- Salary statistics
- Smith
Smith
35 200 - 36 000 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Smith
What does a blacksmith do? – Tasks and work environment
A blacksmith works with processing, shaping, and joining metals using various techniques such as forging, welding, and hardening. The work can range from creating artistic metalwork and building components to repairing machine parts and fulfilling custom orders. The work environment is often characterized by workshops where high temperatures, noise, and heavy lifting are common. The profession requires great precision, technical skill, and the ability to work with both traditional and modern tools.
Salary development over time
The salary of a blacksmith has varied over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,300 SEK per month, which increased significantly to 37 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted down slightly to 36 000 SEK. This development represents a total increase of approximately 11.5% between 2022 and 2024, with a temporary peak in 2023 followed by stabilization at a somewhat lower level. Salary changes can be influenced by demand fluctuations, economic conditions, and changes in workforce composition and experience levels. The market for blacksmiths is relatively small, meaning that large individual projects or retirements can impact average salaries from year to year.
Blacksmith salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 000 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage (average): 216 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn 36 100 SEK; salary data for women is not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a blacksmith usually involves attending the vocational program at high school with a focus on blacksmithing, or through adult education and specialized vocational schools. It is common to combine theoretical studies with practical training, and many employers value experience gained through apprenticeships. Success requires both technical understanding and creative problem-solving skills.
- High school education: Vocational program with a focus on blacksmithing (3 years)
- Yrkeshögskola: Specialized training in blacksmithing and metalworking
- Internship/Apprenticeship: Often a requirement for employment
- Certifications: Welding and safety certificates can be advantageous
- Prerequisites: Approved grades in compulsory school, technical interest
Traditional blacksmithing today is a craft often combined with modern technology, such as CNC-controlled machines and advanced welding methods. Many blacksmiths also work closely with architects and designers, making the profession both creative and technically challenging.
Common benefits and compensations
Blacksmiths are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pensions, insurance, and compensation for unsociable hours. Other common benefits include work clothing, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training. Employers may also offer subsidized lunches or discounts on tools and materials.
Competition and challenges
The job market for blacksmiths is relatively small and can vary significantly depending on the region and economic conditions. Since the profession requires both practical skills and technical knowledge, it can sometimes be difficult for employers to find the right competence. The limited demand also means that competition for the most attractive positions can be high. The industry is also affected by automation and new manufacturing methods, which require continuous skills development. Physically demanding work environments and the need for safety awareness are other challenges faced by blacksmiths.
Tips for those who want to become a blacksmith
To succeed as a blacksmith, it is good to combine creativity with technical interest and a willingness to learn new methods. Precision is crucial, especially when following drawings and working with millimeter accuracy. Being persistent and physically fit makes the work easier in often demanding environments. Practical experience, preferably through internships or apprenticeships, provides valuable insights and increases chances of employment. Collaboration skills are important since many projects are team-based and involve close dialogue with customers or other professionals. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are also appreciated, especially when unexpected challenges arise during work.
Key facts about blacksmiths
- Education level: High school or vocational college
- Work environment: Workshop, often physically demanding
- Common employment type: Full-time or hourly employment
- Demand: 341 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Welding, metalworking, reading drawings
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many blacksmiths have the opportunity to specialize further in areas such as artistic blacksmithing, welding, or mechanical metalworking. There are also possibilities to advance to supervisory roles, workshop managers, or start their own business. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, no specific assessment is made for blacksmiths due to limited data, but currently, there are 341 available jobs in the profession. The job market is expected to be stable, but development is influenced by economic conditions and regional differences. Technical skills and further education can provide advantages in the job market.
Frequently asked questions about blacksmiths
- What is the average salary of a blacksmith?
- A blacksmith has an average monthly salary of 36 000 SEK. - How does one become a blacksmith?
- The most common route is to attend the vocational program at high school, or to apply to a specialized vocational college focusing on blacksmithing. - What tasks does a blacksmith perform?
- Tasks include metalworking, manufacturing, repairing, and sometimes artistic blacksmithing. - Are there job opportunities for blacksmiths?
- There are 341 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics. - What is required to work as a blacksmith?
- In addition to education, practical experience, technical understanding, and good physical condition are required. - What benefits are common for blacksmiths?
- Common benefits include collective agreements, occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35200 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 36100 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 Smith has the SSYK code 7221, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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