- Salary statistics
- Metal cutter salary
Metal cutter salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
33 600 - 37 300 SEK / month
Women earn 97% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
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Salary progression Metal cutter
What does a Metal Machinist do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Metal machinists are responsible for processing and shaping metal components using milling and CNC machines. The work includes interpreting drawings, setting up machines, selecting tools, and monitoring and controlling the manufacturing process to ensure high precision and quality. The role also involves maintenance of machines and workstations, as well as documenting production data. The work environment is often industrial, with elements of noise and heavy lifting, requiring accuracy, safety awareness, and technical knowledge.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary of a metal machinist has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK, which increased to 35 200 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 36 300 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 6.7% over three years. This positive salary development can partly be explained by the current shortage of qualified metal machinists and a continued high demand for technically skilled personnel in Swedish industry. Market needs for specialized competence and technological development have led employers to offer higher wages to attract and retain workers. Regional differences exist, with wages often slightly higher in metropolitan areas and regions with a strong industrial presence.
Metal Machinist Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
- Men: 36 500 SEK/month
- Women: 35 300 SEK/month
- Women earn: 97% of what men do
- Regional differences: Higher wages in metropolitan and strong industrial regions
Education and Qualifications
The path to becoming a metal machinist typically goes through high school industrial technology programs, with specialization in production technology or CNC technology being most common. To work independently, additional courses or certifications in CNC control and machine technology are often required, along with practical experience through on-the-job training or trainee programs. Opportunities for further education and specialization exist, especially for those interested in advanced CNC programming or leadership roles within production.
- High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
- Certifications: CNC technology, machine safety
- Internship: Workplace-based learning during high school
- Further education: Vocational university (1–2 years) in advanced CNC or production technology
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of mathematics and technology
Experience in interpreting technical drawings and understanding the properties of different metal alloys is highly valued by employers. Those proficient in both modern CNC technology and traditional manual work often have broader opportunities within the industry.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Metal machinists are often offered benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pensions, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes bonus systems linked to production or quality. Other common compensations include shift bonuses and overtime pay. Some employers also provide training support for further development within the profession.
Competition and Challenges
Although there is currently a shortage of qualified metal machinists, signs indicate that demand may decrease over the next five years. Increased automation and technological development are changing tasks and streamlining certain processes. Competition may therefore intensify, especially for those lacking advanced technical skills in CNC and programming. At the same time, there remains a need for skilled practitioners with practical experience, as complex and specialized tasks cannot always be replaced by machines. For those who want to stay competitive, continuous further training and adaptation to new technology are crucial.
Tips for Aspiring Metal Machinists
To succeed as a metal machinist, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest and precision with a desire to constantly learn new skills. Building a solid foundation in mathematics and technology during high school is important, while practical problem-solving skills develop best through hands-on experience and work with machines. An analytical personality helps with interpreting drawings and setting up machines, while patience and perseverance are essential for handling long series and quality control. Being flexible and open to ongoing technological development improves opportunities for further education and career growth within the industry. Good communication skills are also an asset, especially in teamwork and reporting production data.
Key Facts about Metal Machinists
- Educational level: High school diploma (industrial technology program)
- Work environment: Industrial workshop, often shift work
- Working hours: Full-time, often collective agreement-based
- Demand: Shortage of skilled workers, but declining forecast
- Special skills: CNC technology, reading drawings, machine setup
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for metal machinists to advance to roles such as technician, supervisor, or production engineer. Specialization in advanced CNC programming or machine maintenance can lead to higher responsibility and salary. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecast, there is currently a significant shortage of machine setters and operators in metal work, providing good chances for employment. In the longer term, demand is expected to decrease mainly due to increased automation and technological progress. Those who continuously pursue further education and learn to handle new machine systems will be best positioned to meet industry changes. Currently, there are 1,437 job openings in this field, indicating a strong labor market in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metal Machinists
- What is the average salary of a Metal Machinist?
- A metal machinist has an average salary of 36 300 SEK per month. - What is the salary range for Metal Machinists?
- The lowest salary is 31,400 SEK and the highest is 36,100 SEK per month. - Are there gender differences in Metal Machinist salaries?
- Yes, women earn 35 300 SEK (97% of men's salary), while men earn 36 500 SEK. - What is required to become a Metal Machinist?
- High school education in industrial technology and certification in CNC technology are recommended. - What are the future prospects for Metal Machinists?
- Short-term shortages exist, but demand is expected to decrease due to automation. - What are common employee benefits?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, shift bonuses, and training support. - How large is the job market for Metal Machinists?
- There are approximately 1,437 job openings in this profession in Sweden right now.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34200 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34400 kr | 36400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 35100 kr | 36900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 35100 kr | 36700 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 34300 kr | 36300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32900 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35600 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34300 kr | |
| Snitt | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32900 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35600 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34300 kr | |
| Snitt | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34200 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34400 kr | 36400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 35100 kr | 37000 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 35100 kr | 36700 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 34300 kr | 36300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34200 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34400 kr | 36400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 35100 kr | 37000 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 35100 kr | 36700 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 34300 kr | 36300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 32000 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34200 kr | 36500 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34600 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 35300 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 35300 kr | 37000 kr |
| 65-68 | 33600 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 34500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32800 kr | 36400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35600 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34300 kr | |
| Snitt | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32800 kr | 36400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35600 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34300 kr | |
| Snitt | 33300 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 32000 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34200 kr | 36500 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34600 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 35300 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 35300 kr | 37000 kr |
| 65-68 | 33600 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 34500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 32000 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34200 kr | 36500 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34600 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 35300 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 35300 kr | 37000 kr |
| 65-68 | 33600 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 34500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 33400 kr | 35300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 33800 kr | 35700 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 33500 kr | 35200 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 33400 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 33400 kr | 35300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 33800 kr | 35700 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 33500 kr | 35200 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 33400 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 33400 kr | 35300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 33800 kr | 35700 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 33500 kr | 35200 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 33400 kr | 35300 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 Metal cutter has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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