Image that illustrates Slate workers

Slate workers

47 500 kr

Miners and quarry workers

41 300 - 47 500 kr / month

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Slate workers

Average salary 47 500 kr
Males 47 700 kr
Females 0 kr
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What does a shale worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A shale worker primarily works with the extraction, processing, and handling of shale in quarries or mining environments. Tasks include both manual and machine work, such as blasting, sawing, sorting, and refining shale blocks into building materials or decorative products. The environment can be challenging and requires good physical condition, as work is often outdoors and involves heavy lifting, noise, and sometimes risky tasks. Safety routines and protective equipment are central to minimizing risks in daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for shale workers has varied over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,900 kronor per month, which increased significantly to 50 600 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward to 47 500 kronor per month, representing a decrease of about 6 percent compared to the previous year. This fluctuation can partly be explained by changes in demand for shale, as well as variations in major projects and investments in the construction and civil engineering sector. Despite this, the salary remains high compared to many other manual professions, reflecting the specialized skills and working conditions required by the job.

Shale worker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 47 500 kr/month
  • Lowest/highest salary: Not specified
  • Hourly wage: 286 kr/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Men earn 47 700 kr, no data available for women
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a shale worker, formal university education is usually not required; however, high school education in construction, civil engineering, or natural resources is often advantageous. Employers value practical experience and the ability to handle machinery as well as follow safety routines. Additional courses in machine operation, rock blasting, or occupational safety can be beneficial and increase employability within the profession.

  • High school education: Construction and civil engineering programs, natural resources, or equivalent
  • Certifications: Courses in machine operation, rock blasting, and occupational safety
  • Practical training: On-the-job training or internship is recommended
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical understanding
  • Tips for choosing: Interest in machinery and outdoor work is an advantage

Shale workers often have the opportunity to work with both traditional methods and modern technology, providing a unique combination of craftsmanship and machine handling. For many, the variation between tasks is one of the greatest advantages of the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Shale workers are often covered by collective agreements, which include access to occupational pensions, insurance, and compensation for unsociable hours. Other common benefits include work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes opportunities for further training provided by the employer. In some cases, additional pay for risky work or shift work may apply.

Competition and challenges

Demand for shale workers is largely influenced by the economic cycles of the construction and civil engineering sectors and the demand for natural stone. Competition for jobs can vary by region and season, but the number of available positions is currently relatively high. Challenges in the profession include demanding work environments, heavy lifting, and weather-dependent conditions. High safety and precision requirements are especially important when handling machinery and explosives. Technological advances and automation may also affect tasks and job availability in the future.

Tips for those wishing to become a shale worker

To succeed as a shale worker, it is helpful to be resilient and have good physical condition, as the work is often physically demanding and takes place outdoors under varying weather conditions. An interest in technology facilitates handling machinery and tools, while accuracy and safety awareness are crucial to minimize risks during daily work. Flexibility is an advantage, especially since tasks can vary greatly between projects and seasons. Demonstrating teamwork skills is appreciated by employers, as many tasks require good communication with colleagues. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn new methods and techniques is important to remain attractive on the job market.

Key facts about Shale Workers

  • Education level: High school education in construction, civil engineering, or natural resources
  • Work environment: Outdoors in quarries or mines, physically demanding
  • Work form: Shift work or daytime work, often covered by collective agreements
  • Demand: 379 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
  • Special skills: Machinery handling and safety routines

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a shale worker can develop into more specialized roles, such as site supervisor or machine operator responsible for advanced equipment. Some choose to further their education in construction and civil engineering or take on project management roles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no specific assessment for shale workers, as the profession is a subset of a broader occupational group. Nevertheless, the number of available jobs indicates that demand remains strong, especially in regions with active stone quarrying and larger construction projects. Technological progress may change tasks over time, but the need for skilled workers in the stone industry is expected to persist.

Frequently asked questions about Shale Workers

  • What does a shale worker earn?
    - A shale worker has an average salary of 47 500 kronor per month.
  • What education is required to become a shale worker?
    - High school education in construction, civil engineering, or natural resources is recommended, along with practical training and courses in machine operation.
  • What is the work environment like for a shale worker?
    - The work environment is often outdoors, physically demanding and can involve noise, dust, and working with heavy machinery.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - For men, the average salary is 47 700 kronor. There is no specific data about women's salaries.
  • What are the future prospects in the profession?
    - Prognoses are unavailable for shale workers, but currently there is strong demand, with 379 job openings.
  • What benefits are common for shale workers?
    - Common benefits include collective agreements, occupational pensions, work clothing, and wellness contributions.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Good physical fitness, technical interest, precision, and teamwork skills are especially valued by employers.

Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38600 kr 0 kr
35-44 43100 kr 51400 kr
45-54 43100 kr 49400 kr
55-64 43900 kr 51400 kr
Snitt 41300 kr 47500 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 Slate workers has the SSYK code 8111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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