Salary progression Painting workers, painters, industry

Average salary 36 400 kr
Males 36 900 kr
Females 31 900 kr

What does an industrial painter, lacquerer do – tasks and work environment

Industrial painters with a focus on surface treatment mainly work with varnishing, painting, and finishing various types of industrial products and components. Tasks often include preparing surfaces through grinding, cleaning, and priming, as well as applying paint or lacquer using spray guns or other specialized tools. Work is typically carried out in dedicated painting workshops or directly in factories, where the work environment emphasizes accuracy, protective equipment, and handling chemicals. Industrial painters often work in teams and follow strict routines for quality, safety, and work environment.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, industrial painters and lacquerers have experienced some variation in salary development. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK, followed by a slight decrease to 33 400 SEK in 2023. By 2024, the average salary increased significantly to 36 400 SEK, which is an increase of just over 5% from 2023 to 2024. This trend can be partly explained by the increased demand for qualified industrial coaters and higher standards for work environment and specialized skills. Salary variations may also depend on regional differences and changes in collective agreements. Overall, the trend indicates a stable and slightly rising salary structure, although temporary fluctuations may occur.

Industrial painter, lacquerer salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 36 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,700 SEK/month (women), 32,700 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (men), 33,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 201 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 86% of what men do (31,700 SEK compared to 36 900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Variations occur depending on location and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as an industrial painter or lacquerer, a vocational upper secondary education with specialization in surface treatment or similar is usually required. Practical skills are very important, and many employers prefer candidates with experience from internships or previous work in the industry. Some workplaces may also require specific certificates for handling chemicals or working in specialized environments.

  • Vocational upper secondary education: Industrial technical program with specialization in surface treatment (3 years)
  • Certifications: Specific courses in work environment and chemical handling
  • Internship: Workplace-based learning is common and often mandatory
  • Prerequisites: Good physical health, color perception, and precision
  • Tips for choosing: Interest in technology and industrial environments helps

Industrial painters often work with advanced technology and modern machines, where robotization and automation are becoming increasingly common. Combining traditional craftsmanship with digital control systems makes the profession both varied and technically challenging.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Industrial painters and lacquerers are often offered benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and sometimes work clothing and protective equipment. Shift work can provide additional allowances, and some employers offer extra training or skill development as part of employment.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an industrial painter and lacquerer involves some competition, especially for more qualified or specialized services. Challenges include following strict safety routines, handling chemicals correctly, and maintaining consistent quality despite a high work pace. Automation in the industry demands higher technical understanding and adaptability. Additionally, the work environment can be physically demanding and involve exposure to noise and dust. Good teamwork and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks or machines are also required.

Tips for those wanting to become an industrial painter

To succeed as an industrial painter or lacquerer, it is good to develop both technical interest and precision. Endurance and good physical condition are helpful, as the work is often physically demanding and may involve monotonous tasks. A problem-solving attitude is valuable for handling unexpected challenges in production, while teamwork skills contribute to effective collaboration. Flexibility is also important, as tasks can vary and new technology can be introduced rapidly. Being responsible and following safety routines carefully are crucial for thriving and developing in the profession. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn is an advantage, as the industry evolves with new materials and methods.

Key facts about industrial painters

  • Education level: Vocational upper secondary education (3 years)
  • Work environment: Factory or workshop with safety equipment requirements
  • Typical work form: Full-time, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs according to latest measurement
  • Special skills: Surface treatment, paint chemistry, and machine operation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, an industrial painter can advance to roles such as supervisor, quality manager, or surface treatment technician. There are also opportunities to specialize in advanced coating, robot-controlled painting, or training roles for new employees. According to the Employment Service, no exact forecast is made for the profession due to limited data, but the demand remains stable with over 1,400 registered job openings. Future prospects are influenced by technological development and the industry's need for skilled labor, indicating good opportunities for those with the right skills.

Common questions about industrial painters, lacquerers

  • What does an industrial painter, lacquerer earn?
    - The average salary is 36 400 SEK per month, but it can vary depending on experience, gender, and workplace.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 86% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become an industrial painter?
    - A vocational upper secondary education with specialization in surface treatment or similar is recommended.
  • What is the work environment like for industrial painters?
    - Work is often carried out in workshops or factories, with requirements for protective equipment and precision when handling chemicals.
  • What career opportunities are there?
    - With experience, you can advance to supervisor, quality manager, or specialize in advanced coating techniques.
  • What is the demand in the job market?
    - There are over 1,400 job openings according to the latest figures.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - Highest salary: 35,600 SEK (men), 33,000 SEK (women). Lowest salary: 31,700 SEK (women), 32,700 SEK (men).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Painting workers, painters, industry is 37300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Painting workers, painters, industry is 31900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35000 kr.
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
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 Painting workers, painters, industry has the SSYK code 7132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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