- Salary statistics
- Cutter, fabric ready-made
Cutter, fabric ready-made
30 800 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Cutter, fabric ready-made
What does a fabric cutter in clothing manufacturing do? – Tasks and work environment
A fabric cutter in clothing manufacturing measures, marks, and cuts fabric pieces that are then sewn together to create garments or other textile products. The tasks include interpreting patterns, selecting appropriate materials, and using both manual and machine tools to ensure the fabric pieces meet exact measurements and shapes. The environment often emphasizes precision and pace, as incorrect cutting can affect the entire production. Work takes place in ateliers, garment factories, or smaller workshops, where collaboration with seamstresses, designers, and production planners is common.
Wage development over time
The salary for fabric cutters in clothing manufacturing has shown a moderate increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,800 SEK per month. During 2023, the level rose to 31 000 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 8.3 %. For 2024, the salary has stabilized somewhat and is now at 30 900 SEK, representing a slight decrease compared to the previous year. This development can partly be explained by changes in demand for skilled fabric cutters and the influence of collective agreements on wage setting. Despite the stable salary level, the industry remains sensitive to economic fluctuations and automation, which may impact future wage development.
Fabric cutter salaries in clothing manufacturing – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Data unavailable for exact levels
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 30 800 SEK, data on men is unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a fabric cutter in clothing manufacturing, a high school education with a focus on textiles and fashion, or equivalent adult education, is usually required. Practical skills and experience from working in ateliers or garment industries are considered advantageous. Further education through vocational colleges or industry-specific courses can enhance competence and improve employment prospects.
- Formal education: High school programs in textiles and design (3 years)
- Further education: Vocational college programs in pattern construction and garment manufacturing
- Internship: Practical training or apprenticeship within the garment industry
- Prerequisites: Interest in textiles, good fine motor skills, and accuracy
- Courses: Short industry-specific courses and online training options
The role of a fabric cutter in clothing manufacturing often requires a well-developed sense of form and material, as small variations in fabric properties can affect fit and quality. Those who enjoy working creatively and problem-solving can find great satisfaction in contributing to the entire production chain, from idea to finished garment.
Common benefits and compensations
Fabric cutters in clothing manufacturing are often covered by collective agreements, entitling them to holiday pay, pension contributions, and sick pay. Other common benefits may include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for training and skill development within the company. Some employers also offer flexible working hours and subsidized meals.
Competition and challenges
The profession of fabric cutter in clothing manufacturing is characterized by relatively high competition, partly due to an oversupply of skilled workers. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are limited and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Advances in automated cutting technology and outsourcing to countries with lower labor costs contribute to fewer domestic recruitment opportunities. However, the profession requires precision and an eye for detail, making skilled fabric cutters still sought after in niche or specialized operations.
Tips for those who want to become a fabric cutter in clothing manufacturing
To succeed as a fabric cutter, it’s important to combine accuracy with a strong sense of detail and material. Developing high finger dexterity and patience facilitates both learning and daily work. Being flexible and curious is also valuable, as new materials and techniques are constantly introduced in the textile industry. An interest in design and form can be very helpful, especially in pattern interpretation and adaptation of the cutting process. Actively seeking internships or trainee programs provides practical experience and increases employment chances. Collaboration skills are appreciated, as the work often involves team efforts with other professionals. Finally, a structured work approach is crucial to manage multiple projects simultaneously and avoid mistakes.
Key facts about fabric cutters in clothing manufacturing
- Educational level: High school or vocational college
- Work environment: Workshop, atelier, or garment factory
- Work schedule: Often daytime, both full-time and hourly positions available
- Demand: Limited opportunities nationwide, according to the Employment Service
- Job openings: 341 within the profession (tailoring, atelier sewing, etc.)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles such as pattern maker, production supervisor in textiles, or self-employed tailor or designer. Further education in textile technology, product development, or design can open new doors. However, the forecast indicates a relatively stable job market with limited opportunities and a surplus of trained workers. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, making it especially important to develop specialized skills or niche experience to enhance employability.
Common questions about fabric cutters in clothing manufacturing
- What does a fabric cutter earn?
- The average salary is 30 900 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 186 SEK. - Is education required to become a fabric cutter?
- Yes, high school education in textiles or equivalent adult education is strongly recommended. - Is there a wage difference between women and men?
- Data on men is unavailable, but women earn an average of 30 800 SEK per month. - What is the job market outlook for fabric cutters?
- Opportunities are limited and competition is high, according to the Employment Service's forecast. - Which workplaces hire fabric cutters?
- Both large garment producers, smaller ateliers, and workshops hire fabric cutters. - What personal qualities are important?
- Precision, patience, teamwork skills, and an interest in textiles and design are especially valued. - How do I find available jobs as a fabric cutter?
- The most common methods are through job sites, the Employment Service, or directly with employers in the textile industry.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30700 kr | 30800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30700 kr | 30800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30700 kr | 30800 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 Cutter, fabric ready-made has the SSYK code 7531, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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