Shoe inspector

What does a Skoavsynare do? – Job tasks and work environment

A Skoavsynare works with inspecting the quality of shoes within the textile, leather, and hide industries. The profession involves careful examination of finished products to ensure they meet company and customer requirements for appearance, fit, and durability. Tasks often include visual inspections, testing materials and seams, and documenting any faults or deviations. The work is usually carried out in a factory environment or at production lines, requiring good eyesight and attention to detail. Skoavsynare collaborate closely with machine operators, production technicians, and sometimes designers, which demands both technical understanding and communication skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Skoavsynare has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, rising to 29 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 30 400 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 9.8% during this period. The increase can partly be explained by a general rise in industry wages, but also by an increased need for quality control as production becomes more efficient and product requirements tighten. Gender differences have persisted, with women earning about 95% of what men earn. The salary development also reflects the stable yet competitive industrial sector, where experience and specialized knowledge can lead to higher wages.

Skoavsynare salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private employee, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 31 200 SEK, women: 29 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Highest wages within the regional sector, lowest within the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Skoavsynare, a high school education in textiles, production, or industrial engineering is usually required. Practical experience from the manufacturing industry is often a significant advantage and can sometimes outweigh formal education. Specialized courses in quality control, material knowledge, and production processes are meritorious. Employers also value precision, analytical ability, and good communication skills.

• High school education: Focus on textiles, production, or industry (2–3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in quality control and material knowledge
• Internship: Practical experience from manufacturing or production is highly valuable
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Swedish and mathematics are often required
• Tips: Self-study on new production methods and materials provides a competitive edge

Common benefits and compensations

Skoavsynare are often offered benefits such as overtime allowances for shift work, wellness contributions, work clothing, and collective insurance agreements. Some employers provide access to internal training, subsidized lunches, and extra leave during overtime. Pension contributions and insurance coverage according to collective agreements are common in the industry.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Skoavsynare is characterized by some competition, as the number of positions is limited and production in Sweden has gradually become more efficient. Digitalization and automation of quality control processes mean that tasks are changing, which increases demands for technical understanding and flexibility. The lack of clear future forecasts for the profession makes it difficult to predict demand, but there remains a need for meticulous professionals in industries with especially high quality requirements. Specialization and willingness to learn new skills can be crucial for meeting future demands.

Tips for those who want to become a Skoavsynare

To succeed as a Skoavsynare, it is good to have a pronounced attention to detail and patience, as the work requires detecting even small faults in production. It is also important to be analytical and solution-oriented, as quality issues often need to be investigated and addressed quickly. Curiosity and interest in materials and manufacturing help understand the production process and identify areas for improvement. Clear communication with colleagues and management is an advantage, especially when deviations need to be reported. Flexibility and adaptability are appreciated by employers, as tasks can vary depending on season and production pace. Continuously updating oneself on new techniques and materials is a good way to strengthen skills. Finally, high quality awareness and responsibility are qualities that foster satisfaction and growth in the profession.

Key facts about Skoavsynare

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, focus on textiles or industry
• Typical work environment: Factory or production with shift work
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Number of job openings in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a Skoavsynare can advance to more specialized roles within quality control, work management, or production planning. It is also possible to further train as a production technician or take responsibility for training new employees. The Employment Service's prognosis for the profession is uncertain, as there is insufficient data for an exact assessment, but the availability of jobs in the textile, leather, and hide industries shows 1,437 vacancies. Generally, those with experience and technical skills benefit from more career opportunities, especially in companies with high quality standards.

Frequently asked questions about Skoavsynare

• What does a Skoavsynare earn?
  - A Skoavsynare has an average salary of 30 400 SEK per month. Men earn an average of 31 200 SEK and women 29 700 SEK.
• What is required to become a Skoavsynare?
  - Usually, a high school education with a focus on textiles, production, or industry, along with manufacturing experience, is required.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work environment is often a factory or production line, sometimes with shift work and precision requirements.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, the highest salaries are within the regional sector, while the lowest are in the private sector.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There are 1,437 job openings in the profession, but the industry’s future outlook is uncertain according to the Employment Service.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include overtime allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and collective insurance agreements.
• Can I further my education within the profession?
  - Yes, further training in quality control, production technology, or work management is possible.