Parquet worker

What does a Parkettarbetare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Parkettarbetare is responsible for laying, sanding, and maintaining parquet floors in various types of properties, from homes to larger public buildings. The profession encompasses the entire process from preparing the substrate to the final surface treatment, where precision and accuracy are crucial. The work environment is often physical and varies between indoor settings, sometimes on new constructions and sometimes during renovation of older floors. Parkettarbetare need to work with a range of tools and machines, and tasks require both technical skill and a keen eye for detail.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Parkettarbetare have seen steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 35 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 4.2%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 36 800 SEK, a percentage increase of about 5.1%. This positive trend reflects a growing demand for skilled workers in flooring installation and the construction sector, along with increased awareness of craftsmanship quality, enhancing the profession’s attractiveness. The market has benefited from stable construction activity and a rising interest in sustainable and aesthetically pleasing flooring solutions.

Parkettarbetare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (male, regional sector)
• Hourly wage: 221 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 37 000 SEK, women: 35,400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within the regional sector, especially for men

Education and qualifications

To work as a Parkettarbetare, a high school education within the construction and civil engineering program is usually required, preferably with specialization in flooring or wood technology. Practical experience and skills are developed through on-site work, where tasks such as flooring installation, sanding, and surface treatment are learned. Some employers may also require specific certifications or courses depending on the tasks and machinery used.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, specialization in flooring (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in flooring technology and machinery safety
• Internship: Apprenticeship or trainee positions are strongly recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of mathematics and technology
• Tips: Choose schools with strong industry networks for internships

Common benefits and compensations

Parkettarbetare are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. In addition to base salary, allowances for unsociable hours, overtime, and travel may be included, especially for larger projects or work outside regular hours. Some employers also provide work clothing and contributions to further training.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Parkettarbetare is relatively niche, which means demand for skilled craftsmen can vary between regions and depend on economic conditions. One of the main challenges is keeping pace with technological innovations in materials and machinery, as the work environment can be physically demanding. Competition for the most attractive projects is high, particularly among experienced professionals. At the same time, there is a constant demand for meticulous and reliable Parkettarbetare as the construction and renovation market remains strong. It is also important to adapt to customer demands regarding design and sustainability.

Tips for those wanting to become a Parkettarbetare

To succeed as a Parkettarbetare, it is good to combine precision with good physical condition and a solution-oriented attitude. An initial step is to pursue relevant high school education and actively seek internships that focus on practical experience. Being flexible and willing to take on varied tasks creates good conditions for learning and development. Good teamwork skills are important since the work often takes place in teams or in collaboration with other trades. Technical understanding and interest in machinery facilitate both training and daily work. Finally, being service-minded and having an eye for detail is advantageous, as customer satisfaction and final results often depend on the craftsman's skills.

Key facts about Parkettarbetare

• Educational level: High school education, often construction and civil engineering
• Work environment: Physical indoor environment with varied projects
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in May 2024
• Work form: Full-time or hourly employment, often project-based
• Gender distribution: Slight salary difference in favor of men, 96% for women

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Parkettarbetare can advance to lead installer or supervisor, especially if combined with further education in project management or flooring technology. There are also opportunities to specialize in, for example, exclusive wooden floors, restoration, or machine-assisted flooring installation. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that there is no specific assessment for the occupation of Parkettarbetare, but the broader occupational group has a stable number of available positions, and demand is expected to remain steady as the construction and renovation sector develops. Technological advancements and increased focus on sustainable materials can create new career paths for those willing to further their education or start their own business.

Common questions about Parkettarbetare

• What is the average salary of a Parkettarbetare?
  - The average salary for a Parkettarbetare is 36 800 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salaries within Parkettarbetare?
  - Men earn on average 37 000 SEK and women 35,400 SEK, meaning women earn 96% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Parkettarbetare?
  - A high school education within the construction and civil engineering program is most common, preferably with specialization in flooring.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, the highest salaries are found within the regional sector, especially for men.
• How many job openings are there for Parkettarbetare?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs within the broader occupational group in May 2024.
• What are the duties of a Parkettarbetare?
  - The work involves laying, sanding, repairing, and maintaining parquet floors.
• What are the future prospects for Parkettarbetare?
  - No specific forecast exists, but demand for flooring installers remains stable within the construction sector.