- Salary statistics
- Lathe, metal
Lathe, metal
31 400 - 36 100 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Lathe, metal
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.
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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29400 kr | 29400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29400 kr | 29400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30600 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33500 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34500 kr | 36100 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34600 kr | 36100 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 33700 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34500 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30600 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33500 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34500 kr | 36100 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34600 kr | 36100 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 33700 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30600 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33500 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 33800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 34500 kr | 36100 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 34600 kr | 36100 kr |
| 65-68 | 33500 kr | 34500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 33700 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 32200 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33100 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 32400 kr | 34000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 32200 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33100 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 32400 kr | 34000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 32200 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33100 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 32400 kr | 34000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 32500 kr | 34100 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 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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