How much does a Timber counter make

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  2. Timber counter
Image that illustrates Timber counter

Timber counter

36 800 kr

Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

35 400 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Timber counter

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 35 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does an Hour Counter do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Hour Counter primarily works at sawmills, planing mills, and other facilities within the timber industry. The profession involves measuring, classifying, and documenting timber delivered to the facility. Tasks include careful inspection of timber dimensions, quality, and volume, as well as recording data in digital systems or logs. The work is often performed outdoors, sometimes in changing weather conditions, requiring both physical activity and good concentration. Collaboration with other production professionals is common, and the work environment emphasizes safety and clear routines.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary development for Hour Counters has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023 – a rise of about 4.2%. In 2024, the average salary continued upward to 36 800 SEK, representing an additional 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. This salary growth reflects a general trend in the industry, where demand for skilled personnel and maintained production levels positively influence wage setting. Factors such as inflation and increased requirements for professional competence have also contributed to higher salary levels. Despite being a niche profession, there is clear stability in salary development, providing a solid foundation for those considering a career in the field.

Hour Counter Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 221 SEK
  • Women: 35,400 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 37 000 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Highest salary (37,400 SEK) within regional sector; variations depending on education and sector

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Hour Counter, a high school education in wood technology, industry, or natural resource management is generally required. Practical experience from sawmills or similar environments is often advantageous, and some employers offer internal training for those without prior experience. Good understanding of mathematics and measurement techniques, as well as the ability to handle digital recording systems, are important qualifications for the profession.

  • High school education: Natural resource management, industry, or wood technology (3 years)
  • Practical experience: Experience from sawmills, planing mills, or similar environments is highly valued
  • Internal training: Many employers offer introduction and supervision on-site
  • Prerequisites: Basic math skills and computer literacy
  • Certifications: Specific certificates are rarely required, but training in work environment and safety is common

Hour Counters often develop a unique ability to quickly assess wood quality with the naked eye, making them invaluable links between forestry and industry. Experience provides a tactile sense of the raw material's value that is difficult to replace with technology.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for Hour Counters include occupational pension, wellness allowance, and opportunities for skills development. In some cases, work clothes, subsidized lunches, and additional pay for unsociable hours are offered. Employment is often governed by collective agreements, providing security regarding salary, working hours, and insurance.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as an Hour Counter varies depending on region and industry conditions. Since the profession requires specific knowledge of wood, measurement methods, and work environment, relevant education and experience are advantageous. Challenges in the role may include managing large amounts of data under time pressure, adapting to new technology, and maintaining high accuracy despite monotonous tasks. The availability of job openings is generally good, but employers increasingly demand flexibility and responsibility.

Tips for Aspiring Hour Counters

To succeed as an Hour Counter, it is beneficial to combine precision with an interest in wood and technology. Analytical skills help interpret measurement data and identify discrepancies in timber deliveries. Being persistent and stress-resistant is important, as work is often under tight deadlines and sometimes in harsh weather conditions. Early internships at sawmills or planing mills are recommended to gain insight into the profession and build valuable contacts. Being communicative and able to collaborate with various professionals is also a great advantage. Finally, staying updated on industry technological developments and safety requirements increases employability.

Key Facts about Hour Counters

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 35,400–37,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education in industry, natural resource management, or wood technology
  • Work environment: Outdoors at sawmills and planing mills, often physically demanding
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession (May 2024)

Career Paths and Future Prospects

After 3–5 years as an Hour Counter, opportunities may open for further training as a supervisor, production planner, or quality manager within the timber industry. Some choose to specialize in measurement technology or oversee automated measurement systems. According to the Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for the profession due to limited data, but the number of job openings is relatively high. The industry is characterized by stability and technological development, and individuals with broad experience and good digital skills have strong prospects for career advancement. Related professions include machine operator in the timber industry, production planner, or careers in quality control.

Common Questions about Hour Counters

  • What does an Hour Counter earn?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK per month, with a range between 35,400 and 37,400 SEK depending on experience and sector.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Women earn on average 35,400 SEK, which corresponds to 96% of men's salary, which is 37 000 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an Hour Counter?
    - High school education in industry, natural resource management, or wood technology is most common, often combined with practical training.
  • What is the job market like for Hour Counters?
    - There are about 1,437 job openings in the profession, indicating good demand.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, the highest salary of 37,400 SEK is found in regional sector, with variations depending on education and sector.
  • What development opportunities exist?
    - After a few years, one can advance to supervisor, production planner, or specialize in measurement technology.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, stress resistance, and good teamwork skills are highly valued in the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 07:32:25

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Timber counter is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Timber counter is 35400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 31000 kr 36300 kr
25-34 95% 32300 kr 36900 kr
35-44 96% 32400 kr 36400 kr
45-54 93% 32700 kr 37000 kr
55-64 97% 32900 kr 37200 kr
Snitt 96% 32400 kr 36800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Timber counter has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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