Pipelayers

What does a pipe aligner do? – Tasks and work environment

A pipe aligner primarily works within the industry, often at steel and metal plants, focusing on aligning, straightening, and shaping pipes used in various mechanical and construction contexts. Tasks can include manual processing as well as handling advanced machinery and tools to ensure pipes meet precise shape and dimension requirements. The work environment is typically industrial, with elements of noise, heavy lifting, and sometimes high temperatures, demanding both technical precision and good physical condition. Safety regulations and accuracy are crucial in daily work, and tasks are often performed alongside other specialists in production.

Salary development over time

The salary for a pipe aligner has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, which increased to 36 900 SEK in 2023, corresponding to an increase of about 1.7%. In 2024, the salary has risen further to 39 800 SEK, representing a significant increase of over 7.8% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a growing demand for skilled workers in the industry, where competence and experience are highly valued. The growth can also be explained by general salary increases within the industrial sector and a greater focus on technical specialized professions. The market's need for pipe aligners and similar machine operators has led employers to offer competitive wages to attract and retain the right skills.

Pipe aligner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (woman, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (woman, high school education, regional sector)
• Hourly wage: 239 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 39 500 SEK, men earn 39900 SEK (women earn 99% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a pipe aligner usually involves an industrial high school education, often with a focus on steel, metal, or workshop technology. Practical experience in industrial environments and working with machinery is central, and many employers also value certifications in welding or machine handling. For some positions, formal education is not required, but work experience and technical interest are highly regarded during recruitment.

• Vocational high school education: Focus on technology, industry, or workshop (3 years)
• Certificates: Welding and machine handling certificates can be advantageous
• Internship: On-the-job training or internships in industry are common
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, technical interest, and accuracy
• Further education: Opportunities for courses in CNC or advanced machine handling

Common benefits and compensations

Pipe aligners can expect benefits such as shift allowances for night work, extra compensation for inconvenient hours, and access to work clothing and protective equipment. Wellness contributions, subsidized meals, and opportunities for skills development are also common in larger industrial companies. Occupational pensions and insurance are often included in employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The competitive situation for pipe aligners is characterized by a relatively limited supply of qualified labor, which keeps demand stable within the industry. However, automation and technological development may change job tasks and demand higher technical skills. The work is physically demanding and can involve monotonous tasks, requiring endurance and precision. Since the profession is often linked to industry cycles, demand can vary over time, but currently, the number of job openings in the field is high. Staying updated on new methods and machinery is an important challenge to remain attractive in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a pipe aligner

To succeed as a pipe aligner, it is good to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Being precise and patient when working with machinery and manual tasks is crucial for ensuring accuracy and quality. Good physical condition facilitates daily work, as the job is often physically demanding, while teamwork and communication skills are important in the industrial environment where many tasks are performed in teams. Actively seeking internships and taking further education in machine technology or welding can provide advantages in the job market. Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques and machinery are appreciated by employers, especially in a constantly evolving industry. An open attitude towards shift work and inconvenient hours can also be beneficial when applying for jobs.

Key facts about Pipe Aligners

• Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
• Education: Vocational high school, industry/workshop
• Work environment: Industrial, often noisy and physically demanding
• Job openings in the profession: 1,437
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (woman, regional sector)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a pipe aligner, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as supervisor, quality control technician, or machine manager. Further education in welding or CNC technology is also common to broaden skills and increase career opportunities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's assessment for the occupational group of machine and process operators at steel and metal plants, no exact forecast is made due to limited data. However, the large number of job openings indicates continued high demand. Employment opportunities are therefore considered good, especially for those willing to further educate themselves and adapt to technological developments in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Pipe Aligners

• What is the average salary of a pipe aligner?
  - The average salary for a pipe aligner is 39 800 SEK per month.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for a pipe aligner?
  - The lowest salary is 38,100 SEK per month, and the highest is 41,000 SEK per month.
• What do gender differences look like within the profession?
  - Women earn 39 500 SEK, men earn 39900 SEK; women earn 99% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a pipe aligner?
  - Vocational high school education in industry or workshop is recommended, supplemented with practical training.
• Are there many job openings for pipe aligners?
  - Yes, there are 1,437 available jobs within the occupational group of machine and process operators at steel and metal plants.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - No specific forecasts, but the large number of job openings indicates good employment opportunities.