Racker, surface treatment

What does a rackare within surface treatment do? – Tasks and work environment

A rackare within surface treatment primarily works with preparing and treating surfaces on metal, wood, or plastic products before further processing or final finishing. Tasks may include cleaning, sanding, degreasing, masking, as well as applying various surface treatment methods such as painting, lacquering, anodizing, or galvanizing. The work is often performed in an industrial environment, involving both manual and machine-based tasks. It is common to follow precise instructions to ensure products meet quality standards and to handle chemicals and protective equipment safely. The work environment is typically production-oriented and can involve working in noisy, and sometimes dusty or humid conditions, with demands for accuracy and good physical condition.

Salary development over time

The profession of rackare within surface treatment has shown steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month, rising to 32 800 SEK in 2023 and continuing to increase to 35,200 SEK in 2024. This salary development represents a total increase of approximately 13% over three years, which is slightly above the inflation rate for the same period. The salary increase can be explained by increased demand for skilled machine operators within surface treatment and a greater need for technical expertise as manufacturing processes become more advanced. The industry's shift towards higher quality requirements and specialization has also contributed to rising wages, while the supply of labor has been limited in certain regions.

Rackare, surface treatment salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 212 SEK
• Women’s average salary: 32,400 SEK/month (91% of men's salary)
• Men’s average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Highest wages in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a rackare within surface treatment, a secondary education with a focus on industry, technology, or similar is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers offer internal training or trainee programs to ensure the right skills. Some workplaces also require specific certificates for handling chemicals or operating machinery. Good knowledge of work environment safety and quality control within industrial production is advantageous.

• High school education: Industrial technical program (3 years)
• Internship/trainee: Often required or recommended at the workplace
• Certifications: Possibility to obtain certificates for chemical handling and machinery safety
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of technology and mathematics
• Tips: Additional courses in quality control and work environment are meritorious

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for rackare within surface treatment include shift differentials for night work, wellness allowances, subsidized work clothing, and opportunities for further training. Many workplaces also offer collective agreement-insured insurances, pension contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to production goals or quality outcomes.

Competition and challenges

The job market for rackare within surface treatment is affected by industry cycles and can vary between regions. The sector has a certain recruitment need, but competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially where employers seek experience or specialized skills. A challenge is that the work environment demands high safety and accuracy standards, while technological development requires continuous skill upgrading. Increased automation and digitalization are also changing the profession, which may require new skills. A shortage of trained workforce can create opportunities for those with the right profile.

Tips for those who want to become a rackare within surface treatment

To succeed as a rackare within surface treatment, it is good to have an eye for detail and a strong safety mindset. Being thorough facilitates quality assurance and contributes to better final results, while good teamwork skills are important when working in teams or with other professions. Flexibility makes it easier to handle varying tasks and work environments, and a willingness to develop continuously helps you stay updated on new techniques and methods. Being solution-oriented and resilient under stress is also valuable, especially when the pace is high or unexpected problems arise. Finally, an interest in technology and production helps understand the overall industrial process and supports long-term career development.

Key facts about rackare within surface treatment

• Education level: Secondary (industrial technical program)
• Work environment: Industrial, often production-oriented and noisy
• Typical work form: Shift work is common
• Demand: 1,437 job openings within the occupational group
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 91% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a rackare within surface treatment, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, quality inspector, or process operator. Specializing in a specific type of surface treatment or further education in production technology is also common. The employment agency's forecasts for machine operators within surface treatment do not provide a clear assessment due to limited data, but currently, there are 1,437 job openings, indicating stable demand. Future development is primarily influenced by industry cycles and technological advancements in manufacturing.

Common questions about rackare within surface treatment

• What does a rackare within surface treatment earn?
  - The average salary is 35,200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and region.
• What education is required to become a rackare within surface treatment?
  - A secondary industrial technical education is most common, often supplemented with practical training and internal education.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work environment is industrial, often noisy, and can involve exposure to chemicals and dust.
• Are there many job openings for rackare within surface treatment?
  - Yes, there are currently 1,437 job openings within the occupational group of machine operators, surface treatment.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years?
  - Opportunities to become a supervisor, quality inspector, or specialize in process and production technology.
• What is the highest salary for a rackare within surface treatment?
  - The highest reported salary is 36,200 SEK per month, mainly within the regional sector.