Shingles manufacturers

What does a shingle maker do? – Tasks and work environment

A shingle maker primarily works with manufacturing and processing wooden roof shingles, used for covering roofs on traditional and modern buildings. Tasks include handling different types of wood, sawing, splitting, and shaping shingles, often with both machines and hand tools. The work is usually performed in an industrial environment where machine safety and precision are central. The work environment can be noisy and physically demanding, requiring good physical condition, as heavy lifting and repetitive movements are common. Shingle makers are often employed within the timber industry and work in teams to ensure production meets quality standards.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for shingle makers has shown a stable and slightly upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month, increasing to 32 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 33 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 6% over the period. This development reflects a continued demand for the profession within the timber industry, where experience and technical skills are highly valued. Salary differences between genders have persisted, and the increase has been fairly evenly distributed across regions. Market demand for craftsmanship and machine operation also influences salary development, with employers seeking specialized shingle makers potentially offering slightly higher wages.

Shingle maker salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (female), 32,700 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female), 33,800 SEK/month (male)
• Hourly wage: 198 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do
• Regional differences: Limited data, but generally small variations

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a shingle maker typically goes through high school programs in industrial technology or construction and civil engineering, with a focus on wood technology or machine carpentry being particularly relevant. Experience with machinery and understanding wood as a material are important qualifications, and many employers prefer candidates with practical experience from similar roles. Formal certifications are rare, but internal training and machine proficiency are often crucial. Success in the role also requires great attention to detail and a sense of responsibility for work environment and safety.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, wood technology specialization (3 years)
• Internship: Often practical training or apprenticeship during studies
• Experience: Machine handling and previous work in the timber industry are meritorious
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, precision, and safety awareness required
• Additional courses: Safety training and machine licenses may be relevant

Common benefits and compensations

Shingle makers are usually covered by collective agreements and have access to benefits such as occupational pensions, insurance, and paid vacations. Other common compensations include overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness contributions, and work clothing and protective gear. Some employers also offer further training and opportunities for skill development within wood technology and machinery handling.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of shingle makers is moderate, but there are challenges related to technological development and automation of production. The shortage of new recruits and an aging workforce may affect the availability of qualified workers in the future. At the same time, the profession demands a combination of craftsmanship and machine handling, which sets high requirements for education and practical experience. Physically demanding tasks and repetitive movements can increase the risk of strain injuries, making ergonomics and safety central issues. The profession is also affected by economic fluctuations in the construction and timber industries, which can lead to varying demand for labor.

Tips for those who want to become a shingle maker

To succeed as a shingle maker, it is beneficial to have a strong interest in wood and machinery, as well as a willingness to learn new techniques. Precision is crucial since each step in manufacturing requires accuracy and quality-consciousness. It is also important to be resilient and physically fit, as the work often involves heavy lifting and repeated movements. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively facilitates daily work, especially when working in teams in larger industries. Flexibility and problem-solving skills make it easier to handle production disruptions and machine maintenance. Early internships and opportunities for further education in wood technology provide an advantage in the job market. Finally, safety awareness is vital, as the work environment requires careful following of instructions and routines.

Key facts about shingle makers

• Salary range: 32,200–33,800 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, industrial or wood technology specialization
• Typical work environment: Industrial carpentry, noisy and physically demanding environment
• Number of available jobs: 1,437 within the profession in Sweden
• Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, a shingle maker can advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or machine operator with specialized responsibilities. Experience with different types of wood and advanced skills in machine maintenance can open opportunities in quality control or training new employees. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for shingle makers, but within the broader groups of machine carpenters and machine operators in the timber industry, a stable number of vacancies is reported. Continued automation and specialization within the timber industry can offer good opportunities for those willing to develop their skills and adapt to new technologies.

Frequently asked questions about shingle makers

• What is the average salary of a shingle maker?
  - The average salary is 33 000 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 32,200 SEK while men earn 33 100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a shingle maker?
  - High school education with a focus on wood technology or industrial technology is most common.
• What is the job market like for shingle makers?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the profession, and demand is stable.
• What does a shingle maker do?
  - The work involves manufacturing and processing roof shingles using machines and hand tools in an industrial environment.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Collective agreements, occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and protective gear are common benefits.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Regional differences are generally small but may occur depending on the employer and demand.