Spare parts man, industry

What does a parts clerk do in the industry? – Tasks and work environment

A parts clerk in the industry is responsible for handling, stocking, and distributing spare parts and accessories for machinery and vehicles within manufacturing. Tasks include ordering, receiving, registering, and issuing parts, as well as inventory management and administration. The role also involves customer contact, advising on the selection of the right components, and sometimes technical support for production or service staff. The work environment is often in workshops, warehouses, or larger industrial facilities, combining physical work with administrative responsibilities. The pace can be high, especially when production depends on quick deliveries to avoid downtime.

Salary development over time

The salary for a parts clerk in the industry has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, increasing to 33 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 34 400 SEK in 2024. The total increase of about 8% during this period reflects a demand for skilled personnel in the industry sector as well as general wage development in technical professions. Factors driving this trend include technological advancements, increased need for efficient parts management, and competition for workforce. There are still clear gender differences, with men's salaries increasing somewhat faster than women's. Regional variations exist, but the overall trend is upward across the country.

Parts clerk, industry salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 30,100–36,300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 207 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 34 500 SEK, Women 32 500 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest salary (36,300 SEK) in regional sector, lowest (30,100 SEK) in public sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a parts clerk in the industry, a high school education in automotive or industrial programs is usually required, often supplemented with specific courses in warehousing and logistics. Practical experience from workshops, warehouses, or industry is a big advantage, as well as knowledge of technical systems and parts management. Some employers also require IT skills for warehouse management systems and good communication skills.

• High school education: Automotive or industrial programs, 3 years
• Certification courses: Warehousing and logistics, occupational safety
• Internships: Common through high school programs or trainee schemes
• IT skills: Warehouse management systems and basic computer knowledge
• Prerequisites: Interest in technology, accuracy, and service orientation

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits often included for parts clerks in the industry are wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and sometimes bonuses linked to inventory turnover or efficiency. Occupational pension, work clothing, opportunities for further training, as well as accident insurance and discounts on company products, are common. Shift work may also include shift allowances.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a parts clerk in the industry can be moderate to high, especially in regions with strong industrial presence. Recruitment difficulties are reported within the profession, meaning there are many available positions but also a relatively high number of job seekers. Challenges in the role often involve managing quick deliveries, digitalization of inventory management, and staying updated on new components and machinery systems. The ability to collaborate across departments and adapt to new technical solutions is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for aspiring parts clerks in the industry

To succeed as a parts clerk in the industry, it’s good to combine technical interest with accuracy and service skills. Developing a structured work approach early on makes managing inventory and orders more efficient. Good communication skills are important, as the role often involves contact with both internal and external customers. A willingness to continuously learn new IT systems and technical solutions facilitates adaptation to modern inventory management. Flexibility and resilience are needed to quickly prioritize during urgent delivery situations. Being solution-oriented and showing initiative is appreciated by employers and can lead to more responsibilities. Collaboration skills are also important, as the parts clerk often acts as a link between different departments.

Key facts about parts clerks in the industry

• Average salary: 34 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 30,100–36,300 SEK/month
• Education level: High school, often automotive or industrial programs
• Typical work environment: Warehouse, workshop, or industrial facility
• Demand: 481 available jobs within the profession in Sweden

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a parts clerk in the industry can advance to warehouse manager, logistics supervisor, or specialist roles in purchasing and material supply. Some choose to deepen their expertise in specific machine brands or become technical advisors for production and maintenance. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for automotive mechanics and vehicle repairers will remain unchanged over the next five years, but job opportunities are expected to be plentiful due to recruitment difficulties and an aging workforce. Digitalization and automation create new opportunities for those who want to develop their skills in inventory control and logistics systems.

Frequently asked questions about parts clerks in the industry

• What does a parts clerk earn in the industry?
  - The average salary is 34 400 SEK per month, with a range between 30,100 and 36,300 SEK.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 34 500 SEK, while women earn 32 500 SEK, which is 94% of men's salary.
• What education is required?
  - High school education in automotive or industrial programs is recommended, preferably with additional courses in warehousing and logistics.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work environment is often in warehouses, workshops, or industrial facilities, combining physical and administrative tasks.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There are great opportunities for employment, with 481 available jobs and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Wellness allowances, occupational pension, work clothing, further training, and sometimes bonuses and shift allowances.
• What career paths are available?
  - Opportunities to advance to warehouse manager, logistics supervisor, or specialist roles in purchasing and material management.