Machine burner

What does a machine burner do? – Tasks and work environment

A machine burner primarily works within the industry to cut, shape, and process metals using mechanical burners, often with gas or plasma. Tasks include reading and interpreting drawings, preparing materials, setting up and monitoring machines, and performing quality control on finished products. The work is usually carried out in workshop environments where safety and precision are central requirements. The environment can be noisy and involve handling heavy materials, which demands good physical condition and awareness of work environment risks.

Salary development over time

Machine burners have experienced a steady salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 35 900 SEK, representing a total increase of about 10% over three years. This positive trend reflects a continued demand for the profession within the industry, where technical skills and experience are highly valued. The salary increase can also be linked to increased automation and requirements for specialized knowledge in mechanical processing, while competition for qualified labor has contributed to rising wages. Despite high unemployment within the profession, recruitment difficulties are reported, which may be a factor behind the salary development.

Machine burner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (men in the public sector), 32,800 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 38,200 SEK/month (men in the private sector), 33,200 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 216 SEK/hour
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 91% of what men do (36 100 SEK/month for men, 32,800 SEK/month for women)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine burner, a high school education within the industrial technical program with specialization in welding or metal processing is generally required. Employers prefer candidates with practical experience from similar tasks, and some specialized roles may require additional training or certifications. There are also opportunities for education through adult education or vocational colleges, especially for those seeking advanced competence or a career change within the industry.

• High school education: Industrial technical program, 3 years
• Adult education/Vocational adult education: 1–2 years, often with practical training
• Certifications: Welding certificates and/or hot work permits
• Practical training: Usually included in the education
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in mathematics and technology are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for machine burners include access to work clothing and protective equipment, wellness allowances, overtime pay for evening and night work, and sometimes bonus systems linked to production goals. Several employers also offer skills development and further training in new technologies and machinery.

Competition and challenges

The profession of machine burner is part of the welder and gas cutter occupational group, where job opportunities nationwide are considered large. At the same time, the industry is characterized by a paradoxical situation with both recruitment difficulties and relatively high unemployment. Competition for the most attractive jobs can be fierce, especially for those lacking certifications or experience with modern machinery. Challenges in the profession also include physical strain, risks associated with hot equipment, and high demands on precision and safety. To stand out in the job market, both technical competence and the ability to work efficiently in teams are required.

Tips for those who want to become a machine burner

To succeed as a machine burner, it is good to have a strong sense of accuracy and safety, as the work often involves handling advanced equipment and materials at high temperatures. Technical interest and problem-solving skills facilitate when setting up machines or quickly fixing minor faults. Being cooperative is an important trait, as the work often takes place in close collaboration with other industry professionals. Practical experience, preferably through internships during education, provides valuable insight into daily work and increases employment chances. Flexibility and adaptability are also central, as tasks can vary depending on projects and production needs. Continuously furthering education in new techniques and certifications is an effective way to strengthen your position in the job market. Finally, initiative and responsibility are appreciated qualities that often lead to greater opportunities for advancement within the profession.

Key facts about Machine Burners

• Education level: High school diploma or vocational training
• Work environment: Industry and workshop environments with high safety requirements
• Typical employment: Full-time, shift work may occur
• Demand: Large opportunities for work nationwide
• Special skills: Certification for hot work and machine processing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a machine burner can advance to more specialized roles such as supervisor, production technician, or instructor in welding and metal processing. Further education in CNC technology or automation can open doors to higher positions and broader responsibilities. The employment agency's forecasts show that job opportunities within the occupational group of welders and gas cutters are large and expected to remain unchanged over five years. Despite high unemployment in some parts of the country, recruitment difficulties are reported, meaning skilled machine burners will continue to be in demand. In total, 1437 job openings were available in the last measurement. Related professions include welders, CNC operators, and maintenance technicians.

Frequently asked questions about Machine Burners

• What does a machine burner earn?
  - A machine burner has an average salary of 35 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, employer, and region.
• What education is required to become a machine burner?
  - Usually, a high school education within industrial technology or equivalent vocational training, supplemented by practical experience and sometimes certificates for hot work.
• Are there many job opportunities for machine burners?
  - Opportunities are considered large nationwide, with a continuous need for qualified machine burners within the industry.
• How does the salary development look for machine burners?
  - Salaries have increased by about 10% over the last three years, from 32,600 SEK in 2022 to 35 900 SEK in 2024.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, teamwork skills, and responsibility are important qualities for a machine burner.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do within the profession.
• What development opportunities are there?
  - With experience, machine burners can advance to leadership roles, specialize, or further educate themselves in automation and CNC technology.