Sheet metal scraper

What does a plåtritsare do? – Tasks and work environment

A plåtritsare works with measuring, marking, and drawing on sheet metal materials for further processing within the manufacturing industry. The tasks often involve interpreting drawings, precise measurement, and using various tools to ensure accurate markings on the sheet metal. The plåtritsare is an important link between the design phase and production, requiring both technical knowledge and high precision. The work environment is typically workshop-based, where safety routines and work clothing are a natural part of daily life. Collaboration with machine operators and welders is common, and the work can be both independent and team-based.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for plåtritsare has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, followed by 34 000 SEK in 2023, and further increased to 35 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 6.7% over the period. The salary development can largely be explained by the continued high demand for skilled workers in the metal industry, where technical competence and experience are increasingly valued. At the same time, the industry's need for specialized labor has led to increased competition for qualified plåtritsare, putting upward pressure on wages. Despite automation and technological development, there is still a clear need for expertise, especially for complex drawing and marking tasks.

Plåtritsare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK/hour
• Men (average): 35 400 SEK/month
• Women (average): 34 100 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Some variation depending on demand and industry structure, higher wages in metropolitan areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a plåtritsare, a vocational upper secondary education in industrial technology or equivalent is often required, supplemented with practical experience in metalworking. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed training focused on sheet metal processing and drawing reading, while some skills can be acquired through internal training or apprenticeship. Knowledge of measurement technology and a good understanding of work environment regulations are also important qualifications.

• Vocational upper secondary education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
• Vocational courses: Sheet metal processing, drawing reading, measurement technology
• Internship: Often mandatory during education
• Certifications: Meritorious for certain workplaces
• Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest

Common benefits and compensations

Plåtritsare are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to benefits such as occupational pension, insurances, paid holidays, and work clothing. Other common compensations include shift allowances, wellness contributions, and protective gear provided by the employer. Opportunities for further training and skills development are also available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a plåtritsare is currently relatively low, as demand for skilled metal workers is high. However, demand is expected to decrease over the next five years due to increased automation and technological development in the industry. This may lead to changes in the role, where more advanced technical knowledge becomes increasingly important. Despite this, there is currently a shortage of plåtritsare, providing good employment opportunities for those with the right skills. Challenges in the profession include physical strain, the need for continuous skills development, and requirements for accuracy and responsibility.

Tips for those who want to become a plåtritsare

To succeed as a plåtritsare, it is good to combine technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility. It is recommended to spend time learning drawing reading and measurement technology, as these skills are crucial for the profession. An analytical ability facilitates problem-solving during complex tasks, and teamwork skills are important when working with other professionals. Gaining practical experience or summer jobs in the industry early on can provide valuable insights into the work environment. Adaptability is an asset, as technology in sheet metal processing is constantly evolving. Last but not least, showing initiative and willingness to further educate oneself is important, as the industry values up-to-date competence.

Key facts about Plåtritsare

• Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
• Education level: Vocational upper secondary education (industrial technology)
• Work environment: Workshop environment, often with shift work
• Demand: Great opportunities today, but declining trend in the future
• Special skills: Drawing reading, measurement technology, precision

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a plåtritsare can advance to more responsible roles, such as supervisor, production technician, or specialist in measurement technology and quality assurance. There are also opportunities to further educate as a machine operator or technician in other parts of the metal industry. Projections from the Employment Service show that there are currently 1437 job openings in the group of machine setters and operators, metalwork, which includes plåtritsare. At the national level, the labor market is considered good, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to automation and technological development. For those willing to develop their skills, there are still good opportunities for employment and career advancement.

Frequently asked questions about Plåtritsare

• What does a plåtritsare earn?
  - A plåtritsare has an average salary of 35 200 SEK/month. The salary range is between 31,400 and 36,100 SEK depending on experience and education.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 35 400 SEK/month and women 34 100 SEK/month, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a plåtritsare?
  - The most common path is a vocational upper secondary education within industrial technology, supplemented with practical training and courses in measurement technology and drawing reading.
• What does the job market look like for plåtritsare?
  - There is currently high demand for plåtritsare, but opportunities are expected to decrease in the future due to automation.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, and problem-solving skills are important qualities for a plåtritsare.
• What benefits are often included in the profession?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, insurances, wellness contributions, and work clothing.
• Can you advance your career as a plåtritsare?
  - Yes, there are opportunities to progress to supervisor roles or further education to become an industrial technician.