How much does a Woodworkers, sawmills make

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Woodworkers, sawmills

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 Woodworkers, sawmills

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

What does a lumberjack in a sawmill do? – Tasks and work environment

A lumberjack in a sawmill plays a central role in the processing chain of timber products. Tasks mainly include handling and processing raw wood, monitoring saw machines, quality control, as well as sorting and packaging finished products. The process often takes place with large machines in noisy environments where safety procedures are crucial. The work also involves some troubleshooting during machine stoppages and maintenance, as well as collaboration with other operators to ensure a smooth production flow. The environment can be physically demanding and variable, with indoor and outdoor work depending on the season and the company's structure.

Salary development over time

The salary for lumberjacks in sawmills has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 9.5% over the period. This development reflects increased demand for labor in the timber industry and adjustments in collective agreements. Gender pay gaps persist, with women earning 96% of men's salaries, but the overall trend is positive for the entire profession. The salary increase can also be linked to skill requirements and technological development within the sawmill industry.

Lumberjack, sawmill salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (male, regional sector, vocational education)
  • Hourly wage: 221 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 35,400 SEK, men 37 000 SEK (women 96% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

The route to becoming a lumberjack in a sawmill typically involves attending a vocational program in industrial technology with a focus on wood or equivalent adult education. Employers may also require specific machine training or certifications for certain tasks. Practical experience is highly valued, and many workplaces offer internal training as a supplement to formal education.

  • Vocational education: Industrial technology program, often 3 years
  • Certifications: Machine and safety training
  • Internships: Common through internships or trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Often basic mathematics and technical understanding
  • Tips for choosing: Select education focused on wood and machine technology

Many sawmills operate with a high degree of automation and digital monitoring, which means that technical interest and the ability to quickly learn new machine systems are a great asset for those who want to develop in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Lumberjacks in sawmills are often covered by collective agreements that include access to occupational pension schemes, insurance coverage in case of illness or accidents, and opportunities for wellness benefits. Shift work may entitle workers to overtime pay, and some employers also provide work clothing, subsidized meals, or other staff benefits.

Competition and challenges

The market for lumberjacks in sawmills is influenced by the construction industry and export demand for timber products. The industry is cyclical, which can lead to periods of high and low demand for labor. Automation and technological innovations increase requirements for technical skills and adaptability. The work environment is physically demanding and can pose risks, making safety awareness essential. Competition for jobs varies regionally, but there is a steady need for experienced and trained operators. Continuous skills development and interest in new technologies are necessary for those seeking career advancement.

Tips for those who want to become a lumberjack in a sawmill

To succeed as a lumberjack in a sawmill, it’s beneficial to be precise and responsible, especially since the work often involves handling large machines and raw materials. A technical interest is a great advantage, as the industry constantly evolves with new machines and digital systems. Flexibility and teamwork facilitate working in an environment where tasks can vary daily and collaboration with colleagues is key to a smooth production flow. Physical endurance is important because the work often involves standing and moving for long periods. Being solution-oriented and able to act quickly during machine stoppages or problems is a plus, as is the willingness to further educate oneself to keep up with industry developments.

Key facts about lumberjacks in sawmills

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest/highest salary: 35,400–37,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: Most commonly vocational education
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of men's salary
  • Available jobs in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many lumberjacks in sawmills have the opportunity to advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or specialist in machine maintenance. Some choose to further their education in wood technology or process management to take on greater responsibility within production. The forecast from the Employment Service for operators in sawmills and similar professions is uncertain due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates ongoing demand for skilled workers. Digitalization and automation also open new career opportunities in control systems and maintenance technology.

Common questions about lumberjacks in sawmills

  • What does a lumberjack in a sawmill earn?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK per month, with a range between 35,400 and 37,400 SEK.
  • What is the hourly wage for a lumberjack in a sawmill?
    - The hourly wage averages 221 SEK for hourly workers.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of men's salaries. Men have an average salary of 37 000 SEK, women 35,400 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a lumberjack in a sawmill?
    - The most common is a vocational education in industrial technology or equivalent adult education.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The environment is often noisy and physically demanding, with a focus on safety and machine handling.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings, indicating good demand.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years?
    - Opportunities include advancing to supervisor, production planner, or specialist roles in machine maintenance and process management.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 07:51:16

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

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