Image that illustrates Sheet metal cutter

Sheet metal cutter

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sheet metal cutter

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a Plåtskärare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Plåtskärare primarily works with processing and shaping metal sheets into various components and products, often within industrial manufacturing. Typical tasks include measuring, marking, and cutting sheets using machines such as laser cutters, plasma cutters, or band saws. The work is usually performed in workshop environments or industrial facilities, where precision and accuracy are essential. Plåtskärare often collaborate with other professionals in the metal industry and follow strict safety procedures to minimize risks when working with heavy machinery and sharp materials.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Plåtskärare have experienced stable salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 35 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.7% over the period. The salary increase has been driven by high demand for skilled workers, especially in advanced sheet metal processing and machine handling. However, automation and technological development also influence the trend, which could temper salary growth in the long term. Despite this, the ongoing shortage of qualified Plåtskärare has continued to support positive salary development in recent years.

Plåtskärare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (female, private sector)
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male, multiple sectors, post-secondary education <3 years)
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK
  • Women: 34 100 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 35 400 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary slightly depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Plåtskärare typically involves upper secondary industrial technology programs focusing on sheet metal processing or welding, followed by practical training at the workplace. Certification in machine safety and sometimes specialized courses in advanced cutting techniques are often required. The profession suits both those who enjoy practical work and those interested in technology and machinery.

  • Upper secondary education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Certifications: Machine safety, possibly licenses for certain machines
  • Practical training: Often included as workplace-based learning
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology knowledge
  • Tips: Additional courses in advanced sheet metal processing and CAD/CAM can improve employability

Plåtskärare often work with advanced machines where digital control and programming are increasingly important. Those combining practical experience with knowledge in automation and digital technology have great opportunities to influence their career development within the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Plåtskärare are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness grants, and insurance. Shift and overtime allowances are common, especially for work evenings and weekends. Some employers also provide work clothing and opportunities for skills development.

Competition and challenges

There is currently a shortage of qualified Plåtskärare, which offers good employment opportunities. However, demand is expected to decrease somewhat over the next five years due to increased automation and technological advancement in the industry. The profession requires ongoing skills development to meet changing demands, especially regarding digital control of machinery. Competition for the most attractive jobs may increase, and those who specialize or continue their education have better prospects for long-term employment and career growth in the industry.

Tips for those aiming to become a Plåtskärare

To succeed as a Plåtskärare, it is beneficial to have an interest in technology and machinery, as well as the ability to work carefully and methodically. Focusing on practical skills early in education and actively seeking internships can create valuable industry contacts. Problem-solving skills are highly valuable, especially when facing unexpected challenges during machine work or material handling. Being flexible and eager to learn new techniques makes it easier to adapt to industry changes. Teamwork skills are important since work often occurs in teams, and a strong focus on safety contributes to a secure work environment. Finally, an analytical mindset for interpreting drawings and following technical instructions is advantageous.

Key facts about Plåtskärare

  • Education level: Upper secondary education, industrial technology program
  • Work environment: Industrial workshop, often shift work
  • Demand: High shortage of skilled workers
  • Future outlook: Reduced demand over time due to automation
  • Job openings: 1,433 (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles, such as machine operator responsible for programming or production supervisor. Specialization in digital control, CNC technology, or quality assurance is common for further development. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities nationwide remain strong, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to increased automation. Despite this, there is currently a shortage of Plåtskärare, providing good opportunities for those entering the profession. Those who continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to technological changes have the best chance for long-term employment and growth within the industry.

Common questions about Plåtskärare

  • What is the average salary of a Plåtskärare?
    - The average salary is 35 200 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 35 400 SEK and women 34 100 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salary.
  • What is the highest salary for a Plåtskärare?
    - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK per month, belonging to a man with post-secondary education.
  • What is the lowest salary in the profession?
    - The lowest salary is 31,400 SEK per month and applies to a woman in the private sector.
  • What are the future prospects for Plåtskärare?
    - Currently, there is a high demand for Plåtskärare, but over the next five years, demand is expected to decrease according to the Employment Service.
  • What education is required to become a Plåtskärare?
    - The most common education is the industrial technology program in upper secondary school.
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are 1,433 job openings in the field of machine setters and operators, metalworking.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sheet metal cutter is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sheet metal cutter is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 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 cutter has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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