Image that illustrates Sawmill, metal

Sawmill, metal

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sawmill, metal

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a metal cutter do? – Tasks and work environment

A metal cutter primarily works with processing and cutting metal materials to desired measurements and shapes, often as part of larger industrial manufacturing processes. The work is mainly performed in workshops or factories where advanced saws and machines are used to ensure precision and efficiency. Tasks include reading drawings, setting up and maintaining machines, and performing quality control on the cut material. The work environment is characterized by high noise levels, physical activity, and sometimes shift work, which requires both accuracy and safety awareness.

Salary development over time

The salary for a metal cutter has developed steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 000 in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows an average salary of 35 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.7% over three years. The trend indicates continued demand for the profession, but also influences from union negotiations and increased skill requirements in the industry. Salaries have risen slightly more than the overall inflation, partly due to shortages of trained personnel and an increased focus on technical skills in the profession.

Metal cutters – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education <9 years)
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male, various sectors, post-secondary education <3 years)
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK/hour (average, hourly employees)
  • Gender differences: Women 34 100 SEK, men 35 400 SEK – women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and industry size

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal cutter, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or production is usually required, supplemented with practical training or experience from workshop work. Some employers also require specific machine certificates or training in machine handling, while internal training and apprenticeships are common in the industry. Technical knowledge and understanding of reading drawings are important basic prerequisites.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Vocational courses/certificates: Machine sawing, CNC, safety
  • Practical training: Apprenticeship or workplace-based training is common
  • Prerequisites: Good grades in mathematics and technology are recommended
  • Further education: Possible in production technology or machine operation

Many metal cutters have the opportunity to work with advanced machinery and automation technology, which provides good prospects for developing into more technically qualified roles within the industry. It is not uncommon for employers to offer internal further training to meet new technical requirements.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for metal cutters include collective agreement-based occupational pension, health insurance, and wellness allowance. Many employers also provide work clothing, protective equipment, and opportunities for further training and skill development. Shift work can provide additional pay, and overtime compensation is common.

Competition and challenges

The profession of metal cutter is characterized by a clear shortage on the labor market, which means good opportunities for employment for those with the right skills. At the same time, the industry faces challenges with increased automation and technological development, which may reduce the need for manual tasks in the long run. To meet these changes, professionals need to continuously update their knowledge and adapt to new machine systems and safety requirements. Competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in regions with many industries. Physically demanding work environments and high safety standards also place demands on both employers and employees.

Tips for those who want to become a metal cutter

To succeed as a metal cutter, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and a meticulous personality, as the work requires precision and attention to detail. Being flexible and able to work both independently and in teams is an advantage, especially in production environments with a high pace. Being solution-oriented and possessing good problem-solving skills makes it easier when unexpected situations arise at the machines. Engagement in safety and responsibility is crucial, as the work often involves heavy machinery and risks. Good physical endurance and the ability to handle monotonous tasks contribute to long-term satisfaction and efficiency. It is also wise to continuously pursue further training in new techniques and machine types to strengthen your position in the job market.

Key facts about Metal Cutters

  • Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school (industrial technology program)
  • Work environment: Workshop/factory, often shift work
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment, but decreasing over 5 years
  • Number of job openings: 1,437 within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open up to advance to roles such as production technician, supervisor, or specialist in machine maintenance. It is also common for metal cutters to further train as machine operators or setters responsible for more advanced machines and processes. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities for machine setters and operators in metal work are currently abundant, but over the longer term, demand is expected to decrease due to increased automation and technological development. Nevertheless, there are still good opportunities for those who are flexible and willing to develop their skills within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Metal Cutters

  • What does a Metal Cutter earn?
    - The average salary is 35 200 SEK per month, with a range between 31,400 and 36,100 SEK.
  • What are the gender differences in salaries?
    - Men earn on average 35 400 SEK, women 34 100 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a metal cutter?
    - High school education in industrial technology, preferably supplemented with certificates or apprenticeships.
  • What is the job market like for metal cutters?
    - There is high demand for the profession, but over the next five years, the need is expected to decrease due to automation.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and overtime pay.
  • Is there room for advancement within the profession?
    - Yes, further training can lead to roles such as machine operator, supervisor, or production technician.
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are 1437 job openings within the profession (May 2024).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sawmill, metal is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sawmill, metal is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Sawmill, metal has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
  • Read more about working as Assembler, metal
    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 23:57
  • Read more about working as Mixing operator, rubber
    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 12:50
  • Read more about working as Seed cleaner
    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 01:37
  • Read more about working as Coppersmith
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 14:16
  • Read more about working as Gluers, carpentry
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 14:47
  • Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 12:06
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes