Hardener

What does a Sätthärdare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Sätthärdare works with hardening and post-processing steel parts through heat treatment and cooling, usually within the manufacturing industry. Tasks include monitoring and controlling hardening processes, checking temperatures, and ensuring that materials achieve the correct hardness and structure. Advanced ovens and coolants are often used, requiring great precision and understanding of technical instructions. The work environment is typically industrial, with elements of noise, heat, and sometimes shift work. Sätthärdare often work in teams but also need to make independent decisions and follow safety routines carefully.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Sätthärdare has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month. During 2023, this increased to 36 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 1.7%. The most significant rise occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 39 800 SEK per month, an increase of nearly 7.9%. This salary development is linked to increased demand for qualified operators in the steel and metal industry, as well as general wage adjustments within the industrial sector. The salary level also reflects the technical skills and precision required in the profession, and remains competitive compared to similar jobs within the industry.

Sätthärdare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (female, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (female, secondary education, regional sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 39 500 SEK, men 39900 SEK (women earn 99% of men's salaries)
• Regional differences: Highest salary for women is in regional sector, highest for men is 40,400 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as a Sätthärdare, a high school education in industrial technology or equivalent is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in metalworking, technical understanding, and knowledge of heat treatment processes. It is also common to supplement with internal training or certifications to handle specific machines and processes. Practical experience from industry and good knowledge of Swedish are often required.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
• Certifications: Internal training in heat treatment and safety
• Internship: Often mandatory during education
• Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and basic math skills
• Tips: Practical experience from workshop or industry increases employability

Common benefits and compensations

Sätthärdare are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pensions, insurance, and extra vacation. Other common benefits include wellness contributions, work clothing, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skill development through internal or external training. Shift allowances and overtime pay are common, as many workplaces operate in shifts.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Sätthärdare is moderate, but there are challenges related to automation and technological development within the industry. The work requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, meaning recent graduates may need to supplement their education with internships. Safety requirements are high due to heat and heavy machinery, and precision and stress tolerance are demanded. Despite digitalization and robotization, there remains a continued need for skilled operators who can monitor and adapt processes. The profession is also affected by economic cycles in the industry, which can cause variations in demand.

Tips for those who want to become a Sätthärdare

To succeed as a Sätthärdare, it is good to combine an interest in technology with great precision and patience. Being attentive and having an eye for details makes it easier to detect deviations in the process, which is crucial for ensuring product quality. Practical skills and the ability to work methodically facilitate setting up and monitoring machines and ovens. Flexibility and stress tolerance are important qualities, especially during shift work or when the pace is high. Taking advantage of internships or trainee positions is recommended, as practical experience often is key to getting your first job. Staying updated on new techniques and participating in further training increases the chances of career development. Finally, good teamwork and communication skills are essential, as work is often done in teams where information must be shared quickly and accurately.

Key facts about Sätthärdare

• Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
• Salary range: 38,100–41,000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (industrial technology)
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
• Job openings in the profession: 1,437 positions

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Sätthärdare, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as process manager, supervisor, or heat treatment technician. Further education can also open doors to quality control or maintenance technology. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, no separate assessment is made for Sätthärdare, but the profession is included in the group of machine and process operators in steel and metalworks where a stable number of job openings exists. The industry is influenced by economic cycles and technological development, but demand for experienced operators is expected to remain as long as the industry is active. Practical skills and specialized experience are highly valued and can lead to increased job security and further career opportunities within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Sätthärdare

• What is the average salary of a Sätthärdare?
  - A Sätthärdare has an average salary of 39 800 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Sätthärdare?
  - The highest salary is 41,000 SEK/month, and the lowest is 38,100 SEK/month.
• What are the gender differences within the profession?
  - Women earn 39 500 SEK and men 39900 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Sätthärdare?
  - High school education in industrial technology and practical experience are strongly recommended.
• Are there many job openings for Sätthärdare?
  - Yes, there are 1,437 job openings in the occupation group of machine and process operators in steel and metalworks.
• What does a Sätthärdare do at work?
  - The profession involves hardening steel parts through heat treatment, monitoring processes, and ensuring material quality.
• What are common benefits in the profession?
  - Common benefits include collective agreements, occupational pensions, wellness contributions, and shift allowances.