- Salary statistics
- Polisher, wood
Polisher, wood
31 900 - 32 300 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Polisher, wood
What does a wood polisher do – tasks and work environment
A wood polisher works to give wooden surfaces a smooth, even, and aesthetically pleasing finish. Tasks include sanding, polishing, and surface treatment of various wood components, often as the final step in furniture manufacturing or carpentry. Precision and attention to detail are essential to ensure products meet high quality standards. The work typically takes place in workshop environments, where exposure to dust and noise is common. Both manual tools and machinery are used, and the work environment may require good physical condition and the ability to work focused for extended periods.
Salary development over time
The salary for wood polishers has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, increasing to 33 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 32 300 SEK per month, representing a decline of approximately 2.1% compared to the previous year. This change may indicate a saturation in the job market or economic factors affecting the craft industry. Overall, the profession has experienced a stable but slightly downward trend, possibly due to competition from other trades or changes in production methods. The demand for skilled wood polishers remains, especially within specialized carpentry and furniture production.
Wood polisher salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 194 SEK
- Gender differences: Salary for men only reported (32 300 SEK), no specific data for women
- Regional differences: No detailed statistics available
Education and qualifications
To work as a wood polisher, a basic education in wood technology or furniture carpentry is generally required, often at the high school level. Many employers also value practical experience and specialized courses. In addition to formal education, on-the-job training and mentorship are common, with a focus on craftsmanship and quality.
- Vocational training: Wood technology or furniture carpentry at high school level (about 3 years)
- Internship: Usually internship or apprenticeship with an established employer
- Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in surface treatment and polishing can be advantageous
- Prerequisites: Interest in craftsmanship and precision recommended
- Further education: Opportunities for specialization in advanced techniques and surface finishing
Many wood polishers develop a unique sense for materials and surfaces over time, making them invaluable in projects where craftsmanship quality is paramount. Practical experience is often just as important as formal education, and skilled polishers frequently work on exclusive custom orders or restoration of antique furniture.
Common benefits and compensations
Wood polishers are often offered benefits such as collective agreement pension schemes, insurance, wellness subsidies, and sometimes work clothing and tools. Employers may also provide further training or skills development as part of employment. Working hours can vary between daytime and shift work depending on the workplace.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession of wood polishing is considered relatively high, with an oversupply of labor nationwide according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. Job opportunities in finishing, interior, and furniture carpentry, which include wood polishers, are limited and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges may include limited demand in certain regions and technological changes in production. To stand out in the job market, experience and specialized skills are often required. However, there are opportunities for those who are flexible and can work with various types of wood and surface treatments.
Tips for aspiring wood polishers
To succeed as a wood polisher, attention to detail and thoroughness in every work step are essential. Developing patience is crucial, as the process from raw material to finished surface can be time-consuming and requires precision. A practical person with good hand-eye coordination often finds it easier to master the techniques. Being attentive to customer wishes and able to collaborate with other craftsmen are also important qualities. Early internships can provide insight into the profession and help build references. Keeping up with new materials and techniques can open more opportunities. Finally, being proactive and eager to learn more is advantageous, as the profession is constantly evolving.
Key facts about wood polishers
- Educational level: High school vocational training recommended
- Work environment: Workshop with noise and dust
- Demand: Limited job opportunities nationwide (oversupply according to the Swedish Public Employment Service)
- Work forms: Full-time, part-time, and hourly employment
- Job openings: 341 (May 2024)
Career paths and future outlook
After a few years of experience, a wood polisher can advance to supervisory roles within workshops or production, or specialize in advanced surface treatments and restoration. There are also opportunities to start one's own business, especially for those established in niche areas such as antique restoration or exclusive furniture making. According to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for finishing, interior, and furniture carpentry professionals is small, and the situation is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Nevertheless, those who are flexible and can combine polishing with other carpentry skills will find opportunities. Regional variations may occur, and the job market is most favorable in areas with a strong furniture industry.
Frequently asked questions about wood polishers
- What does a wood polisher earn?
- The average salary is 32 300 SEK/month, with an hourly wage of 194 SEK. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Salary data for men only reported; no specific data for women. - What education is required to become a wood polisher?
- High school vocational training in wood technology or furniture carpentry recommended. - What are the future prospects?
- Job opportunities are limited nationwide, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. - What are common work environments?
- Most work in workshop environments with noise and dust. - What benefits are common?
- Collective agreement pensions, insurance, wellness subsidies, and sometimes further training. - How many job openings are there in the profession?
- 341 (May 2024)
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
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 Polisher, wood has the SSYK code 7522, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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