Leather dye

What does a leather tanner do? – Tasks and work environment

A leather tanner primarily works with treating and dyeing leather, skins, and sometimes textiles on an industrial scale. Tasks include preparing materials, monitoring machines for dyeing and processing, and checking that the final product meets quality standards. The process can be chemically demanding and requires precision to ensure colors and properties meet specifications. The work environment is often factory-like, with elements of noise, humidity, and strong odors, and shift work is common. Safety routines regarding chemical handling are central to maintaining a safe workplace.

Salary development over time

The salary development for leather tanners has been stable but shows a positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK, which increased to 29 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 400 SEK, representing a total increase of about 10% over three years. This rise reflects, among other things, a certain shortage of labor in the sector, increased demand for specialized skills, and general wage adjustments within the industry. Although the profession belongs to a smaller, specialized group, the salary level has increased slightly faster than inflation, indicating some pressure on the job market. Gender differences persist, with men consistently earning somewhat higher salaries than women within the profession.

Leather tanner salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, vocational training 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, vocational training up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 31 200 SEK/month, women 29 700 SEK/month (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, lower in the private sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a leather tanner usually involves vocational upper secondary programs in textiles, leather, or industry, but there are also in-house training programs directly at workplaces. Practical experience is highly valued, and additional training in chemistry or machinery operation is sometimes required. Formal requirements are relatively low, but employers prefer candidates with good understanding of industrial processes and quality assurance.

• Vocational education: Industrial technical programs or textile and leather specialization (3 years)
• Workplace internships: Common and often a requirement
• In-house training: Introduction and ongoing training are often offered at the workplace
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry and machinery handling is advantageous
• Courses/certifications: Specific courses in chemical handling or quality assurance can be beneficial

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for leather tanners often include shift allowances, overtime pay for evening and night work, as well as work clothing and protective equipment. Some employers also offer wellness subsidies, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skills development through internal or external courses. Occupational pension schemes and insurance are usually included in industry collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for leather tanners is characterized by a relatively small but stable demand, with the number of available positions reflecting the niche nature of the industry. Competition for jobs is limited, but access to trained personnel can be a challenge, especially since the profession requires both technical and practical skills. Automation and technological development have streamlined parts of the work, which demands continuous skills development. The lack of new training pathways and generational changes also affect the competition situation. The physical demands and chemical exposure in the work environment can make the profession less attractive to some, further impacting the availability of labor.

Tips for those who want to become a leather tanner

To succeed as a leather tanner, it is good to be meticulous and quality-conscious, as dyeing and treating leather require precision at every step. Practical skills and technical interest facilitate handling and maintaining machines properly. Responsibility is crucial, especially when handling chemicals and safety routines. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable, as tasks and working hours may vary. Curious individuals willing to learn new skills often have an advantage, as technology develops and employers appreciate initiative. Teamwork skills are also important, since work is often done in teams where communication and helpfulness are central. Finally, patience and perseverance are qualities that help in an environment where tasks can be monotonous and physically demanding.

Key facts about Leather Tanners

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Education level: Vocational upper secondary education (2–3 years)
• Work environment: Factory setting with shift work and chemical handling
• Available jobs in the profession: 1,437 positions

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a leather tanner can often advance to more qualified roles, such as team leader, production manager, or quality control specialist. There are also opportunities to develop into supervisory positions or further educate in related fields such as textile technology or machinery maintenance. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is not enough data for a definitive assessment of the future outlook for leather tanners, but the entire profession offers over 1,437 available jobs. Technological development and generational changes may create increased opportunities for those willing to further their education and take responsibility for new processes and machinery technology.

Frequently asked questions about Leather Tanners

• What is the average salary of a leather tanner?
  - A leather tanner has an average salary of 30 400 SEK per month.
• What does the salary gap between men and women look like?
  - Men earn an average of 31 200 SEK while women earn 29 700 SEK, which means women earn approximately 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a leather tanner?
  - Vocational upper secondary education in textiles, leather, or industry is most common, often supplemented with practical training.
• Are there many job openings for leather tanners?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the profession, but the number of specific positions varies.
• How has the salary of leather tanners developed recently?
  - The salary has increased from 27,700 SEK in 2022 to 30 400 SEK in 2024, a rise of about 10%.
• What occupational health risks are present in the profession?
  - Exposure to chemicals, noise, and repetitive tasks are common risks. Protective gear is used daily.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a leather tanner?
  - The highest salary is 32,200 SEK (male, regional sector), and the lowest is 29,400 SEK (female, private sector).