Image that illustrates Needles

Needles

30 400 kr

Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

29 400 - 32 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Needles

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 31 200 kr
Females 29 700 kr

What does a Nåtlare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Nåtlare primarily works within the textile, leather, and leather goods industries, sewing or gluing materials together. The tasks involve carefully sewing, gluing, or otherwise joining different material parts into finished products such as shoes, bags, or other leather and textile items. The work may include manual tasks and handling specialized machines. The work environment is often production-oriented with repetitive tasks, but also requires precision, good hand-eye coordination, and a sense of quality. Sometimes work is done in smaller ateliers, but most Nåtlare are employed at larger manufacturing industries where teamwork and collaboration are important.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Nåtlare have experienced steady and positive salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, increasing to 29 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 30 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.8% over the period. This development reflects both the general wage trend in the industry and a slight increase in demand for skilled Nåtlare, despite automation and rationalization trends in the broader profession. Gender pay gaps persist, and regional factors can further influence salary levels depending on where in the country employment occurs.

Nåtlare salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 183 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 29 700 SEK (95% of men's average salary)
  • Men's average salary: 31 200 SEK
  • Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Nåtlare, a high school diploma with a focus on textiles, sewing, or industry is usually required. Many employers demand practical experience, especially if the work involves advanced machine sewing or specialized materials. Some Nåtlare have additional training or certifications in industrial sewing, and onboarding at the workplace is common.

  • High school education: Vocational programs in textiles, sewing, or industry (2–3 years)
  • Internship: Often integrated into education or as a trainee upon employment
  • Further training: Courses in machine sewing, material knowledge, or quality control
  • Prerequisites: Precision, good motor skills, and interest in craftsmanship
  • Tips: Self-study and practice in free time can increase employability

Many Nåtlare develop a special sense for materials and techniques over time, often becoming experts at identifying small quality deviations in production. This craftsmanship is difficult to replace with machines and highly valued by employers in the premium segment.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

For Nåtlare, employment often includes collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, and paid vacation days. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches. In some cases, piecework pay or production bonuses are offered, especially in larger industries.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a Nåtlare can vary depending on region and economic conditions, but generally the job market is quite stable with a shortage of experienced seamstresses and machine operators. One of the biggest challenges is increasing automation within the industry, where machines increasingly take over simpler tasks. However, there is ongoing demand for skilled Nåtlare, especially in the production of high-quality products. Keeping up with new materials and techniques is crucial to remain attractive in the job market. Working in monotonous production environments can also be challenging and requires endurance and precision.

Tips for aspiring Nåtlare

To succeed as a Nåtlare, it’s good to combine meticulousness with a genuine interest in textile materials and craftsmanship. Developing patience and endurance facilitates repetitive tasks, while an eye for detail enables quick detection and correction of errors. Practical experience, whether through internships or personal projects, provides valuable insight into the profession’s demands and enhances employment prospects. Being open to learning new machines and techniques is also important, as the industry is constantly evolving. Good teamwork skills are appreciated since work often occurs in teams, and flexibility helps with shift work or changing tasks. Finally, a commitment to quality and professional pride can make a significant difference in daily work.

Key facts about Nåtlare

  • Education level: High school education in textiles/industry (2–3 years)
  • Work environment: Industrial production, often monotonous but requires precision
  • Job market: 1,437 job openings as of May 2024
  • Gender differences: Women's average salary is 95% of men's
  • Special skills: Material knowledge and machine sewing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Nåtlare, opportunities open for more advanced roles such as production supervisor, quality inspector, or specialist in specific materials and techniques. Some Nåtlare choose further education in product development or design, while others move into training roles within vocational colleges or company-specific training. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast for machine operators in the textile, leather, and leather goods industry, there is no precise outlook due to limited data, but demand remains stable with 1,437 job openings in the profession in spring 2024. The profession is affected by automation and industry changes, making it especially important to stay updated on new techniques and methods.

Frequently asked questions about Nåtlare

  • What is the average salary of a Nåtlare?
    - The average salary for a Nåtlare is 30 400 SEK per month.
  • Are there gender differences in Nåtlare salaries?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 29 700 SEK while men earn 31 200 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Nåtlare?
    - High school education with a focus on textiles, sewing, or industry is most common.
  • What is the job market like for Nåtlare?
    - There are 1,437 job openings within the profession according to the latest data.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Nåtlare?
    - Attention to detail, patience, and good teamwork skills are especially valuable.
  • What is the hourly wage for a Nåtlare?
    - The hourly wage is on average 183 SEK.
  • Are there regional differences in Nåtlare salaries?
    - Yes, salary levels vary depending on location and sector.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Needles is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 30300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Needles is 29400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25600 kr 27300 kr
25-34 94% 27400 kr 29500 kr
35-44 95% 28700 kr 29900 kr
45-54 92% 29400 kr 31200 kr
55-64 94% 29900 kr 31300 kr
Snitt 95% 28800 kr 30400 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 Needles has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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