Scrap road, steelworks

What does a scrap handler in a steelworks do? – Tasks and work environment

A scrap handler in a steelworks is responsible for weighing and recording incoming and outgoing metal scrap used in production. The work is often performed in close cooperation with production staff and quality inspectors to ensure the correct amount and type of scrap are supplied to the processes. Scrap handlers operate advanced weighing systems and document and report measurement data according to established routines. The working environment is industrial, often noisy, and may involve indoor and outdoor work, sometimes near heavy machinery and vehicles. Safety awareness and precision are crucial qualities to minimize risks and ensure product quality.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for scrap handlers in a steelworks has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, rising to 37 700 in 2023 and further to 39 700 in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 9% over three years, which is slightly above the general wage inflation rate for similar industrial jobs. This positive trend reflects an increased demand for skilled labor in metal production, where technological development and higher requirements for traceability contribute to elevating the profession's status and salary levels. The market's need for reliable shift workers in a complex production environment has likely also influenced salary development.

Scrap handler in a steelworks salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 40,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
• Women/men: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, lowest in various sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a scrap handler in a steelworks, a high school education is generally required, often with an industrial, technical, or vehicle profile. Employers prefer candidates with practical experience from an industrial environment and a good understanding of safety procedures. Introductory training and internal onboarding are common, as each steelworks has its specific processes and technical systems.

• High school education: Industrial technical program (3 years)
• Certifications: Forklift license and safety training
• Internship: Workplace-based learning during education
• Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest
• Tips: Experience from process industry or warehousing is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Scrap handlers in steelworks are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and additional insurance coverage. Shift work can include overtime pay and other compensations beyond base salary, and some employers offer work clothing, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skills development.

Competition and challenges

The job market for scrap handlers in steelworks is characterized by some competition, although the number of available positions within the profession is relatively high, with 481 advertised jobs. A challenge is that the profession requires both technical understanding and great accuracy, while the work environment can be physically demanding and involve shift work. The digitization of production processes also places new demands on IT skills and adaptability. Since there is no detailed forecast from the Employment Service for the profession of process supervisor in metal production, it is important to monitor developments in the metal industry and be prepared for changes in demand and job content.

Tips for those who want to become a scrap handler in a steelworks

To succeed as a scrap handler in a steelworks, it is helpful to have a structured working approach and be precise in every step, as incorrect weighing can affect the entire production. Good teamwork skills are important, as the work is done in teams and requires communication with various professional groups. Having technical interest and willingness to learn new systems facilitates automation in production. Flexibility and stress resistance are also important qualities, especially during shift work and high-paced environments. Those who are solution-oriented and can quickly adapt to changing conditions have good opportunities for development in the role. Safety awareness is always central, and following routines contributes both to personal safety and to the efficiency of the workplace.

Key facts about Scrap Handlers in Steelworks

• Salary range: 38,000–40,200 SEK/month
• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, often industrial technical
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and noisy
• Demand: 481 available jobs within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a scrap handler in a steelworks, opportunities open up to advance to roles such as supervisor, process operator, or quality inspector within the metal industry. Skills in logistics and material handling can also lead to work in production planning or warehouse management. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that there is currently no detailed assessment for the profession of process supervisor in metal production, but with 481 available jobs, the market indicates a stable demand. Technological development and automation may change job tasks, making further education and digital skills increasingly valuable for future career paths.

Common questions about Scrap Handlers in Steelworks

• What does a scrap handler in a steelworks earn?
  - A scrap handler in a steelworks has an average salary of 39 700 SEK per month, with a salary range between 38,000 and 40,200 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in salaries?
  - Women earn 95% of men's salaries in the profession, with women having an average salary of 38,000 SEK and men 39 900 SEK.
• What education is required to become a scrap handler in a steelworks?
  - High school education with an industrial profile is most common, often supplemented with internal training and safety courses.
• What is the work environment like for scrap handlers?
  - The work takes place in an industrial, noisy environment, often with shift work and safety awareness requirements.
• Are there many job openings for scrap handlers?
  - Within the professional group of process supervisors in metal production, there are 481 available jobs.
• What is the hourly wage for a scrap handler?
  - The average hourly wage is 239 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.
• What career paths are available after a few years as a scrap handler?
  - Opportunities include advancing to roles such as supervisor, process operator, or positions within logistics and production.