Image that illustrates Lathe, metal

Lathe, 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 Lathe, metal

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

What does a metal turner do – tasks and work environment

A metal turner primarily works with machining metal materials into finished parts through turning, which is a form of cutting processing. Tasks include setting up, monitoring, and maintaining turning machines, both manual and computer-controlled (CNC). The results are often components for machines, vehicles, or industrial products with high precision requirements. The work usually takes place in a workshop environment where safety routines and accuracy are crucial, and shift work or working in noisy environments is common. Collaboration with other operators and technical knowledge are important parts of everyday life.

Salary development over time

A metal turner has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 34 000 SEK, which is about a 3% increase. One year later, in 2024, the average salary has risen to 35 200 SEK, representing an additional 3.5% increase from the previous year. This positive trend can partly be explained by high demand for experienced machine operators and turners, while technical skills and automation demand higher qualifications. Despite some shortages of qualified workers, salary increases are slightly above the industrial average, reflecting the profession’s importance and specialization within manufacturing.

Metal turner salary – complete 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 earn: 96% of men's salary (34 100 SEK vs 35 400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels can vary, but larger industrial regions tend to offer higher wages

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal turner, a high school education with a focus on industry or technology is generally required, usually from the industrial technical program. Many employers also seek experience with CNC technology and practical work in a workshop environment. Additional training, certifications, and courses in machine handling and quality assurance increase employment opportunities and career development.

  • High school diploma: Industrial technical program, approximately 3 years
  • Certifications: CNC operator, safety, and machine operator licenses
  • Internship: Often mandatory internship or apprenticeship during education
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics, technology, and Swedish language skills
  • Further education: Vocational college or courses in advanced production technology

Metal turners often get the opportunity to work with advanced, computer-controlled machines and contribute directly to Swedish industry’s innovation capacity. For those who enjoy problem-solving and technology, there are good opportunities to specialize in areas such as prototyping or fine mechanics.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Employees who are metal turners are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and overtime pay. Many workplaces also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, opportunities for skills development, and sometimes bonuses linked to production goals. Shift work can provide additional pay, and some employers offer subsidized lunches or employee discounts.

Competitions and challenges

The labor market for metal turners currently faces a shortage of qualified workers, according to national forecasts. However, demand for the profession is expected to decline over five years mainly due to technological development and increased automation in industry. Competition for the most attractive positions may therefore increase, especially in companies investing in advanced production. To meet future demands, continuous skills development, particularly in digitalization and CNC programming, is necessary. Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills are increasingly important to stay competitive in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a metal turner

To succeed as a metal turner, it’s good to combine technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility. Good problem-solving skills help when unexpected situations arise at the machines, and a strong work ethic is important since work often requires timely deliveries. Being flexible and open to technological development makes it easier to adopt new machinery and methods, especially as digitalization advances. Taking initiative and being self-reliant are appreciated by employers, as is the ability to collaborate with others in the production team. A positive attitude towards shift work and an eye for detail also make a big difference in daily work.

Key facts about metal turners

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school diploma or equivalent with an industrial focus
  • Work environment: Workshop, often shift work
  • Demand: Currently high, but expected to decline over 5 years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a metal turner can advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or specialized CNC programmer. There are also opportunities for further training as a mechanical technician or taking responsibility for quality control and training new operators. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job prospects are good today, but demand is expected to decrease long-term mainly due to automation and technological development. Still, there is a constant need for skilled metal turners, especially in larger industrial regions and companies with advanced production. The latest data shows 1437 job vacancies in the profession, indicating an active job market.

Common questions about metal turners

  • What does a metal turner earn?
    - A metal turner has an average salary of 35 200 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development been for a metal turner?
    - Salary has increased from 33,000 SEK in 2022 to 35 200 SEK in 2024.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 96 % of what men do, with an average salary of 34 100 SEK compared to men's 35 400 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a metal turner?
    - A high school diploma from the industrial technical program or equivalent is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for a metal turner?
    - There is currently high demand for the profession, but this is expected to decrease over five years due to automation.
  • What is the salary range for the profession?
    - The salary range is between 31,400 SEK and 36,100 SEK per month depending on experience, education, and region.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Yes, larger industrial regions tend to offer higher salaries than other parts of the country.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lathe, 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 Lathe, 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 Lathe, 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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31 377
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Fees
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* Updated with 2025 taxes