- Salary statistics
- Key maker
Key maker
28 300 - 40 900 kr / month
Women earn 75% of what men do.
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Key maker
What does a key cutter do? – Tasks and work environment
A key cutter works with manufacturing, repairing, and copying keys, as well as installing and maintaining lock systems for both private individuals and companies. Tasks also include troubleshooting locks, advising on security solutions, and sometimes selling accessories such as locks, key cards, and security products. The profession often involves work both in a workshop and on-site, requiring flexibility and the ability to quickly solve problems on location. The work environment can vary between a store, workshop, and fieldwork, where technical skills and precision are central qualities.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for key cutters has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, rising to 33 400 in 2023 and further to 34 800 in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 9% during the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for security services and technical expertise within the lock industry, as well as general wage adjustments in the craft trades. Despite the positive trend, there are clear gender pay gaps, with men's wages increasing faster than women's. Regional variations exist, but the national trend shows a stable and slow growth, reflecting the industry's need for experienced personnel and specialized skills.
Key cutter salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 28,300 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 40,900 SEK/month (male)
- Hourly wage: 209 SEK
- Women earn: 28,300 SEK/month (75% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 37 900 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Vary depending on demand and labor market
Education and qualifications
To work as a key cutter, a high school education with a focus on crafts, technology, or industry is usually required. Many supplement with vocational courses in lock and security technology. Practical experience is highly meritorious, and there are opportunities to specialize through certifications or further training.
- High school: Technology, industry, or crafts
- Vocational courses: Lock and security technology, often 1–2 years
- Certifications: For example, from the Swedish Lock Masters Association
- Internship: Apprenticeship or trainee position recommended
- Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and dexterity
- Self-study: Possible via online courses and industry materials
Many key cutters combine their craft with security consulting and work closely with both private clients and companies. It often requires discretion and trust, as the profession involves handling security-critical assignments and clients' private information.
Common benefits and compensations
Key cutters are often offered benefits such as reduced working hours, wellness contributions, and occupational pension. Compensation for unsocial hours is also common, as on-call work may occur during urgent lock problems. Some employers offer further training and opportunities for certification within lock and security technology.
Competition and challenges
The profession of key cutters is characterized by a stable but relatively small labor market. Competition for permanent positions can be high, especially in larger cities where bigger lock companies are established. Digitalization and technological development mean that traditional key cutters need to further their education to handle modern lock systems and electronic security solutions. At the same time, high demands are placed on accuracy, discretion, and customer service, which means only the most knowledgeable and service-oriented succeed long-term in the profession. The lack of official future forecasts makes planning difficult, but the ongoing demand for security solutions keeps the profession relevant.
Tips for those who want to become a key cutter
To succeed as a key cutter, it is good to be precise and methodical, as the work requires accuracy and attention to detail. Technical interest is a great asset, especially in installation and troubleshooting of modern lock systems. Social skills and discretion are important qualities, as the profession involves close contact with customers and handling sensitive security issues. Engaging in continuous further training and staying updated on new techniques in the lock industry increases the chances of higher salary and more advanced tasks. Practical experience, such as through an apprenticeship or internship, provides a solid foundation and increases employment opportunities. Building a good reputation and network in the industry is also valuable. Finally, patience and problem-solving skills are crucial, as the work often involves complex and varied challenges.
Key facts about key cutters
- Education level: High school education with vocational focus
- Work environment: Workshop, store, and customer visits
- Number of available jobs: 341 within the skilled trades group of micro mechanics
- Gender distribution: Predominantly men, women have lower average salaries
- Common employment form: Permanent employment with a lock company
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a key cutter, there are opportunities to advance to senior technician, supervisor, or specialist in advanced lock and security systems. Some choose to start their own business or further their education in security technology and lock installation. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts for the micro mechanics group, no specific assessment is made for key cutters due to limited data, but the labor market remains stable thanks to the ongoing need for security solutions. The number of available jobs indicates good opportunities for those with the right skills and willingness to develop further within the profession.
Frequently asked questions about key cutters
- What is the average salary of a key cutter?
- The average salary for a key cutter is 34 800 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a key cutter?
- High school education with a focus on crafts or technology, as well as vocational courses in lock and security technology, are recommended. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn an average of 37 900 SEK, while women earn 28,300 SEK, which means women earn 75% of men's salaries. - What is the job market like for key cutters?
- There are 341 available jobs within the skilled trades group of micro mechanics, including key cutters. - What are the tasks of a key cutter?
- Manufacturing and copying keys, installing and repairing locks, and advising on security. - What is the hourly wage for a part-time key cutter?
- The average hourly wage is 209 SEK. - What is the highest salary for a key cutter?
- The highest salary is 40,900 SEK per month and belongs to a man with post-secondary education shorter than three years.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34700 kr | 37600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32500 kr | 33800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32000 kr | 32400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36600 kr | 37500 kr | |
| Snitt | 75% | 33500 kr | 34800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 88% | 29800 kr | 30900 kr |
| 25-34 | 86% | 33900 kr | 36200 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 35100 kr | 36500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36400 kr | 36700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 36800 kr | 37700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35100 kr | 36300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 88% | 29800 kr | 30900 kr |
| 25-34 | 86% | 33900 kr | 36200 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 35100 kr | 36500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36400 kr | 36700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 36800 kr | 37700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35100 kr | 36300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37400 kr | |
| Snitt | 32900 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36400 kr | 37400 kr | |
| Snitt | 32900 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35700 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37200 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37400 kr | 38700 kr | |
| Snitt | 75% | 36100 kr | 37900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 88% | 30700 kr | 32200 kr |
| 25-34 | 86% | 34600 kr | 37300 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 35200 kr | 36800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36500 kr | 36900 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37000 kr | 37700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35600 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 88% | 30700 kr | 32200 kr |
| 25-34 | 86% | 34600 kr | 37300 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 35200 kr | 36800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36500 kr | 36900 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37000 kr | 37700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35600 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35600 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37800 kr | 39500 kr | |
| Snitt | 36400 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35600 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37800 kr | 39500 kr | |
| Snitt | 36400 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 75% | 28100 kr | 28300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 88% | 28200 kr | 28400 kr |
| 25-34 | 86% | 31000 kr | 32100 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 33800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34900 kr | 35600 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 34700 kr | 36300 kr |
| Snitt | 88% | 31800 kr | 32500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 88% | 28200 kr | 28400 kr |
| 25-34 | 86% | 31000 kr | 32100 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 33800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34900 kr | 35600 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 34700 kr | 36300 kr |
| Snitt | 88% | 31800 kr | 32500 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 Key maker has the SSYK code 7311, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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