Oxidizer

What does an oxidizer do? – Responsibilities and work environment

An oxidizer primarily works with surface treatment of metals and other materials through processes aimed at creating oxide films to protect or enhance the surface. Responsibilities include operating surface treatment machines, monitoring oxidation processes, and quality control of the finished result. The work environment is often industrial with a focus on safety and accuracy to avoid material defects and ensure product durability.

Oxidizer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month (woman)
• Highest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (man)
• Hourly wage: 212 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 32,400 SEK, men 35 700 SEK, women earn 91% of men's salary
• Regional differences: The highest salary for men is found in the regional sector, while the lowest salaries are more spread across various sectors

Salary development over time

The salary for oxidizers has shown a stable increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK, increasing to 32 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 35,200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 13 percent over the period. This positive trend can be partly explained by an increased demand for professional skills among machine operators specializing in surface treatment, as well as a general uplift in salaries within the industrial sector. The level of education and technical competence also plays an important role in enabling this salary development.

Education and qualifications

The educational path to becoming an oxidizer is often vocationally oriented with a focus on industrial processes and machine handling. Practical experience combined with upper secondary education in a relevant technical field is commonly seen.

• Technical upper secondary education: Usually 2–3 years in industry or mechanical engineering
• Vocational training: Trade schools focused on surface treatment or metalworking
• Internship/trainee: Often a requirement for practical training in the industry to develop practical skills
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry and mechanics facilitates
• Certifications: May be required for specific machines or safety procedures

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for oxidizers include collectively bargained salaries, vacation pay, and sometimes shift or overtime compensation depending on the workplace's working hours. Companies in the industrial sector often offer pension contributions and insurance packages as part of the employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The profession of oxidizer is characterized by a certain level of competition as it is a specialized role within the industry. Challenges include keeping up-to-date with new technologies and processes for surface treatment as well as working in sometimes demanding environments with high safety requirements. The technological development demands continuous skill development to maintain relevance in the labor market.

Tips for those who want to become an oxidizer

To succeed as an oxidizer, it is beneficial to be meticulous and have a strong sense of detail, as precision is crucial in surface treatment processes. A practical and technical aptitude facilitates the handling of machines and processes, which is central to the profession. It is also important to be cooperative as tasks often occur in teams and require good communication. Flexibility and a willingness to learn contribute to quickly adapting to changes in the work environment and technology. Finally, a problem-solving attitude can help manage unexpected situations effectively.

Key facts about oxidizers

• Education level: Technical upper secondary education (2–3 years)
• Salary range: 32,400–36,200 SEK/month
• Work environment: Industrial environment with a focus on safety
• Professional group: Machine operators, surface treatment
• Gender distribution: Women earn on average 91% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, oxidizers can advance to more specialized roles within surface treatment or machine operating, for example as process technicians or production leaders. The employment agency's forecasts show that the profession is part of a larger occupational group with around 1,437 job openings in industrial manufacturing and surface treatment, but due to limited data, there is no specific assessment of the recruitment situation for oxidizers. Overall, the demand for skills in the industrial sector is assessed to be stable.

Frequently asked questions about oxidizers

• What does an oxidizer earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 35,200 SEK per month, with variation between 32,400 and 36,200 SEK depending on experience and sector.
• What education is required to become an oxidizer?
  - A technical upper secondary education in industry or mechanical engineering is common, often supplemented with practical training.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 91 percent of men's salary in the profession.
• What is the work environment like for an oxidizer?
  - The work environment is industrial with a focus on safety and careful handling of machines and chemicals.
• What career opportunities are available?
  - Opportunities exist for specialization in surface treatment or advancement to production and process engineering roles.