What does a packaging worker in timber handling earn?

The average salary is 36,800 SEK/month, but wages range between 35,400 and 37,400 SEK/month depending on experience, gender, and region.

What education is required to become a packaging worker?

Typically, a high school education in industrial or wood technology is required, but many are also trained internally at the workplace.

Are there wage differences between men and women?

Yes, women earn on average 35,400 SEK and men 37,000 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's wages.

What work environments do packaging workers operate in?

Work takes place in industrial environments such as sawmills and planing mills, often with shift work and physically demanding tasks.

What are the future prospects for the profession?

There are many job openings in the profession, and demand is considered stable, although no exact forecast is provided.

What personal qualities are important?

Accuracy, teamwork ability, responsibility, and physical endurance are especially important qualities.

Are there opportunities for further education or advancement?

Yes, after a few years in the profession, you can pursue further training or advance to leadership roles within the industry.

Package maker, timber handling salary

38 300 SEK

Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

36 700 - 39 200 SEK / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

Average salary 38 300 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 36 700 - 39 200 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

Jump to

Salary trend About the role What does a packaging worker in timber handling do? – Tasks and work environment Wage development over time Packaging worker in timber handling salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Package maker, timber handling

1 Likes 0 Comments 18 Vacant jobs ->

What does a packaging worker in timber handling do? – Tasks and work environment

A packaging worker in timber handling is responsible for sorting, packaging, and managing timber products at sawmills, planing mills, and similar industrial environments. The tasks revolve around ensuring that the timber is handled according to quality standards and delivery specifications, which often involves monitoring automated machines and manually packing or bundling wood products. The work takes place in an industrial environment where both physical strength and precision are important qualities, as heavy lifting and repetitive movements are common. Packaging workers often collaborate with forklift drivers and other operators to streamline flow and minimize waste, while following safety regulations to prevent accidents. The environment can be noisy, and temperatures vary depending on the season and workplace setup.

Wage development over time

Over the past three years, wages for packaging workers in timber handling have shown a clear increase. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK, which rose to 36 800 SEK in 2023 and reached 38 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total wage increase of approximately 9.5% over three years, surpassing the general wage growth in several industrial sectors. Factors driving this development include an increased need for skilled workers in the Swedish timber industry, high demand for timber products, and a gradual increase in skills among professionals. Industry investments in automation and improved working conditions may also have contributed to raising the profession's attractiveness and thus the salary level. Wage differences between regions and genders still exist but are gradually decreasing.

Packaging worker in timber handling salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
Hourly wage (average): 221 SEK
Men (average): 38 600 SEK
Women (average): 35,400 SEK
Women’s share of men’s wages: 95%
Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

Packaging workers in timber handling are often recruited from high school programs in industrial or wood technology, but internal training and on-the-job learning are also common. Formal education requirements are generally low, but employers seek practical skills, accuracy, and some technical understanding. Work experience from industry or warehousing is advantageous, and some workplaces may require forklift licenses or other safety certificates.

High school education: Industrial or wood technology programs (3 years)
Certificates: Forklift licenses and safety training may be required
Internship: Workplace-based learning or internships provide an advantage
Prerequisites: Basic Swedish and mathematics skills
Internal training: Introduction and supervision are often provided upon employment

Packaging workers in timber handling often play a key role in maintaining a steady production flow and reducing material waste. Those who quickly learn to interpret machine signals and collaborate with colleagues can contribute to higher quality and increased efficiency across the factory.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for packaging workers in timber handling include shift and overtime allowances, work clothing, wellness contributions, and the possibility of overtime pay. Some workplaces also offer training support, subsidized lunches, or company health services. Benefits vary between employers and regions, but collective agreements often ensure basic conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a packaging worker in timber handling varies by region and economic climate. Although the profession does not require extensive formal education, it can be challenging to find employment in workplaces with high automation, as these often require technical knowledge and experience. Physical strain, monotonous tasks, and noisy environments are other challenges that demand endurance and good occupational health awareness. To stand out in the competition, demonstrating willingness to work shifts and flexibility with tasks is an advantage.

Tips for those who want to become a packaging worker in timber handling

To succeed as a packaging worker in timber handling, it’s good to have a positive attitude towards physical work and to be precise in everything you do. Showing teamwork skills makes daily tasks easier, as the job often involves close contact with other occupational groups. Some technical understanding can be helpful, especially in machine operation and troubleshooting, making you more attractive to employers. Being flexible and willing to learn new tasks opens opportunities for development and broader responsibilities. Punctuality and responsibility are qualities appreciated by employers, especially since production is often time-sensitive. It’s also wise to take initiatives for further training, such as obtaining a forklift license, to increase chances of employment and advancement within the industry.

Key facts about packaging workers in timber handling

Wage range: 35,400–37,400 SEK/month
Education level: High school diploma (industrial/wood technology)
Work environment: Industrial environment with physical work
Work pattern: Shift work common, collective agreement conditions
Number of job openings: 1437 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as supervisor, production planner, or machine operator with increased responsibility. Some choose to further their education in production technology or logistics to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited statistical data, but demand for sawmill and planing mill operators remains stable with many job openings. For those who are proactive and eager to develop within the timber industry, there are good chances to find employment and eventually take on more qualified roles.

Frequently asked questions about packaging workers in timber handling

What does a packaging worker in timber handling earn?
- The average salary is 38 300 SEK/month, but wages range between 35,400 and 37,400 SEK/month depending on experience, gender, and region.
What education is required to become a packaging worker?
- Usually, high school education in industrial or wood technology is required, but many are also trained internally at the workplace.
Are there wage differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 35,400 SEK and men 38 600 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's wages.
What work environments do packaging workers operate in?
- The work takes place in industrial environments such as sawmills and planing mills, often with shift work and physically demanding tasks.
What are the future prospects for the profession?
- There are many job openings in the profession, and demand is considered stable, although no exact forecast is provided.
What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, teamwork ability, responsibility, and physical endurance are especially valued.
Are there opportunities for further education or advancement?
- Yes, after a few years, you can pursue further training or advance to leadership roles within the industry.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 15:56:43

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	32000 kr	36600 kr
25-34	97%	33700 kr	38400 kr
35-44	95%	33900 kr	38100 kr
45-54		34400 kr	38700 kr
55-64		34800 kr	39000 kr
Snitt	95%	33900 kr	38300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	32000 kr	36600 kr
25-34	97%	33700 kr	38400 kr
35-44	95%	33900 kr	38100 kr
45-54		34400 kr	38700 kr
55-64		34800 kr	39000 kr
Snitt	95%	33900 kr	38300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	32000 kr	36600 kr
25-34	97%	33700 kr	38400 kr
35-44	95%	33900 kr	38100 kr
45-54		34400 kr	38700 kr
55-64		34800 kr	39000 kr
Snitt	95%	33900 kr	38300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	32200 kr	37000 kr
25-34	97%	33800 kr	38600 kr
35-44	95%	34100 kr	38400 kr
45-54		34500 kr	38900 kr
55-64		34900 kr	39200 kr
Snitt	95%	34100 kr	38600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	32200 kr	37000 kr
25-34	97%	33800 kr	38600 kr
35-44	95%	34100 kr	38400 kr
45-54		34500 kr	38900 kr
55-64		34900 kr	39200 kr
Snitt	95%	34100 kr	38600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	32200 kr	37000 kr
25-34	97%	33800 kr	38600 kr
35-44	95%	34100 kr	38400 kr
45-54		34500 kr	38900 kr
55-64		34900 kr	39200 kr
Snitt	95%	34100 kr	38600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31000 kr	35600 kr
25-34	97%	33100 kr	37300 kr
35-44	95%	33300 kr	36600 kr
Snitt	95%	32900 kr	36800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31000 kr	35600 kr
25-34	97%	33100 kr	37300 kr
35-44	95%	33300 kr	36600 kr
Snitt	95%	32900 kr	36800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31000 kr	35600 kr
25-34	97%	33100 kr	37300 kr
35-44	95%	33300 kr	36600 kr
Snitt	95%	32900 kr	36800 kr

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

Salary per sector

Salary based on education

Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

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 Package maker, timber handling has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.