Image that illustrates Metal saws

Metal saws

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Metal saws

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a metal saw operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A metal saw operator works with cutting, processing, and shaping metal materials using various types of saws and machines. Common tasks include measuring materials, setting up and monitoring machines, and checking that cuts and shapes meet drawings and specifications. The work is often performed in industrial environments where precision and safety are crucial, and close cooperation with operators, technicians, and quality inspectors is common. Metal saw operators can be employed in workshop industries, construction, or specialized metal companies, and the work environment features machine noise, protective equipment, and clear safety routines.

Salary development over time

Salary levels for metal saw operators have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 35 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.7% over the period. This development reflects ongoing demand for technical skills in the metal industry, although technological advancements and automation influence the market. Salary increases can also be linked to a shortage of qualified workers, especially in industrial regions with high recruitment needs. Gender differences remain, but the gap has narrowed somewhat as more women enter the profession.

Metal saw operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 35 400 SEK, women: 34 100 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and industrial concentration

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal saw operator, a high school education with an industrial, technical, or workshop focus is generally required, often supplemented with internships or apprenticeship periods. Many employers also require specific certifications, such as forklift or crane licenses, and experience working with machines and reading drawings. The technical nature of the profession means ongoing further training and adaptation to new machines and methods are common.

  • High school education: Industrial technical programs, 3 years
  • Certifications: Forklift license, crane training, hot work certificates
  • Internship: Apprenticeship or practical training during education is recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest
  • Further training: Courses in CNC, quality control, and machine safety

Metal saw operators often have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and automated production lines. Digitalization and machine integration are constantly increasing, making the profession today a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Many metal saw operators are covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and extra leave. It is common to have shift allowances, overtime pay for work during inconvenient hours, and wellness benefits. Other compensations include bonuses linked to production targets and opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a metal saw operator is currently relatively low, as there is a significant shortage of qualified personnel in the industry. At the same time, the profession faces long-term challenges, as technological development and automation are expected to reduce the need for traditional manual tasks. To remain competitive, continuous skills development and adaptation to new technologies are necessary. Physically demanding tasks and shift work can also be challenging for some, and safety awareness is essential to avoid accidents.

Tips for those who want to become a metal saw operator

To succeed as a metal saw operator, it’s good to combine precision with technical interest and a willingness to learn new machines. Being solution-oriented helps when unexpected problems arise, and good teamwork skills are important since the work is often team-based. Practical skills and patience are needed to handle detailed tasks, while a strong safety mindset reduces the risk of accidents. Taking advantage of internship opportunities during training is recommended, as work experience weighs heavily in hiring decisions. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself in new technologies are also strengths, especially in a rapidly changing industry.

Key facts about Metal Saw Operators

  • Education level: High school diploma, industrial technical focus
  • Work environment: Industrial, often noisy and machine-dense
  • Work form: Shift work is common
  • Demand: Great job opportunities, but decreasing in the long term
  • Special skills: Machine handling and reading drawings

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years, a metal saw operator can develop into roles such as supervisor, specialized machine operator, or quality inspector. For those pursuing further education, opportunities include programming CNC machines or working as a technical instructor. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are currently abundant nationwide, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to increased automation and technological development. The shortage of qualified workers remains significant, with 1,437 job openings identified nationally.

Common questions about Metal Saw Operators

  • What does a Metal Saw Operator earn?
    - The average salary for a metal saw operator is 35 200 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development looked for metal saw operators?
    - Salaries have increased from 33,000 SEK in 2022 to 35 200 SEK in 2024, an increase of approximately 6.7%.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do, with average wages of 34 100 SEK and 35 400 SEK respectively.
  • What education is required to become a metal saw operator?
    - High school education with an industrial technical focus and internship is recommended.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - There is high demand for metal saw operators today, but over five years, the need is expected to decrease due to automation.
  • What tasks are included in the role?
    - Cutting and processing metal, setting up machines, and ensuring quality control.
  • What is the maximum salary a metal saw operator can earn?
    - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK for men and 34,500 SEK for women.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Metal saws is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Metal saws is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 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 Metal saws has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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