Image that illustrates Thread straightener

Thread straightener

39 800 kr

Other machine and process operators, steel and metal

38 100 - 41 000 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Thread straightener

Average salary 39 800 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 39 500 kr

What does a wire draw operator do? – Tasks and working environment

A wire draw operator works with adjusting and directing metal wire to the correct shape and dimensions, often within the steel and metal industry. Tasks include monitoring machines, quality control of the finished material, as well as maintenance and adjustment of equipment to ensure consistent production. The work is usually carried out in industrial environments where noise, vibrations, and heavy lifting may occur, requiring good physical condition and precision. Safety routines and protective gear are a natural part of daily work, and collaboration with other operators is common.

Salary development over time

The salary for wire draw operators has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, which increased to 36 900 SEK during 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a clearer increase, with the average salary rising to 39 800 SEK. This corresponds to a total increase of about 10% over three years. This development can be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the industrial sector, as well as rising technical demands and responsibilities in the role. The trend indicates that employers value experience and competence, benefiting both new and experienced workers in the profession.

Wire draw operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (female, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (female, upper secondary education up to 2 years, regional sector)
  • Hourly wage: 239 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 39 500 SEK, men 39900 SEK (women 99% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, variation depending on education and workplace

Education and qualifications

To work as a wire draw operator, a high school education with a focus on industry or technology is usually required, supplemented with internal training and on-the-job learning. Practical skills and understanding of machine handling are central, and many employers prefer candidates with experience from similar industrial environments. Formal certifications are not always mandatory but can be advantageous depending on the workplace's focus.

  • High school education: Industry or technology program, 3 years
  • Practical training: Workplace-based education or apprenticeship recommended
  • Internal training: Common during the first months of employment
  • Additional courses: Machine safety and materials science can provide a competitive edge
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical interest

Many wire draw operators work closely with other production roles, making communication skills and teamwork important qualities for those who want to thrive and develop in the role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Wire draw operators are often offered shift or overtime allowances, wellness contributions, as well as opportunities for further training and development within the company. Other common benefits include corporate health services, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonuses linked to production results. Occupational pension and insurance are typically included in the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a wire draw operator varies depending on region and economic conditions, but there is generally stable demand within the industry. A challenge is the automation of production lines, which requires professionals to continuously develop their technical skills. Physical strain and monotonous tasks can be demanding, and the working environment often demands high precision and safety awareness. For those looking to advance, broadening skills within related machine operation roles can be beneficial. Lack of formal education may reduce chances of employment in some regions, especially where competition is higher.

Tips for aspiring wire draw operators

To succeed as a wire draw operator, it is good to have a technical curiosity and a strong interest in machines and industrial processes. Precision is crucial, as the work involves fine adjustments of wire and machinery, and a structured approach helps maintain quality and safety. Physical endurance is important since the work environment can be demanding and tasks sometimes monotonous. Being cooperative and communicative facilitates teamwork and creates a safer workplace. Flexibility and willingness to learn new tasks make it easier to adapt to changes and technological updates in production.

Key facts about wire draw operators

  • Salary range: 38,100–41,000 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school, industry/technology
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Number of available jobs: 1,437 within the occupational group
  • Gender difference: Women earn 99% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a wire draw operator, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as production technician, supervisor, or machine operator with a focus on maintenance and optimization. Broader skills in industrial automation and machine control can open doors to other parts of manufacturing. According to the Employment Service, no exact forecast exists for wire draw operators due to limited data, but there are a total of 1,437 available jobs in the field, indicating good prospects. The future is expected to be relatively stable, especially for those willing to further their education and adapt to new technical requirements.

Frequently asked questions about wire draw operators

  • What is the average salary of a wire draw operator?
    - The average salary is 39 800 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 39900 SEK and women 39 500 SEK, meaning women earn 99% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a wire draw operator?
    - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training and on-the-job learning.
  • What is the working environment like for a wire draw operator?
    - The environment is industrial, often involving shift work, noise, and requirements for protective gear.
  • Are there many job openings for wire draw operators?
    - Yes, there are 1,437 jobs available within the occupational group of machine and process operators at steel and metalworks.
  • How has the salary for wire draw operators developed in recent years?
    - Salaries have increased by about 10% over three years, from 36,300 SEK in 2022 to 39 800 SEK in 2024.
  • What personal qualities are important for a wire draw operator?
    - Accuracy, technical interest, teamwork skills, and physical endurance are key qualities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Thread straightener is 41000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 40400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Thread straightener is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 30500 kr 35300 kr
25-34 100% 33900 kr 39100 kr
35-44 101% 34900 kr 40100 kr
45-54 98% 36200 kr 41100 kr
55-64 100% 36300 kr 40700 kr
Snitt 99% 34900 kr 39800 kr
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 Thread straightener has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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