- Salary statistics
- Leather dye salary
Leather dye salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
31 300 - 34 400 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
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Salary progression 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 30 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 32 200 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: 32 200 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 33 200 SEK/month, women 31 300 SEK/month (women earn 94% 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
The leather dyeing profession is one of the few industrial jobs where traditional craftsmanship and modern machinery still meet daily. Those interested in combining practical color sense with technical understanding will find a unique niche within Swedish industry.
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: 32 200 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 32 200 SEK per month. - What does the salary gap between men and women look like?
- Men earn an average of 33 200 SEK while women earn 31 300 SEK, which means women earn approximately 94% 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 32 200 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).
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 29600 kr | 32500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 95% | 29800 kr | 32500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 31800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 31700 kr | 34500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 30500 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 29600 kr | 32500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 95% | 29800 kr | 32500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 31800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 31700 kr | 34500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 30500 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 29600 kr | 32500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 95% | 29800 kr | 32500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 31800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 31700 kr | 34500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 30500 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 95% | 30000 kr | 30900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 30200 kr | 31400 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 30900 kr | 32000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 30000 kr | 31300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 95% | 30000 kr | 30900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 30200 kr | 31400 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 30900 kr | 32000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 30000 kr | 31300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 95% | 30000 kr | 30900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 30200 kr | 31400 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 30900 kr | 32000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 30000 kr | 31300 kr |
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 Leather dye has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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