Orthopedic shoemaker

What does an orthopaedic shoemaker do? – tasks and work environment

An orthopaedic shoemaker works with manufacturing, customizing, and repairing orthopaedic shoes and insoles that assist individuals with specific foot problems or mobility impairments. The role involves close collaboration with both clients and medical specialists to ensure each product is tailored to improve comfort and function. The work environment is often workshop-based, requiring precision and craftsmanship in handling leather, textiles, and advanced materials. Contact with patients and other healthcare professionals is an important part of daily life, demanding both social skills and technical knowledge.

Salary development over time

The salary for orthopaedic shoemakers has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,600 SEK per month, which increased to 29 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 33 300 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 16.4% over the period. This salary increase is relatively significant compared to many other craft professions and can be linked to increased demand for customized orthopaedic solutions and a growing awareness of foot and mobility issues in the population. The requirement for specific education and the combination of craftsmanship and medical understanding may also contribute to a faster salary growth than the average.

Orthopaedic shoemaker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,600 SEK/month (2022 level)
• Highest salary: 33 300 SEK/month (2024 level)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 33 100 SEK/month, specific data on women is not available
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an orthopaedic shoemaker, a vocational training in shoemaking with a focus on orthopaedics is usually required, often supplemented with internships and sometimes specialized courses in orthopaedics. The education combines craftsmanship skills with knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, which are essential for customizing products to individual needs. Practical experience and the ability to work closely with clients and partners are highly valued in the profession.

• Vocational training: Shoemaker/orthopaedic shoemaker, 1.5–3 years
• Internships: Longer internship periods are often part of the education
• Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in orthopaedics and material technology may be required
• Prerequisites: Basic upper secondary education, preferably with a focus on craftsmanship or healthcare
• Tips for choosing: Interest in both craftsmanship and medicine is an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Orthopaedic shoemakers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for further training in orthopaedics or related fields. In some cases, bonus systems linked to performance are available, as well as flexible working hours or part-time options if needed.

Competition and challenges

The profession of orthopaedic shoemaker belongs to a niche occupational group where competition for jobs varies depending on region and demand for orthopaedic services. A challenge is that the job market is relatively small, which can make it harder to find employment in smaller towns or where the need for customized shoes is limited. At the same time, staying updated on new materials and techniques is essential, as developments in medical orthopaedics move quickly. Lack of accessible information about the profession and limited educational pathways can also make it harder for newcomers to enter the field. Nevertheless, the number of available jobs indicates opportunities for those trained and flexible.

Tips for aspiring orthopaedic shoemakers

To succeed as an orthopaedic shoemaker, it’s beneficial to combine precision with a genuine desire to help others. Patience and problem-solving skills are crucial, as each customer’s needs are unique and require tailored solutions. Good communication facilitates collaboration with patients and healthcare providers, while an interest in technical details makes it easier to learn new materials and methods. Flexibility is helpful as work tasks vary between workshop work and customer meetings, and a creative streak can contribute to finding innovative solutions for complex orthopaedic issues. Last but not least, being service-oriented and attentive is valuable, as the profession often involves meeting people with special needs and wishes.

Key facts about orthopaedic shoemakers

• Education level: Vocational training in shoemaking/orthopaedics (1.5–3 years)
• Work environment: Workshop environment with customer contact
• Common employment: Employed at orthopaedic workshops or self-employed
• Demand: 341 available jobs within the profession according to current data
• Special skills: Craftsmanship skills and knowledge of anatomy

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, orthopaedic shoemakers can advance to more specialized roles within orthopaedic workshops, become supervisors, or start their own business. There are also opportunities for further education in orthopaedics or biomechanics to work in research or product development. The employment agency’s forecasts for the trades of leatherworkers and shoemakers do not provide an exact assessment for orthopaedic shoemakers due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs indicates stable demand. The profession can also provide experience valuable for transitioning into related fields such as orthopaedic technology, footwear technicians, or specialized roles within healthcare and rehabilitation.

Common questions about orthopaedic shoemakers

• What is the average salary of an orthopaedic shoemaker?
  - The average salary for an orthopaedic shoemaker is 33 300 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become an orthopaedic shoemaker?
  - A vocational training in shoemaking with a focus on orthopaedics, typically 1.5–3 years, is required.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Men earn an average of 33 100 SEK/month; specific data on women is not available.
• What is the job market like for orthopaedic shoemakers?
  - There are 341 available jobs within the profession, indicating stable demand.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and good communication are especially important.
• Where do orthopaedic shoemakers usually work?
  - Most work in orthopaedic workshops, but self-employment also occurs.
• How much does an orthopaedic shoemaker earn per hour?
  - The hourly wage is 200 SEK for hourly employees.