Shoemaker

What does a Skoarbetare do? – Tasks and work environment

Skoarbetare mainly work with the manufacturing and repair of shoes, boots, and other leather goods. The profession includes tasks such as pattern construction, cutting materials, sewing and assembly, as well as working with specialized machines to shape and join different parts. The work requires both craftsmanship skills and technical knowledge, as many steps are performed by hand while others are done with machines. The work environment can vary from small workshops to larger industrial facilities, often with standing work and noisy conditions. Precision, resilience, and attention to detail are essential qualities for success in the profession.

Salary development over time

Skoarbetare have experienced steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, which increased to 29 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 30 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 10% over the period. This positive trend can partly be explained by an increased focus on craftsmanship skills and a certain shortage of skilled labor in the industry. Although the profession is part of a smaller occupational group within manufacturing, demand for specialized shoemakers has increased slightly, pushing wages higher. The wage increases also reflect general changes in the industrial labor market and collective agreement wage adjustments.

Skoarbetare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (women), 31,000 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 30,300 SEK/month (women), 32,200 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, lower in the private service sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Skoarbetare, a high school education with a focus on textiles, leather, or hide is usually required, often supplemented with practical training at the workplace. Some employers also offer internal training and introductory programs for new employees. Practical experience often weighs heavily and can sometimes outweigh formal education. Specialized courses in craftsmanship, machine handling, and material science can provide a competitive advantage.

• High school education: Textile, leather, and hide specialization, 2–3 years
• Internship: Workplace-based internships are common
• Courses & certifications: Specialized courses in machine handling and material knowledge
• Prerequisites: Precision, good fine motor skills, interest in craftsmanship
• Tips for choosing: Combine education with practical experience for the best employment opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Skoarbetare are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized work clothing. Shift work may occur and is compensated with overtime pay. Some workplaces also offer opportunities for skills development and further training within the company.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Skoarbetare is relatively limited, as the number of workplaces for shoe manufacturing and repair has decreased over time. Competition for permanent positions can be tough, especially in larger cities where demand for cheap, mass-produced shoes has reduced the need for traditional shoemakers. Technological development and automation have also changed the work content, requiring professionals to stay updated with new machines and methods. At the same time, there are opportunities for those who want to niche into custom manufacturing, repair, or work with exclusive materials. Building a good reputation through quality and service is an important competitive factor.

Tips for those wishing to become a Skoarbetare

To succeed as a Skoarbetare, it’s good to combine a genuine sense of craftsmanship with a willingness to learn new skills. Precision is crucial for handling materials and machines correctly, and an eye for detail helps deliver high quality. Patience is needed as many steps require accuracy and can be repetitive. Showing initiative and a willingness to adopt new techniques, such as in machine handling or material development, provides a competitive edge. Good teamwork skills facilitate working in chains where multiple steps are involved. Creativity and problem-solving skills are appreciated, especially for custom orders or repairs where standard solutions may not suffice. Building a good reputation and network within the industry can also open doors to more specialized tasks.

Key facts about Skoarbetare

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Gender difference: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Educational level: High school, 2–3 years
• Available jobs in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Skoarbetare can advance to supervisory roles, specialize in orthopedic shoes or exclusive handcrafted work, or start their own business in shoe repair and custom design. There are also opportunities to take responsibility for training new employees or move into quality control and product development within larger companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is limited data to make a precise forecast for the future of the profession, but currently, there are over 1,400 job openings, indicating some demand. The profession is strongly influenced by developments in Swedish manufacturing and consumer demand for handcrafted shoes and repair services.

Common questions about Skoarbetare

• What does a Skoarbetare earn?
  - A Skoarbetare has an average salary of 30 400 SEK per month. The salary varies depending on experience, sector, and gender.
• What education is required to become a Skoarbetare?
  - High school education in textiles, leather, or hide is most common, often with practical training and supplementary courses.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for Skoarbetare?
  - There are over 1,400 job openings in the profession, but competition for permanent positions can be tough.
• What tasks does a Skoarbetare perform?
  - The work involves manufacturing, repairing, pattern construction, and assembly of shoes and leather goods.
• How much does a Skoarbetare earn per hour?
  - The average hourly wage is 183 SEK.
• What further training opportunities are available?
  - There are specialized courses and internal training in machine handling, material knowledge, and design.