How much does a Dryer, wood make

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  2. Dryer, wood
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Dryer, wood

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 Dryer, wood

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

What does a dryer operator in the wood industry do? – Tasks and working environment

A dryer operator in the wood industry is responsible for monitoring and controlling the drying process of timber, primarily after sawing but before further processing or delivery. The job involves handling and adjusting drying equipment, checking moisture content, and ensuring the wood meets quality standards according to specific requirements. The working environment is often industry-based and may include physical work and process supervision from control rooms. Shift work is common, and the environment can be noisy and warm, especially near drying facilities.

Salary development over time

The salary for a dryer operator in the wood industry has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 35 000 SEK, representing a growth of approximately 4.2%. Most recently, in 2024, the average salary reached 36 800 SEK, a further increase of about 5.1% from the previous year. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for skilled labor in the wood industry, as well as a general need to retain expertise in a competitive sector. Salaries have also been influenced by inflation and union agreements that have strengthened salary development for operators and technicians within the industry.

Dryer operator in the wood industry salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female), 36,600 SEK/month (male)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (male), 36,700 SEK/month (female)
  • Hourly wage (average): 221 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within regional sectors

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a dryer operator in the wood industry usually involves a high school education with a focus on industry, wood technology, or process operation. Practical experience from sawmills or the wood industry is highly valuable, and many employers prefer new hires to have some familiarity with machinery handling or process control. Additional qualifications can be obtained through courses or internal training at the workplace.

  • High school education: Industrial program or similar, 3 years
  • Internship: On-the-job training or trainee periods are recommended
  • Certifications: Courses in process technology and safety can be advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and some machinery experience are desirable
  • Tips for choosing: Opt for specialization in wood technology or industry for the best match

Many dryer operators in the wood industry quickly take on significant responsibility for quality control and process management, making the profession a good entry point for those looking to grow within the wood sector. Experience in drying can also open opportunities to work on developing new processes and energy efficiency.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for dryer operators in the wood industry often include shift allowances, overtime pay, and night shift premiums for working during inconvenient hours. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training provided by the employer. Many workplaces also offer occupational pensions and insurance as standard.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a dryer operator in the wood industry varies depending on the region and economic conditions. The industry is affected by factors such as raw material availability, construction cycles, and technological development. A challenge is staying updated on new processes and environmental regulations, as the industry continually seeks to improve efficiency and automate. Limited data makes it difficult to provide an exact forecast for future recruitment needs, but the large number of current vacancies indicates ongoing demand and opportunities for newcomers. The ongoing technological development requires continuous skills upgrading.

Tips for aspiring dryer operators in the wood industry

To succeed as a dryer operator in the wood industry, attention to detail and precision are essential, as quality control is a central part of the job. An interest in technology facilitates handling machinery and process control, ensuring efficiency and safety. Responsibility is important, as the drying process often requires independent decisions and quick action during deviations. Flexibility and the ability to work shifts help adapt to industry demands, while teamwork skills are crucial for good collaboration. Showing interest in further training and development also increases chances of advancement and specialization within the field.

Key facts about dryer operators in the wood industry

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 35,400–37,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school (industry/technology)
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Job openings in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a dryer operator in the wood industry, opportunities may exist to advance to roles such as supervisor, process technician, or quality specialist. For those interested in technology and development, further education can lead to positions like production planner or technical specialist. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, it is difficult to precisely assess future job prospects due to limited data, but the large number of current vacancies indicates continued demand. However, digitalization and automation may change job tasks over time and require higher technical skills.

Common questions about dryer operators in the wood industry

  • What is the average salary of a dryer operator in the wood industry?
    - A dryer operator in the wood industry has an average salary of 36 800 SEK per month.
  • How large is the salary difference between women and men?
    - Women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a dryer operator in the wood industry?
    - A high school education with a focus on industry or wood technology is recommended.
  • Are there many job openings for dryer operators in the wood industry?
    - Yes, there are currently 1,437 job openings in the profession.
  • What is the working environment like for a dryer operator in the wood industry?
    - The work environment is industry-based, often shift work, and can be noisy and warm.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
    - The highest salary is 37,400 SEK (male), and the lowest is 35,400 SEK (female).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 07:44:50

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dryer, wood 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 Dryer, wood 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 Dryer, wood has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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