Furniture fitter, warehouse

What does a furniture assembler in warehouse do? – Tasks and work environment

Warehouse furniture assemblers work with assembling, packing, and sometimes installing furniture, often in larger volumes for corporate clients, stores, or major deliveries to private individuals. Tasks include reading assembly instructions, using hand tools and sometimes simple machines, checking quality, and ensuring the correct parts and accessories are used. The work environment is usually a large warehouse or logistics center where efficiency and accuracy are key, often working in teams but sometimes independently. The work can be physically demanding with heavy lifting and requires precision as well as the ability to handle stressful periods during high workload.

Salary development over time

The salary for warehouse furniture assemblers has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK per month, then increased to 30 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 31 400 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of about 11% over three years. Part of this rise can be explained by increased demand for logistics and warehouse staff as e-commerce has grown, but also union negotiations and adjustments of collective agreements have played a role. Despite these increases, salary levels are still relatively stable compared to other industrial and warehouse occupations. Gender pay gaps are noticeable, with women earning approximately 95% of men's salaries, reflecting ongoing inequality within the profession.

Warehouse furniture assembler salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education max 2 years)
• Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month (male, public sector, 3-year high school education)
• Hourly wage: 189 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 31 900 SEK, women 30 500 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Lowest salary observed within regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a warehouse furniture assembler, usually no formal higher education is required, but high school education is common and sometimes a prerequisite. Practical experience from warehousing, assembly, or logistics is advantageous. Employers may also require specific certifications, such as forklift licenses, depending on the workplace. Ability to read and follow assembly instructions and good physical condition are important qualifications.

• High school education: Usually in industrial technology, construction, or similar (2–3 years)
• Certification: Forklift licenses can be advantageous
• Internship: Work placement during education provides an advantage
• Prerequisites: Experience with hand tools and physical work environment
• Courses: Work environment and safety, sometimes internal training at the workplace

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for warehouse furniture assemblers include often extra pay for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for training or certification via the employer. Some workplaces also offer bonus systems linked to performance or productivity, as well as insurance and pension contributions according to collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for warehouse furniture assemblers is characterized by relatively limited opportunities for new employment nationwide, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. There is an oversupply of labor within the profession, which can make competition for available jobs tough, especially in areas with many applicants. Digitalization and automation within warehousing may also impact the demand for the profession in the future. At the same time, accuracy and efficiency are required to handle the pace, which can be a challenge for newcomers. For those wishing to develop, opportunities may exist within larger organizations, but often with requirements for further education or specialization.

Tips for those who want to become a warehouse furniture assembler

To succeed as a warehouse furniture assembler, it is good to be detail-oriented and stress-resistant, as tasks often involve high tempo and demands for precision. Good physical condition facilitates heavy lifting and repetitive movements daily. Being communicative and cooperative is also an asset, especially when working in teams and under time pressure. Flexibility and a positive attitude towards varied tasks make it easier to thrive and develop in the profession. It is also wise to take the initiative to learn new skills or certifications, such as forklift licenses, to increase employability. Practical experience from warehousing or assembly is very valuable, so applying for internships or summer jobs can be a good entry point. Finally, responsibility and punctuality are qualities appreciated by employers and provide good opportunities for continued employment or advancement.

Key facts about warehouse furniture assemblers

• Education level: High school education (usually 2–3 years)
• Work environment: Warehouse, often physically demanding
• Employment form: Full-time or hourly employment
• Demand: Limited opportunities for new employment nationwide
• Available jobs: 1,437 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a warehouse furniture assembler, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, team leader, or warehouse manager, especially within larger companies with internal career paths. Further education in logistics, warehouse management, or work leadership can open doors to more qualified positions. The Swedish Public Employment Service's prognosis indicates an oversupply of labor nationwide within the profession, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Those wishing to broaden their opportunities can also look into related roles such as forklift driver, logistics coordinator, or assembler in other industries. Digitalization and automation will influence the job market, but there remains a need for experienced and skilled furniture assemblers, particularly for larger projects and new developments.

Frequently asked questions about warehouse furniture assemblers

• What does a warehouse furniture assembler earn?
  - The average salary is 31 400 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Men earn on average 31 900 SEK and women 30 500 SEK, meaning women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a warehouse furniture assembler?
  - High school education is common, often in industrial technology or construction, along with practical experience and sometimes forklift licenses.
• What is the job market like for warehouse furniture assemblers?
  - Opportunities are considered limited nationally, with an oversupply of labor according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Assembly, packing, quality control, and sometimes furniture installation, often in teams and under high tempo.
• Are there opportunities for advancement within the profession?
  - Yes, with experience and further training, one can become a supervisor or warehouse manager.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a warehouse furniture assembler?
  - The highest salary is 35,800 SEK (male, public sector), the lowest is 30,100 SEK (female, regional sector).