Knitting machine adjuster

What does a Knitting Machine Setter do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A knitting machine setter is responsible for setting up, monitoring, and maintaining knitting machines in the textile industry. The work involves adjusting machines for different materials and productions, changing tools, and performing simple repairs when needed. The work environment is often production-oriented and may involve both solitary work and collaboration with other operators in factories or workshops where textile goods are produced on assembly lines. Precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to quickly solve problems are crucial traits in the role of knitting machine setter.

Salary development over time

The salary for knitting machine setters has shown a stable but clearly positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, which increased to 29 600 SEK during 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and is now at 30 400 SEK, an increase of approximately 9.8% over three years. This salary development reflects a general industry trend, where demand for technically skilled personnel and increased requirements for machine competence have contributed to higher wages. Despite being a relatively niche profession, stable collective agreements and the industry's need for specialized operators have allowed for salary increases, although the salary range remains relatively narrow.

Knitting Machine Setter salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, 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
• Gender differences: Women earn 29 700 SEK/month, men 31 200 SEK/month (women 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: The regional sector has the highest wages, private sector the lowest

Education and qualifications

To work as a knitting machine setter, a high school education with a focus on industry, textiles, or technology is usually required. Many employers value experience from similar production environments and practical knowledge of machines and materials. It is also common for new hires to receive internal training to learn specific machine models and routines.

• High school education: Industry, textile, or technology programs (3 years)
• Internal training: Often on-site with the employer
• Practical experience: Experience from the textile industry is advantageous
• Courses/certifications: Machine safety, work environment may be requested
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and accuracy

Common benefits and compensations

Knitting machine setters are often covered by collective agreements that provide additional compensation for unsocial hours, overtime, and sometimes shift work. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for further training or certification courses paid by the employer. Pension plans and insurance are included in most employment contracts.

Competition and challenges

The profession of knitting machine setter is characterized by a relatively small labor market in Sweden, where competition for jobs varies depending on the region and economic conditions. Since the industry is specialized and the machinery often older, both technical competence and adaptability are required. A challenge is to stay updated on new machines and digital control systems, while production demands are often high. Many employers seek practically inclined individuals with experience, which can make it difficult for recent graduates to establish themselves. Limited training pathways and technological development mean that demand for specialized knitting machine setters may fluctuate over time.

Tips for aspiring knitting machine setters

To succeed as a knitting machine setter, it is good to be both technically interested and precise. Being able to quickly understand new machines and being solution-oriented helps during unexpected production stops. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration, especially during shift work or when machines are shared among operators. Practical skills combined with patience make it easier to handle machine settings and fine adjustments. Being curious about technological innovations and continuously updating your skills is also valuable, as the industry develops with new machine technology. Flexibility and willingness to learn on the job are appreciated qualities, especially in factories with varying production. Finally, maintaining a positive attitude towards routine and repetitive tasks makes it easier to thrive long-term in the profession.

Key facts about Knitting Machine Setters

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Gender difference: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Education level: High school, often industry or textiles
• Number of job openings: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a knitting machine setter, there are opportunities to advance to senior machine operator, supervisor, or technical specialist within production. Specializing in maintenance or programming of modern knitting machines can also open doors to more qualified roles. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for the profession of knitting machine setter due to limited data, but within the broader group of machine operators in the textile, leather, and fur industry, there were 1,437 job openings during the latest survey. The labor market is heavily influenced by economic conditions and demand for Swedish textiles, and job opportunities may vary across regions. Further training and technical specialization are important factors for strengthening one's position and increasing chances of advancement.

Frequently asked questions about Knitting Machine Setters

• What is the average salary of a Knitting Machine Setter?
  - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month.
• What is the salary range for Knitting Machine Setters?
  - Salaries range from 29,400 SEK to 32,200 SEK per month depending on experience, sector, and gender.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a Knitting Machine Setter?
  - High school education with a focus on industry, textiles, or technology is most common, often with internal training.
• What is the job market outlook?
  - There are 1,437 job openings within the profession, but competition varies depending on the region.
• What is the highest salary for a Knitting Machine Setter?
  - The highest reported salary is 32,200 SEK per month, belonging to a man in the regional sector.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Technical interest, accuracy, problem-solving skills, and teamwork ability are valuable qualities.