How much does a Sawmill operator make

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  2. Sawmill operator
Image that illustrates Sawmill operator

Sawmill 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 Sawmill operator

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

What does a sawmill operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A sawmill operator plays a central role in the timber industry and is responsible for managing and monitoring machines that process logs into wood products. Tasks include starting, stopping, and adjusting sawmill machines, performing quality checks on finished materials, and troubleshooting and fixing minor technical issues. The operator also ensures a safe working environment and that equipment is regularly maintained. The work usually takes place in industrial settings where noise and heavy lifting are common, requiring precision and good physical condition.

Salary development over time

The salary trend for sawmill operators has shown a stable and positive development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 36 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.5% over this period. Factors such as increased demand for timber products, technological advancements in production, and a greater focus on work environment and skills development have contributed to this salary improvement. The trend also reflects an industry where skilled operators are in demand and employers compete for workforce by offering better compensation.

Sawmill operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 221 SEK
  • Women: 35,400 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 37 000 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a sawmill operator, a high school education in industrial technology or wood technology is generally required, often supplemented with on-the-job training. Practical experience and technical interest are advantageous, and some employers offer introductory programs for new operators. Certain tasks may require specific certifications, such as forklift licenses or safety training.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
  • Internal training: Often mandatory upon employment
  • Certificates: Forklift license, safety training
  • Internships: Common as part of education
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physical condition

Many sawmill operators have the opportunity to specialize in different areas of production, such as quality control or machine maintenance, which can lead to a more varied and developmental workday.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Sawmill operators are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, extra vacation days, and sometimes bonuses linked to production results. Shift work occurs, which can provide shift differentials and other compensations depending on working hours. Some employers also offer training programs and opportunities for skills development.

Competition and challenges

The profession of sawmill operator is competitive, but there is a continuous need for skilled personnel within the timber industry. One of the main challenges is the high safety and precision requirements, especially when handling advanced machinery. The work environment can be physically demanding, and shift work is common. The lack of formal education among some applicants can complicate recruitment, making practical experience and technical understanding highly valued. Digitalization and automation further demand ongoing skills development and adaptability.

Tips for aspiring sawmill operators

To succeed as a sawmill operator, it is beneficial to be detail-oriented and precise, as quality control is a central part of the work. An interest in technology helps in understanding and managing machines, while good physical condition is necessary for the physically demanding work. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to shift work are also important, as well as effective collaboration with colleagues in a production environment. Taking initiative and solving problems quickly are appreciated qualities, especially during unexpected machine stops or faults. Finally, taking advantage of training opportunities and certifications can improve career prospects and increase earning potential over time.

Key facts about sawmill operators

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school, industrial or wood technology
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work in an industrial environment
  • Gender salary difference: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Available jobs in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or specialist in quality control and machine maintenance. Further education can also lead to positions as technicians or health and safety coordinators. According to the Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for sawmill operators, but demand across the industry remains strong with 1,437 available jobs reported. Digitalization and automation are expected to change tasks and increase the need for technical skills, creating new career opportunities for those interested in further development within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about sawmill operators

  • What is the average salary of a sawmill operator?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK per month.
  • What is the hourly wage for a sawmill operator?
    - The average hourly wage is 221 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 35,400 SEK (96% of men's salary) while men earn 37 000 SEK on average.
  • What education is required to become a sawmill operator?
    - High school education in industrial technology or wood technology is recommended, often supplemented with internal training.
  • What are the job prospects for this profession?
    - There is no exact forecast, but the industry reports 1,437 available jobs, indicating strong demand.
  • What is the highest salary for a sawmill operator?
    - The highest reported salary is 37,400 SEK and belongs to a man with high school education.
  • What benefits are common for sawmill operators?
    - Common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, extra vacation days, and shift differentials.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 22:57:29

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sawmill 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 Sawmill 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 Sawmill 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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