Salary progression Sheet metal worker

Average salary 37 500 kr
Males 37 600 kr
Females 0 kr

What does a sheet metal worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A sheet metal worker primarily works with processing, shaping, and assembling sheet metal within the industry. Tasks include measuring, cutting, bending, and joining metal sheets to produce various products or components, often using tools, machines, and computer-controlled systems. It is common for sheet metal workers to work in manufacturing, construction, or at specialized workshops. The work environment involves a combination of manual labor and machine operation, where safety routines and precision are central to preventing accidents and ensuring high quality.

Wage development over time

Over the past three years, sheet metal workers have experienced steady wage increases. In 2022, the average salary was 32,200 kronor per month, which increased to 35 700 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 37 500 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 11 percent over the three-year period. This growth reflects strong demand for skilled workers in the industry and increased competition for expertise, influenced by retirements and a growing need for specialized labor. The trend indicates that the industry’s status has strengthened, which is also reflected in the increased availability of technically advanced tasks and machinery.

Sheet metal worker salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 37 500 kr/month
  • Lowest/highest salary: Data unavailable, but variations exist depending on experience and region
  • Hourly wage: 215 kr/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Men earn an average of 37 600 kr; data for women is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, especially between metropolitan areas and other regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a sheet metal worker, a high school diploma in industry, technology, or construction is usually required, with specialization in sheet metal or similar fields. Practical experience and professional testing are often crucial for employment, and many employers value certifications or documented skills. There are also opportunities to supplement with internal training or short courses to broaden knowledge, especially regarding new machinery or techniques.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
  • Certifications: Vocational certificates or welding certificates may be required
  • Internship: High school internships or apprenticeship periods are common
  • Further education: Opportunities for additional courses in CNC or advanced sheet metal processing
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest

Sheet metal workers often have the opportunity to work in large industrial companies or smaller specialized workshops. Many choose to specialize in areas such as ventilation or construction sheet metal, which can lead to a varied and dynamic workday.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, collective agreement-regulated benefits are often offered, such as occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and overtime pay for work during unsociable hours. Other common benefits include work clothing, tool allowances, and opportunities for skills development through internal training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for sheet metal workers is characterized by good employment prospects, but there are periods of shortages of trained personnel. Many leave the profession due to retirements, creating a continuous need for new workers. At the same time, technological development requires ongoing skills upgrading, especially in areas like CNC control and digital manufacturing. Competition for the most attractive jobs can be fierce, particularly in regions with a strong industrial presence. The work environment can be physically demanding and requires high precision and safety awareness.

Tips for those who want to become sheet metal workers

To succeed as a sheet metal worker, it is beneficial to have practical skills and a willingness to learn new techniques. Technical interest facilitates understanding of machinery and processes, while precision is essential for achieving high-quality work. Being flexible and adaptable to different tasks increases opportunities for variation and growth. Teamwork skills are important, as many projects are team-based, and initiative is valued by employers seeking motivated and engaged employees. Staying updated on new materials and methods makes it easier to meet industry requirements, and a positive attitude towards problem-solving makes daily work both easier and more rewarding.

Key facts about sheet metal workers

  • Education level: High school diploma, often with vocational specialization
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with manual and machine work
  • Demand: Excellent opportunities for nationwide employment
  • Special skills: CNC control and welding skills are advantageous
  • Work type: Full-time, often shifts and sometimes overtime

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for advancement to more specialized roles, such as supervisor, production planner, or technical specialist in sheet metal processing. Some choose to further their education in CNC programming or quality assurance, which can lead to new career avenues within the industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the prospects for work as a sheet metal worker, including sheet metal processing, are very good nationwide and are expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is paradoxical: despite a large number of jobs, it can be difficult to find the right skills, as many leave the profession. Currently, there are about 1437 job openings in this field, indicating continued high demand.

Common questions about sheet metal workers

  • What does a sheet metal worker earn?
    - A sheet metal worker has an average salary of 37 500 kronor per month.
  • Is education required to become a sheet metal worker?
    - Yes, a high school education in industry or technology, along with practical experience, is usually required.
  • What is the job market like for sheet metal workers?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Salary data is available for men (37 600 kr/month), but statistics are lacking for women.
  • What are the most common work environments?
    - Mainly in industry or specialized workshops.
  • What are the career opportunities?
    - After a few years, advancement to foreman or further education in CNC or quality assurance is possible.
  • What is the future outlook for the profession?
    - The outlook is stable with continued high demand and many job openings.

Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30300 kr 30400 kr
25-34 37100 kr 37300 kr
35-44 39500 kr 39600 kr
45-54 40600 kr 41100 kr
55-64 36000 kr 36300 kr
Snitt 37300 kr 37500 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Sheet metal worker has the SSYK code 7214, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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