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What does a skänkskötare do? – Tasks and work environment

A skänkskötare works within the metal industry, monitoring and managing the handling of molten metal in a ladle, a type of container used for transporting and pouring liquid metal during casting processes. Tasks include controlling temperature, adding alloying elements, ensuring quality, and overseeing the entire process to avoid errors and safety risks. The work often takes place in heavy industrial environments with high temperatures, noise, and precision requirements. Skänkskötare collaborate closely with other process operators and technicians, following strict safety procedures to minimize accident risks.

Salary development over time

The salary for a skänkskötare has seen steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, increasing to 37 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 39 700 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of about 9% over the period. The salary increase is partly due to increased demand for qualified personnel in metal production and general wage adjustments in the industrial sector, where competition for skills and experience has led employers to offer higher wages. Salary differences between genders persist, with women generally earning slightly less than men in the profession. The trend indicates continued stable salary growth, but the wage potential is also influenced by economic conditions and industry investments in new technology.

Skänkskötare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (female), 39,200 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 40,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK/hour
• Women’s salary as percentage of men’s: 95%
• Women’s average salary: 38,000 SEK/month
• Men’s average salary: 39 900 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a skänkskötare typically involves high school education in industrial technology or similar technical programs. Many employers require practical experience from industrial environments, and internal training is common. Knowledge of metal handling, safety procedures, and process technology is valuable, as well as the ability to work in teams and follow instructions carefully.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, approx. 3 years
• Internship: Commonly included as part of training or trainee positions
• Internal training: Often provided upon employment
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and previous industrial experience are advantageous
• Certifications: Occupational safety and health training may be required

Common benefits and compensations

For skänkskötare, it is common to receive supplements for unsocial hours, especially since shift work is involved. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, work clothing, insurance via collective agreements, and opportunities for further training and skill development within the company.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for skänkskötare is characterized by steady but limited demand, with the availability of job openings varying depending on economic conditions and industry investments. Within the occupational group process operators in metal production, there were recently 481 job openings, indicating some demand but also competition for the most attractive positions. Challenges in the profession include work environment risks, high demands for accuracy and responsibility, and handling heavy lifts and sometimes monotonous tasks. The lack of official forecasts makes it harder to predict future recruitment needs, but technological development and automation may influence the profession’s content and demand in the future.

Tips for those who want to become a skänkskötare

To succeed as a skänkskötare, it is important to have good work discipline and to follow safety routines carefully, since the work often involves risky tasks. An interest in technology facilitates learning about machines and processes, enabling quicker independence in the role. Effective teamwork and communication are crucial, as the work is performed in teams and requires close cooperation with colleagues. Flexibility is an important trait since shift work is common and tasks can vary daily. Resilience to stress helps when the pace is high and precision is required. For those wishing to develop further, internal training and opportunities for additional education within the company are recommended. Initiative and responsibility are valued qualities that often lead to greater independence and more career opportunities.

Key facts about Skänkskötare

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, often with internship
• Work environment: Industrial environment, often shift work
• Gender wage gap: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
• Demand: 481 job openings within the profession

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years as a skänkskötare, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles within process monitoring or production, such as supervisor, shift manager, or technician responsible for process optimization. Further education in automation, occupational safety, or leadership can open additional doors. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for process operators in metal production do not provide an exact assessment for skänkskötare, but the availability of 481 job openings indicates some demand. Future prospects are influenced by industry development and investments, as well as technological changes that may alter job content. Those who are flexible and willing to continue their education have good opportunities for growth in related industrial roles.

Common questions about Skänkskötare

• What does a skänkskötare earn?
  - The average salary for a skänkskötare is 39 700 SEK per month.
• What do salary differences between men and women look like?
  - Men earn on average 39 900 SEK and women 38,000 SEK, which means women earn approximately 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a skänkskötare?
  - High school education in industrial technology or equivalent plus practical experience is most common.
• What is the work environment like for a skänkskötare?
  - Work is performed in an industrial environment with high temperatures, and shift work is common.
• Are there many job openings for skänkskötare?
  - Within the occupational group process operators in metal production, there are 481 job openings.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a skänkskötare?
  - The highest salary is 40,200 SEK (male, regional sector), the lowest is 38,000 SEK (female, various sectors).
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Accuracy, responsibility, teamwork skills, and technical interest are especially important.