Salary progression Cutters, shoes

Average salary 32 200 kr
Males 33 200 kr
Females 31 300 kr

What does a cutter in shoe manufacturing do? – Tasks and working environment

A cutter in shoe manufacturing primarily works with cutting out patterns, parts, and components from leather, synthetic materials, or textiles to create shoes. The tasks include following templates and drawings, using machines and manual tools, and ensuring materials are handled efficiently and with quality assurance. The work often takes place in production environments, involving both machine and manual handling, sometimes under time pressure and with high precision requirements. The working environment can be noisy and requires good physical endurance and the ability to stand for long periods.

Salary development over time

The salary for a cutter in shoe manufacturing has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, which increased to 30 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 9.8% during the period, with the largest increase between 2022 and 2023. The salary development has been influenced by the general wage trends in Swedish industry, inflation, and an increased focus on craftsmanship and specialized skills within the textile and leather industries. Despite a limited number of positions, demand for experienced cutters has kept salaries relatively stable, although gender pay gaps have been evident but slowly decreasing.

Cutters in shoe manufacturing salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 183 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn 33 200 SEK, women 31 300 SEK (94% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on employer and region, with regional sectors often offering higher wages.

Education and qualifications

To work as a cutter in shoe manufacturing, a high school education with a focus on textiles, fashion, or crafts is usually required, often supplemented with on-the-job training. Practical experience and craftsmanship are crucial, and many employers value previous work within the textile or leather industry. In some cases, specialized courses or certifications in machinery handling and material knowledge can be advantageous.

  • High school education: Textiles, crafts, or industrial technology (3 years)
  • Internship/trainee: Usually offered through internships with employers or via education programs
  • Certifications: Courses in material science or machine safety can be beneficial
  • Prerequisites: Precision, good eyesight, and interest in craftsmanship
  • Tips for choosing: Select schools with close cooperation with the industry for better internship opportunities

Many skilled cutters have developed a unique feel for materials and cuts, making them often indispensable for smaller shoe manufacturers. It is a craft with a strong tradition and the opportunity to put a personal touch on the production.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Cutters in shoe manufacturing often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. In some cases, options like reduced working hours, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skills development through the workplace are offered.

Competition and challenges

The job market for cutters in shoe manufacturing is limited, as many Swedish shoe factories have moved production abroad or automated processes. Competition for available jobs can be tough, especially for newly trained individuals without experience. The industry demands high precision, endurance, and the ability to quickly adapt to new materials and techniques. At the same time, there are opportunities for those specialized in leather or advanced machinery handling, as these skills are difficult to automate. The profession also involves physical strain and work environment challenges, where ergonomics and safety are important factors.

Tips for aspiring cutters in shoe manufacturing

To succeed as a cutter in shoe manufacturing, it is good to combine precision with a genuine interest in craftsmanship. Developing patience and endurance during training provides an advantage in the production environment, where the pace is often high. It is also important to be flexible and quickly adapt to new materials, as task variation is common. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and learning on the job. Actively seeking internships and building networks within the industry increases employment opportunities. Engagement and responsibility are appreciated by employers, especially in smaller manufacturing companies. Finally, continuous education and learning new techniques can increase competitiveness.

Key facts about cutters in shoe manufacturing

  • Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, often with a focus on textiles or crafts
  • Working environment: Industrial production, often noisy and physically demanding
  • Job openings in the profession: 1,437 positions
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a cutter in shoe manufacturing, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or material handling specialist. Some choose to further train as machine operators in other parts of the textile, leather, and shoe industries. According to the Employment Service, the future outlook for the profession is difficult to assess due to limited data, but there are still a number of available positions and a need for specialized skills. However, digitalization and automation influence demand, making flexibility and willingness to continue education increasingly important for long-term job security.

Frequently asked questions about cutters in shoe manufacturing

  • What does a cutter in shoe manufacturing earn?
    - The average salary is 32 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • What education is required?
    - A high school education with a focus on textiles, crafts, or industrial technology is most common.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What is the working environment like?
    - The working environment is industrial and physically demanding, often with noise and work at machines.
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are currently 1437 available positions.
  • What career opportunities are there?
    - After a few years, you can advance to supervisor or specialize in material handling.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The prognosis is uncertain according to the Employment Service, but there is some demand for specialized skills.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cutters, shoes is 34400 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 31500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cutters, shoes is 31300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 29100 kr 31500 kr
35-44 95% 29900 kr 31800 kr
45-54 92% 30900 kr 32600 kr
55-64 93% 31200 kr 33000 kr
Snitt 94% 30300 kr 32200 kr
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 Cutters, shoes has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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