Tar cooker

What does a Tjärkokare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Tjärkokare primarily works with producing and processing tar through various chemical processes. Tasks include monitoring and controlling industrial facilities where raw wood or charcoal is transformed into tar, requiring precision and understanding of chemical reactions. It is common for Tjärkokare to work in shifts and handle both manual and automated tasks to ensure quality and safety in production. The work environment is often industrial, with requirements for protective equipment and adherence to safety regulations, as the work may involve exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, and noise.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the profession of Tjärkokare has shown a positive salary trend. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 33 600 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 38 100 SEK, representing an almost 17% increase over two years. This salary increase reflects higher demand for specialized labor within the chemical-technical industry, while the supply of experienced Tjärkokare is limited. Factors such as technological development, increased automation, and the need for safe handling have also contributed to raising the salary level. These changes suggest that the job market values experience and education increasingly within this niche.

Tjärkokare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 229 SEK
• Women: 36,900 SEK/month
• Men: 38,500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a Tjärkokare, a high school education with a focus on industry, chemistry, or process technology is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience from similar industries or have completed specific courses in chemical-technical production. Practical experience is highly valued, and it is common for new hires to receive internal training and supervision at the workplace. Certifications in safety and process monitoring can be advantageous and increase employability.

• High school education: Industrial technical programs, 3 years
• Post-secondary courses: Process technology or chemical industry, 1–2 years
• Certifications: Safety training and chemical handling
• Internship: Workplace-based internship during education is common
• Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and science

Common benefits and compensations

Tjärkokare are often offered collective agreement benefits such as shift allowances, wellness grants, occupational pension, and opportunities for skill development. Some employers also provide work clothing, protective equipment, and subsidized lunches. Additional allowances are sometimes paid for work during inconvenient hours or in particularly hazardous environments.

Competition and challenges

Competition for Tjärkokare positions is generally low, as the profession is narrow and specialized. One of the major challenges is technological change and increased automation, which may reduce the need for manual tasks. At the same time, the industry demands high safety and quality awareness, requiring continuous retraining. The physical work environment, with exposure to chemicals and heat, means personal protective equipment and safety routines must always be followed. The profession can also be affected by economic fluctuations in the chemical and wood industries, which in turn influence labor demand.

Tips for those aspiring to become a Tjärkokare

To succeed as a Tjärkokare, it is good to have a strong interest in technology and chemical processes and to be meticulous in your work. Good problem-solving skills help to quickly handle unexpected situations that may arise during production. Responsibility and following safety routines are crucial for both personal and colleagues’ safety. Flexibility is appreciated, as tasks can vary and shift work is common. A positive attitude towards teamwork facilitates cooperation, as production often occurs in teams requiring good communication. For those wanting to develop within the profession, it is wise to pursue further education and certifications. Finally, endurance and stress resistance are important qualities, especially during periods of high workload.

Key facts about Tjärkokare

• Educational level: High school education, often supplemented with vocational courses
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and requirement for protective equipment
• Occupational group: Machine operators, chemical-technical and photographic products
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in 2024
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many Tjärkokare have the opportunity to advance to leadership roles, such as supervisor, process monitor, or production planner. Some choose to deepen their knowledge in process technology or further education in related fields like quality assurance or occupational health. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for machine operators in chemical-technical products show no specific assessments for Tjärkokare, due to limited data and the niche nature of the profession. Nonetheless, a stable demand within the occupational group is noted, with 1,437 available jobs reported in 2024. Developments in the chemical and wood industries, as well as the shift towards more automated processes, may influence future opportunities and skill requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Tjärkokare

• What does a Tjärkokare earn?
  - The average salary for a Tjärkokare is 38 100 SEK/month, with variations between 36,000 and 39,800 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• How do gender differences look within Tjärkokare salaries?
  - Women earn an average of 36,900 SEK/month, which corresponds to 96% of men's salary at 38,500 SEK/month.
• What education is required to become a Tjärkokare?
  - Typically, a high school education in industry, chemistry, or process technology, often supplemented with practical training or specialized courses.
• Are there regional differences in salaries for Tjärkokare?
  - Salary levels can vary between regions, but the national average salary is 38 100 SEK/month.
• What does the job market look like for Tjärkokare?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the profession, indicating stable demand despite no precise forecast for Tjärkokare.
• What personal qualities are important for a Tjärkokare?
  - Attention to detail, responsibility, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are central qualities in the profession.
• What career opportunities exist after a few years as a Tjärkokare?
  - Opportunities include advancing to supervisor, process monitor, or further education in related fields.