Image that illustrates Stand, metal

Stand, metal

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Stand, metal

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a metal setter do? – Tasks and work environment

A metal setter is responsible for preparing, setting up, and adjusting machines used in metal processing and manufacturing. Tasks include changing tools, calibrating machines, and ensuring that production meets specified quality and efficiency standards. The work is often performed in workshop environments or large industrial facilities where handling heavy machinery and materials is common. The work environment is characterized by high safety awareness, noise, and sometimes shift work, requiring both technical skills and precision.

Salary development over time

The salary for a metal setter has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, rising to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase over this three-year period is approximately 6.7%. This development reflects continued demand for industry-specific skills, but also inflation and collective bargaining adjustments. Despite this positive trend, automation in the metal industry has started to impact the demand for traditional setter roles, which may slow salary growth in the future.

Metal setter salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
  • Women: 34 100 SEK/month
  • Men: 35 400 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on region and employer, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas and larger industrial companies.

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal setter, a secondary education in industrial technology or equivalent experience in the metal industry is typically required. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed specialized courses or certifications for handling specific machine types. Practical experience is highly valued, and opportunities for further training are often available at the workplace.

  • Secondary education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Certifications: Machine safety, CNC operator, forklift license
  • Internships: On-the-job training or trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest, basic mathematical skills
  • Further education: Opportunities for specialized courses and certifications within the industry

Experienced metal setters often play a key role in production teams, as their knowledge of machine settings directly affects both quality and productivity. Many employers appreciate setters participating in improvement work and development of work methods.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits such as shift and overtime allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses linked to production or improvement initiatives are offered. Some employers also provide further training, insurance, and extra vacation days for shift workers.

Competition and challenges

The demand for metal setters is currently high in Sweden, but competition can vary between regions and employers. Technical changes and increased automation lead to new requirements for skills and flexibility. The profession may also be affected by economic cycles and global industry competition. A key challenge is to stay updated on new technology and work methods, as the industry evolves rapidly. Despite good opportunities today, forecasts indicate that demand may decline in the long term, making continuous skills development important for long-term employability.

Tips for aspiring metal setters

To succeed as a metal setter, combining technical interest with a structured approach is beneficial. Precision is crucial when setting up machines to ensure production quality. Flexibility helps during shift work and when production schedules change, while problem-solving skills enable quick resolution of machine issues. Good communication and teamwork skills are advantageous in dialogue with colleagues and management. Gaining practical experience through internships or trainee programs provides insight into the work environment, and further education in automation or CNC technology can strengthen your competitiveness in the job market.

Key facts about Metal setters

  • Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Secondary education (industrial technology) recommended
  • Work environment: Industry, workshop, often shift work
  • Demand: Large shortage of workers, but declining forecast over 5 years
  • Job openings: 1,437 within the profession of machine setters/metal work

Career paths and outlook

After several years of experience, a metal setter can advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or technician responsible for the machine park. Some choose to specialize in CNC technology or automation, which can lead to higher salaries and more advanced tasks. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities are currently good and there is a shortage of qualified personnel. However, over five years, demand is expected to decrease mainly due to technological development and increased automation. Continuous further education and keeping up with industry trends are important for those seeking long-term job security.

Frequently asked questions about Metal setters

  • What does a metal setter earn?
    - The average salary is 35 200 SEK per month, with a range between 31,400 and 36,100 SEK depending on experience and education.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 34 100 SEK, while men earn 35 400 SEK, which amounts to 96% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a metal setter?
    - A secondary industrial technical education is recommended, often supplemented with internships and certifications.
  • What is the job market like for metal setters?
    - There is a significant shortage of workers today, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to automation.
  • What tasks does a metal setter perform?
    - The profession involves setting, adjusting, and maintaining machines for metal processing and quality assurance.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, many employers offer specialized courses and certifications in areas such as CNC technology and automation.
  • What benefits are common in this profession?
    - Shift and overtime allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses linked to production or improvement initiatives are common.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Stand, metal is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Stand, metal is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 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 Stand, metal has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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