions. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is insufficient data for an exact assessment of the profession's future prospects, but currently, there are many available jobs (1,437). Automation and the development of new recycling technologies may impact the profession in the future, but the need for individuals with material knowledge and experience in production is expected to remain.

Common questions about lumpsorterare

• What is the average salary of a lumpsorterare?
  - The average salary for a lumpsorterare is 30 400 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for lumpsorterare?
  - The salary has increased from 27,700 SEK in 2022 to 30 400 SEK in 2024, a rise of approximately 9.8%.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 29 700 SEK, which is 95% of men's average salary of 31 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become a lumpsorterare?
  - High school education with a focus on industry, textiles, or production is recommended, often supplemented with internal on-the-job training.
• What are the future prospects for lumpsorterare?
  - Currently, there are 1,437 available jobs in the profession, but no exact forecast from the Employment Service.
• What are common tasks for a lumpsorterare?
  - Sorting and classifying materials, machine handling, as well as documentation and quality control.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a lumpsorterare?
  - The highest salary is 32,200 SEK (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years); the lowest salary is 29,400 SEK (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years).