- Salary statistics
- Machine planer, metal
Machine planer, metal
33 700 - 36 000 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine planer, metal
What does a machine operator within metal do – tasks and work environment
A machine operator within metal works with processing metallic materials into precise shapes and dimensions. The work is often performed using advanced machines, where precision and accuracy are crucial. Tasks include setting up, monitoring, and adjusting machine tools to ensure products meet specified tolerances and quality standards. The role also involves reading and interpreting technical drawings and performing ongoing quality checks. The work environment is typically industrial, with elements of noise and requirements for protective equipment, and the work can be both independent and team-based.
Wage development over time
The salary for a machine operator within metal has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,100 SEK, which increased to 34 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 36 000 SEK per month. This increase corresponds to a total wage growth of approximately 8.7% over the three-year period, with the largest increase occurring between 2023 and 2024. This trend can be linked to continued demand for skilled labor in the industry, increased requirements for technical competence, and general wage pressure within the manufacturing sector. Wages are also affected by a shortage of experienced machine operators and increased automation, where specialized skills are rewarded.
Machine operator within metal salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 000 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Varies depending on experience and region
- Hourly wage: 216 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 36 100 SEK/month; specific data for women is not available
- Regional differences: May occur, with higher wages in metropolitan areas and for larger employers
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator within metal, a vocational upper secondary education in industry, technology, or production is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued, and some employers may require specific certificates or internal training. It is also common to supplement with courses in mechanical engineering and CNC control. Skills in reading drawings and a good understanding of production processes are necessary qualifications.
- Upper secondary education: Industrial technology programs (approx. 3 years)
- Vocational courses: Machining, CNC technology
- Certificates: Forklift license, crane operation, and safety certificates
- Internship: On-the-job training during education
- Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest
Many metal machine operators work with advanced machines where manual craftsmanship is combined with digital control. Technological development means that the profession is constantly evolving, offering opportunities to develop and specialize in new production methods.
Common benefits and compensations
Metal machine operators are often offered benefits such as shift premium pay, wellness contributions, work clothes, and sometimes bonuses for high productivity. Many employers also offer skills development and opportunities for further training within the company, as well as collective agreement-based insurance and pension schemes.
Competition and challenges
The job market for metal machine operators is characterized by some competition, especially in areas with many industries. Demand is influenced by the economic cycle in manufacturing and technological innovations that change work methods and skill requirements. Challenges in the profession include the need for continuous further training, adaptation to new machines and processes, and physical strain in the work environment. Employers value flexibility and initiative, with an increased focus on quality assurance and documentation. A shortage of experienced operators can create good opportunities for those engaged and eager to develop.
Tips for those who want to become a metal machine operator
To succeed as a metal machine operator, it’s good to have a technical curiosity and a willingness to learn new machines and systems. Precision is an important trait, as the job requires accuracy in processing and quality control. Being solution-oriented helps when problems arise in production and quick decisions need to be made. Practical skills and patience facilitate adjustments and maintenance of machines. Social skills are also appreciated, as collaboration with colleagues and communication with management are often necessary to ensure smooth production flow.
Key facts about metal machine operators
- Education level: Vocational upper secondary education, often industrial technology programs
- Work environment: Industrial setting, often shift work
- Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes shift-based
- Demand: 1437 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
- Special skills: Machine processing and reading technical drawings
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a metal machine operator, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as CNC operator, production technician, or supervisor within the industry. Many choose to further their education in automation or quality assurance, opening additional career opportunities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is difficult to make precise predictions about future prospects due to limited data, but there is a clear demand within the profession for roles such as grinders and similar, with over 1400 job openings reported in 2024. Technological development and increased automation may influence job tasks, but also create new opportunities for those investing in skills development.
Common questions about metal machine operators
- What does a metal machine operator earn?
- The average salary is 36 000 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience and region. - What education is required to become a metal machine operator?
- Vocational upper secondary education in industry or technology is the most common pathway into the profession. - Are there many jobs for metal machine operators?
- Yes, there are over 1400 available jobs in the profession in Sweden according to current figures. - What is the work environment like for metal machine operators?
- The work environment is industrial and can involve noise, shift work, and requirements for protective gear. - Are there wage differences between men and women?
- Men earn on average 36 100 SEK, but specific data for women is not available. - What opportunities are there for further education?
- Good opportunities exist within CNC technology and automation. - What personal qualities are important for a metal machine operator?
- Precision, technical interest, and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 33700 kr | 36100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 38600 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 33700 kr | 36100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 38600 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 33700 kr | 36100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 38600 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 34000 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36300 kr | 38400 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 34000 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36300 kr | 38400 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 34000 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36300 kr | 38400 kr | |
| Snitt | 33700 kr | 36100 kr |
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 Machine planer, metal has the SSYK code 7224, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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