How much does a Saw operator make

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  2. Saw operator
Image that illustrates Saw operator

Saw operator

36 800 kr

Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

35 400 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Saw operator

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 35 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a saw operator do? – Tasks and working environment

A saw operator mainly works with monitoring and controlling machines within the timber industry, focusing on sawing, planing, and processing wood products. Tasks include setting up and inspecting saw machines, ensuring production quality, and performing routine maintenance and simple repairs. The work requires precision, technical understanding, and a good grasp of material properties. The working environment is often noisy and physically demanding, with shift work and high safety standards, demanding both concentration and endurance.

Salary development over time

The saw operator profession has experienced clear positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, rising to 35 000 SEK in 2023, and further to 36 800 SEK in 2024. This increase amounts to a total salary improvement of approximately 9.5% over three years, which is higher than many other industrial professions during the same period. The salary development can be explained by increased demand for skilled operators in the sawmill industry, with employers competing for labor through improved conditions. At the same time, technological advancements have led to greater responsibilities for operators, reflected in wages.

Saw operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female, multiple sectors)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education)
  • Hourly wage: 221 SEK/hour (average, part-time)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 37 000 SEK, women: 35,400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in regional sectors, with variations across the country

Education and qualifications

To work as a saw operator, a high school education in industrial technology, wood technology, or equivalent is usually required. Many employers also look for practical experience in industrial environments, and on-the-job training is common for new hires. For certain tasks, specific certifications or safety training in machinery may also be required.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, wood technology specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: Machinery safety training and forklift licenses
  • Internships: On-the-job learning or trainee programs are common
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical knowledge
  • Additional courses: Work environment and safety, further training in machinery handling

Many saw operators have the opportunity to develop quickly within the company thanks to technological advancements in the industry. Digitalization and automation have made the profession more varied and technically advanced than before.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Most saw operators are covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pensions, insurance, and wellness allowances. Overtime pay (OB supplement) for shift work and opportunities for overtime compensation are common. Many employers also offer subsidized work clothes and meal allowances during certain shifts.

Challenges and competition

The demand for saw operators is influenced by the economic cycle in the timber and construction industries, but the shortage of trained labor has kept competition for jobs relatively low. Challenges in the profession include managing heavy lifts, working in noisy environments, and maintaining focus on safety around machinery. Technological developments also require continuous retraining and adaptability. Women are still underrepresented, affecting gender equality in the industry. Salary growth is stable, but differences remain between regions and employers.

Tips for aspiring saw operators

To succeed as a saw operator, having a technical interest and a willingness to learn new machines is beneficial. Precision is crucial, as incorrect settings can lead to production stoppages or quality issues, so always double-check settings. Being resilient to stress makes shift work and pace changes easier, especially during peak seasons. Teamwork skills are important as the work often occurs in teams where good communication contributes to safer and more efficient production. A problem-solving attitude helps when issues arise, and engagement with work environment and safety is valued by employers.

Key facts about saw operators

  • Education level: High school education in industrial technology or wood technology
  • Work environment: Industrial, noisy, and physically demanding
  • Work pattern: Shift work is common
  • Demand: 1,433 job openings in 2024
  • Special skills: Machinery safety and technical understanding

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, saw operators can advance to supervisory roles, such as production manager or operations supervisor in the timber industry. Some choose to further their education in automation or mechanical engineering to move into more specialized positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook is difficult to predict as the profession is part of a broader group with no specific forecast, but the large number of job openings indicates continued strong demand. Digitalization and increased automation may further change job tasks and open new career opportunities within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about saw operators

  • What is the average salary of a saw operator?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK per month.
  • What is the hourly wage of a saw operator?
    - The hourly wage for a part-time saw operator is an average of 221 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a saw operator?
    - High school education in industrial technology or wood technology is recommended.
  • What is the working environment like for saw operators?
    - The working environment is noisy and physically demanding with high safety standards.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Currently, there are 1,433 job openings, and demand is considered stable.
  • Can you advance within the profession?
    - Yes, experienced saw operators often progress to supervisory roles or pursue further training.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-17 12:05:51

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Saw operator is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Saw operator is 35400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 31000 kr 36300 kr
25-34 95% 32300 kr 36900 kr
35-44 96% 32400 kr 36400 kr
45-54 93% 32700 kr 37000 kr
55-64 97% 32900 kr 37200 kr
Snitt 96% 32400 kr 36800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Saw operator has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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