Textile dyes

What does a textile dyer do? – Tasks and work environment

A textile dyer primarily works with coloring and treating textiles, often in an industrial environment. Tasks include preparing dye baths, monitoring dyeing processes, and inspecting color results to ensure textiles achieve the desired hue and quality. The work is often performed with large machines and requires precision, technical knowledge, and understanding of chemical processes. The environment can be noisy and sometimes warm, with a focus on safety and chemical handling. Collaboration with other machine operators and quality control staff is common to ensure consistent and reliable final products.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, textile dyers have experienced moderate but steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 26 500 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a more noticeable rise, with the average salary increasing to 27 800 SEK, which is about a 5% increase over these two years. This positive trend can be partly attributed to increased focus on technical skills and efficiency improvements within the textile industry. Although the profession has generally seen stable salary development, small differences depending on workplace and gender are visible, though these are unusually small for the industry. The demand for specialized skills in textile dyeing remains relatively stable, and the availability of job openings continues to be good.

Textile dyer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (male, government sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 167 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women's average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
• Men's average salary: 27 700 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Women and men earn approximately the same
• Regional differences: No specific regional salary data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a textile dyer, a high school education in textiles, industry, or technology is generally required. Many employers also value practical experience with machine operation and chemical handling, often gained through internships or trainee positions. Further training and certifications in environmental and safety procedures can be advantageous. Employers appreciate problem-solving skills and accuracy in daily work.

• High school education: Textiles and design, industry, or technology (3 years)
• Internship: Often included as part of the training or as a trainee period at a textile factory
• Certifications: Courses in chemical handling and workplace safety can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry and technology is recommended
• Tips for choosing: Select programs and internships focused on industrial textile handling

Common benefits and compensations

Textile dyers often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing and protective gear, and sometimes subsidized lunches or employee discounts on company products. Other common benefits include insurance, pension contributions, and opportunities for skill development through internal or external training.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the textile dyer profession is relatively low, but the job market is influenced by economic cycles and changes within the Swedish textile industry. Automation and efficiency improvements have reduced the need for manual labor, while demand for specialized skills has increased. A challenge is staying updated on new dyeing techniques and environmental regulations, as the industry places high demands on sustainability and chemical management. The work environment can also be physically demanding, with monotonous tasks and exposure to chemicals. Finding the right balance between efficiency and quality is another challenge for those working in the field.

Tips for aspiring textile dyers

To succeed as a textile dyer, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with accuracy and patience. A strong sense of color and attention to detail facilitates ensuring each batch of textiles receives the exact right hue, while the ability to work systematically helps follow routines and safety guidelines. Flexibility and adaptability are advantageous, as tasks may vary depending on production needs. Good teamwork skills are highly valued, as work often occurs in teams requiring close communication with other professionals. Demonstrating responsibility in handling chemicals and machinery is crucial, as is a willingness to continuously learn new techniques in dyeing and textile treatment. Engagement and curiosity about industry developments can also open doors to more specialized or leadership roles over time.

Key facts about Textile Dyer

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Salary range: 23,400–30,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 167 SEK/hour
• Education level: High school education, often with practical training
• Work environment: Industrial setting focused on safety and technology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, textile dyers often develop specialist skills in dyeing techniques or advanced machine handling. This can lead to roles such as team leader, production manager, or process developer within the textile industry. There are also opportunities to work in quality control, environmental work, or training new employees. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for machine operators in bleaching, dyeing, and washing, no specific forecast is made for textile dyers due to limited data, but the number of available jobs in the field is high, with 1,437 available positions reported. The future of the profession is affected by technological shifts and environmental requirements, making it important to continuously update skills to remain competitive in the job market.

Common questions about Textile Dyer

• What is the average salary of a textile dyer?
  - The average salary for a textile dyer is 27 800 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Women and men earn approximately the same within the profession; women 27 900 SEK, men 27 700 SEK on average.
• What education is required to become a textile dyer?
  - A high school education in textiles, industry, or technology is recommended, often with practical training.
• What is the job market forecast for textile dyers?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the field, but no specific forecast for textile dyers.
• What are the main job tasks?
  - Preparation of dye baths, machine monitoring, quality control, and equipment maintenance.
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 30,000 SEK and the lowest is 23,400 SEK per month, depending on gender and sector.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, technical interest, and responsibility are key qualities for a textile dyer.