Produktionstekniker, gruva/metallurgi

What does a production technician in mining/metallurgy do? – Tasks and work environment

A production technician in mining/metallurgy works on developing, optimizing, and monitoring processes involved in extracting and refining metals and minerals. Tasks often include streamlining production flows, quality assurance, troubleshooting, and implementing new technical solutions. The profession involves close collaboration with operators, engineers, and other technical specialists. The work environment varies between offices, laboratories, production facilities, and mining sites, requiring both technical skills and a strong ability to follow safety regulations.

Salary development over time

The salary for a production technician in mining/metallurgy has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,700 SEK per month, which increased to 44 400 SEK in 2023, a rise of approximately 4%. In 2024, the average salary continued to grow to 47 400 SEK, representing an additional 7% increase from the previous year. The total salary increase over three years is about 11%. This trend is linked to increased demand for technical expertise in the mining and metal industries, as well as industry investments in modernization and sustainability. Despite these increases, gender pay gaps remain, reflecting broader trends in technical professions.

Production technician, mining/metallurgy salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 47 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education ≥3 years)
• Highest salary: 48,500 SEK/month (male, private sector, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage (average): 285 SEK
• Wage women: 44 900 SEK/month (93% of men's salary)
• Wage men: 48,500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Not specified

Education and qualifications

To work as a production technician in mining and metallurgy, a technical degree at university or college level is usually required, such as a bachelor's or master's in fields like mechanical engineering, materials science, or chemical engineering. Many employers also value industry experience and knowledge of specific processes and safety requirements. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs during studies is often advantageous.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's in engineering (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Occupational safety training, process safety
• Internships/Trainee programs: Common during studies
• Prerequisites: Science or technical high school education
• Tips for choosing: Specialization in mining technology, process, or materials science provides the best foundation

Common benefits and compensations

Production technicians in mining/metallurgy are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, and insurance. Opportunities for bonuses, paid further training, and flexible working hours are common, especially with larger employers. Shift work may occur and is usually compensated with overtime pay and extra vacation days.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a production technician in mining and metallurgy varies depending on region and economic cycle. There is a steady need for technical expertise, but the number of jobs is limited in some areas, and the labor market is affected by raw material prices and industry development. Staying updated with new technology and sustainable production methods is a challenge. The industry is characterized by high safety standards, requiring precision and risk awareness. Another challenge is the persistent gender imbalance and salary disparities between men and women.

Tips for those wanting to become a production technician in mining/metallurgy

To succeed as a production technician in mining/metallurgy, it helps to be analytical and solution-oriented, as much of the work involves identifying and improving processes. Precision is essential to meet safety and quality standards, while teamwork facilitates communication with colleagues from different disciplines. An interest in technology and innovation makes it easier to adopt new methods and tools, and flexibility is needed to handle varied tasks and environments. Being communicative and able to document work clearly are also valuable skills. Finally, showing responsibility and initiative is important, as the profession often involves making independent decisions and driving improvements.

Key facts about production technicians in mining/metallurgy

• Education level: Bachelor's or master's in engineering (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Varies between office, production, and mining site
• Typical employment: Full-time, often daytime but shift work occurs
• Demand: 564 available jobs within the profession
• Gender distribution: Predominantly men, but women are increasing in number

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a production technician in mining/metallurgy, opportunities to advance to roles such as production manager, process developer, or specialist in automation and sustainability open up. Some choose to move into project management or quality assurance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for this profession due to limited statistical data, but 564 job openings indicate ongoing demand. The future will be influenced by industry investments in new technology, sustainability, and electrification, which may lead to new career paths and increased requirements for specialized skills. Regional differences may occur depending on the presence of larger mining and metal industries.

Frequently asked questions about production technicians in mining/metallurgy

• What does a production technician in mining/metallurgy earn?
  - The average salary is 47 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What does the gender pay gap look like?
  - Women earn an average of 44 900 SEK while men earn 48,500 SEK, which means women have approximately 93% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a production technician in mining/metallurgy?
  - A university or college degree in engineering, such as a technical or civil engineer, with specialization in mining engineering, materials science, or similar is usually required.
• Are there many job openings in this profession?
  - There are 564 available jobs within the profession in Sweden, according to current statistics.
• What are the duties of a production technician in mining/metallurgy?
  - The work includes process development, quality assurance, troubleshooting, and implementing technical solutions in production.
• What are the future prospects?
  - No exact forecast exists, but the industry is developing towards increased automation, sustainability, and digitalization, which positively impacts demand.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness contributions, insurance, and sometimes bonuses or overtime allowances.