Woodworkers, carpenters

What does a carpenter, machine joiner do? – Tasks and work environment

A carpenter with a focus on machine joinery primarily works with processing and manufacturing wood products using various types of machines. Tasks include sawing, planing, sanding, milling, and assembling wood details such as furniture, windows, doors, and interior carpentry. The profession often involves setting up and monitoring machines, checking the quality of finished work, and performing basic maintenance and adjustments of equipment. The work environment is typically in workshops or factories where noise, dust, and heavy lifting may occur, which requires safety awareness and protective gear.

Salary development over time

The salary for a carpenter, machine joiner has shown a stable but positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 32 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise modestly and now averages 33 000 SEK. The total increase over the period is approximately 6%, reflecting a cautious but steady upward trend. This development can be linked to ongoing demand for skills within the wood industry, while wage increases are tempered by automation and efficiency improvements. Gender differences remain, although they have decreased somewhat over time, and regional factors may influence salary levels in some cases.

Carpenter, machine joiner salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (women), 32,700 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (women), 33,800 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage: 198 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do (women: 32,200 SEK, men: 33 100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations is currently unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a carpenter with a focus on machine joinery typically involves high school programs in industrial technology or construction with a wood technology specialization. There are also opportunities for adult vocational education or apprenticeship training. Practical experience is highly valuable, and some employers offer internal training or trainee positions for new hires. Basic technical knowledge, good understanding of reading drawings, and the ability to work carefully and safely are essential.

• High school education: Industrial technology or construction programs, 3 years
• Adult vocational education: Opportunities for adult training in wood technology
• Internship: Often a mandatory part of the education
• Certifications: Some employers require forklift or machine operator licenses
• Prerequisites: Approved basic school grades in Swedish, mathematics, and technology

Common benefits and compensation

Benefits offered to carpenters, machine joiners vary between employers but often include wellness allowances, work clothing, subsidized lunch, occupational pension, and sometimes bonuses or performance-based pay. Working hours may involve shift schedules, which can include shift allowances and extra pay for night and weekend work. Opportunities for further training or certification courses also exist.

Competition and challenges

The profession of carpenter, machine joiner faces some competition, especially as new technology and automation influence task content and requirements. To remain competitive, continuous skills development is necessary, particularly in machine operation and digital control systems. Challenges can also include physically demanding work environments and the need to strictly follow safety regulations. The lack of a clear long-term outlook from the Employment Service makes it harder to predict career prospects, but the high number of job openings indicates continued strong demand within the profession.

Tips for aspiring carpenters, machine joiners

To succeed as a carpenter, machine joiner, it’s important to have a strong sense of precision and to follow instructions meticulously, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in production. An interest in technology facilitates learning about new machines or digital control systems, and a willingness to learn new skills is crucial to stay current. Physical endurance and good health make the workday easier, as the profession can be both physically heavy and monotonous. Being cooperative and able to communicate clearly with colleagues increases efficiency at work. Good problem-solving skills are also valuable, as unexpected situations can arise from machine breakdowns or material issues. Finally, flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing tasks or new production methods are appreciated.

Key facts about Carpenter, machine joiner

• Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education with opportunities for adult education
• Work environment: Workshop/industry, often noisy and physically demanding
• Job openings: 1,437 within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a carpenter, machine joiner can advance to more specialized roles, such as CNC machine operator, supervisor, or production technician within the wood industry. Some choose to deepen their expertise in quality control or product development, while others move into training roles or start their own business in carpentry. The Employment Service does not provide a specific future outlook for the profession due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates ongoing strong demand for skilled workers. Further education and certifications increase opportunities for more advanced and higher-paid positions.

Frequently asked questions about Carpenter, machine joiner

• What does a Carpenter, machine joiner earn?
  - The average salary is 33 000 SEK/month, with variations between 32,200 and 33,800 SEK depending on gender and experience.
• What education is required to become a carpenter, machine joiner?
  - High school education in industrial technology or construction, or vocational adult education or apprenticeship training.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for carpenters, machine joiners?
  - There are 1,437 job openings within the profession, and demand is considered stable.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, occupational pension, and sometimes bonuses or shift allowances.
• What is the working environment like?
  - The work environment is often noisy and physically demanding, requiring good health and safety awareness.