Sheet metal straightener

What does a panel beater do? – Tasks and work environment

A panel beater primarily works on repairing and restoring bodywork and sheet metal damages on vehicles, often after accidents or wear and tear. Tasks include straightening dents, welding, replacing damaged panels, and ensuring the vehicle’s structure regains its original shape. The role requires great precision, technical understanding, and attention to detail, as work often involves advanced tools and machinery. The work environment is typically workshop-based, involving physical labor and collaboration with other professionals such as painters and mechanics.

Salary development over time

The salary development for panel beaters has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 36,300 SEK, which increased to 36 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 39 800 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 9.6% over the period. This trend can be partly explained by continued high demand for skilled panel beaters, while technical requirements and task complexity have increased. The market’s need for qualified workers in vehicle repair has contributed to rising salary levels. Despite being part of a broader profession, panel beaters have experienced stable and positive salary growth, making the profession attractive for those seeking a long-term career in the industry.

Panel beater salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (woman, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (woman, high school education, regional sector)
• Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 39 500 SEK (99% of men's salary at 39900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Highest recorded salary within regional sector (41,000 SEK), lowest in various sectors (38,100 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a panel beater, a high school education in vehicle and transport programs with specialization in bodywork and painting is usually required. Practical experience through internships or apprenticeships is highly valuable, and some employers may require additional certifications in welding or specialized sheet metal repair. Formal requirements vary depending on the workplace, but technical interest and good problem-solving skills are important qualities for success in the profession.

• High school education: Vehicle and transport program, specialization in bodywork (3 years)
• Certifications: Welding certificates and specialized courses in sheet metal repair
• Practical experience: Apprenticeship or internship during education provides valuable experience
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for high school
• Tip: Choose schools with strong industry contacts for better internship opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Panel beaters are often offered benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pension, wellness allowances, and insurance coverage. Some employers also provide work clothing, tools, and opportunities for skills development through internal or external training. Working hours are generally during daytime, but overtime pay and shift allowances may apply when needed.

Competition and challenges

Competition within the profession varies depending on the region and labor market needs. Larger cities usually have higher demand due to more workshops and a bigger vehicle fleet, while competition may be tougher in smaller towns. Challenges include rapid technological development, with new materials and advanced vehicle structures demanding continuous further training. Physical work and work environment risks, such as noise and heavy lifting, require strict safety routines. Staying updated and adapting to new methods are crucial to remain attractive in the job market.

Tips for those wishing to become a panel beater

To succeed as a panel beater, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with high precision and patience. Being a problem solver and able to analyze vehicle damages is an important part of the work, so building a good understanding of materials and methods during education is advantageous. Physical endurance is also important, as the job often involves working in uncomfortable positions and with heavy tools. Being service-minded and able to collaborate with colleagues from different professions offers great advantages, especially when tasks require coordination. Engagement in the profession and a willingness to learn new skills increase opportunities for interesting assignments and further development. Finally, meticulousness and responsibility are highly valued by employers and customers, contributing to long-term success in the profession.

Key facts about Panel Beaters

• Salary range: 38,100–41,000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school, bodywork (3 years)
• Work environment: Workshop, often physically demanding
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a panel beater, there are good opportunities to specialize in advanced sheet metal repair, welding, or move into supervisory roles, such as workshop manager or supervisor. Further training in painting, damage assessment, or insurance handling can open doors to new areas of work. According to labor market forecasts, it’s difficult to give an exact assessment of the profession’s future prospects due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs suggests continued demand. Technological development and increasing complexity in vehicle structures mean that panel beaters with broad skills and a willingness to continue learning have good future prospects.

Frequently asked questions about Panel Beaters

• What is the average salary of a panel beater?
  - A panel beater has an average salary of 39 800 SEK/month according to current statistics.
• What does the salary for panel beaters look like for women and men?
  - Women earn 39 500 SEK/month and men 39900 SEK/month, which means women earn 99% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a panel beater?
  - High school education in vehicle and transport programs, with specialization in bodywork, is most common.
• Are there many job openings for panel beaters?
  - Yes, there are 1,437 jobs available according to the latest measurement.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for panel beaters?
  - The highest recorded salary is 41,000 SEK/month and the lowest 38,100 SEK/month.
• What personal qualities are important for a panel beater?
  - Attention to detail, technical interest, and teamwork ability are especially important qualities.
• What are the future outlooks for panel beaters?
  - The prognosis is uncertain, but the large number of available jobs indicates good demand.