Image that illustrates Lace maker

Lace maker

30 400 kr

Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

29 400 - 32 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Lace maker

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 31 200 kr
Females 29 700 kr

What does a shoemaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A shoemaker works with the manufacturing and processing of shoelaces, straps, and similar products, often within the textile, leather, and footwear industries. Tasks may include setting up, monitoring, and maintaining specialized machinery, as well as quality control of products and material flow. The work environment is typically characterized by factory production with elements of manual labor and machine handling. Shoemakers sometimes work shifts and need to be precise, have good hand-eye coordination, and understand technical instructions.

Salary development over time

The salary for shoemakers has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, which increased to 29 600 in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows a further increase to 30 400 per month, corresponding to a total growth of approximately 10% over the period. This development can be explained by a combination of general industry wage adjustments and increased demand for skilled machine operators. Although the profession is somewhat niche within the textile industry, wages have followed the broader trend for similar operator roles.

Shoemaker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school diploma 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 183 SEK
  • Women: 29 700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
  • Men: 31 200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Highest wages in regional sectors, lowest in private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a shoemaker, a high school diploma with a focus on textiles, industry, or technology is usually required. Practical experience in similar production is often advantageous, as well as the ability to handle and maintain machinery. Some employers offer internal training, while more advanced roles may require specialized courses or certifications.

  • High school diploma: Focus on textiles, industry, or technology (2–3 years)
  • Internal training: Often offered at the workplace
  • Internship: Practical components during education or via trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and precision
  • Courses: Specialized machine courses can be advantageous

The tradition of shoemaking dates back to guild systems, and some techniques are still in use today, combining craftsmanship with modern production methods. In smaller companies, shoemakers may influence design and material choices, appealing to those interested in innovation within the textile industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for shoemakers include collectively agreed pensions, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training within the profession. Other benefits may include extra compensation for shift work and various employee discounts depending on the employer.

Challenges and competition

The shoemaking profession is niche, and competition for jobs varies depending on region and industry conditions. One of the main challenges is the limited number of specialized employers, which can make it difficult to change jobs without relocating. Automation and digitization have also changed the role, increasing requirements for technical skills and adaptability. Nevertheless, the specialized knowledge means demand for experienced shoemakers remains, especially in small-scale or high-quality production companies. However, statistics from the Employment Service indicate that there is insufficient data for precise forecasts, reflecting the narrow nature of the profession.

Tips for aspiring shoemakers

To succeed as a shoemaker, it is beneficial to combine precision with technical interest and a willingness to learn new machines and methods. Patience and perseverance are important, as production requires both accuracy and sometimes monotonous tasks. Flexibility helps when tasks vary between manual work and machine operation. Being solution-oriented aids in troubleshooting and maintenance, while good teamwork skills are valuable in team-based production. Finally, initiative is appreciated, as many employers seek individuals who can contribute to process improvements.

Key facts about shoemakers

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 95% of what men do
  • Education requirements: High school diploma, often with technical or textile focus
  • Job market: 1,437 job openings in the field

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a shoemaker can advance to more specialized roles, such as machine technician, supervisor, or quality manager. Opportunities also exist to work in product development or transition to related fields within the textile, leather, and footwear industries. According to the Employment Service, there are no specific forecasts for shoemakers due to the niche nature of the profession, but the overall field shows some demand with 1,437 job openings. The future outlook is primarily influenced by the development of the Swedish textile industry and technological innovations in production.

Frequently asked questions about shoemakers

  • What is the average salary of a shoemaker?
    - A shoemaker has an average salary of 30 400 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a shoemaker?
    - The profession typically requires a high school diploma with a focus on textiles, industry, or technology.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market outlook for shoemakers?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings in the field, but the future outlook is uncertain.
  • What personal qualities are important for a shoemaker?
    - Accuracy, technical interest, and endurance are especially valuable qualities in the profession.
  • What is the highest salary for a shoemaker?
    - The highest salary is 32,200 SEK per month for men in regional sectors.
  • Do shoemakers mostly work independently or in teams?
    - Work often occurs in teams, especially in larger production environments.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lace maker is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 30300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Lace maker is 29400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25600 kr 27300 kr
25-34 94% 27400 kr 29500 kr
35-44 95% 28700 kr 29900 kr
45-54 92% 29400 kr 31200 kr
55-64 94% 29900 kr 31300 kr
Snitt 95% 28800 kr 30400 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Lace maker has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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