Image that illustrates Wood lathe

Wood lathe

33 000 kr

Machine carpenters and machine operators, wood industry

32 200 - 33 800 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Wood lathe

Average salary 33 000 kr
Males 33 100 kr
Females 32 200 kr

What does a woodturner do? – Tasks and work environment

A woodturner manufactures, shapes, and processes wooden details using lathes and other machinery in the woodworking industry. Tasks often include following drawings, setting up machines, monitoring production, and performing quality control. The woodturner works with both series production and custom orders, where precision and sensitivity to material properties are crucial. The work environment is usually workshop-based, often in larger industrial settings or smaller carpentry shops, with noise and dust present but managed with protective gear and good ventilation.

Salary development over time

The salary for a woodturner has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month, increasing to 32 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 6.1% over three years, although the percentage growth has slowed in the last year. This development reflects stable demand for the profession, where automation and technological advances have increased the need for skilled workers. Salary differences between genders have persisted, with women earning an average of 97 % of men's salaries. The market is also influenced by regional differences and the economic situation in the wood industry.

Woodturner salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 32,200–33,800 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education in wood technology
  • Work environment: Workshop and industry, often with machinery
  • Job openings in the profession: 1,437 positions (May 2024)

Education and qualifications

To work as a woodturner, a high school education in wood technology or equivalent experience in the woodworking industry is usually required. Practical skills are central, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed internships or apprenticeship periods. Some workplaces may require additional training in machine safety or specialized machinery, while others offer internal training programs.

  • High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, specialization in wood technology (3 years)
  • Internship/apprenticeship: Common, often 6–12 months
  • Further education: Courses in machine safety and CNC control
  • Experience: Prior work in carpentry or industry is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical understanding

Woodturners often have the opportunity to work with both traditional craftsmanship methods and the latest machine technology. The combination of craftsmanship and industrial production makes the profession particularly attractive for those who appreciate variety and development in their work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Many woodturners are covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and paid vacation. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training and certification in the profession. In some cases, bonuses linked to production targets are also offered.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a woodturner faces some competition from automation and machine-based production, which increases the demand for technical competence and adaptability. At the same time, demand remains relatively stable, especially for skilled professionals with broad experience and specialized skills. Challenges may also include occupational health risks like noise and wood particles, requiring careful adherence to safety routines. The shortage of new recruits and generational change also impact the future of the profession, while opportunities for specialization or taking on more advanced tasks enhance competitiveness in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a woodturner

To succeed as a woodturner, it is good to combine precision with an interest in technology and materials. Being persistent and patient is important, especially when details require accuracy and repetitive work. Being solution-oriented and eager to learn new machines and methods makes it easier to adapt to changes in the industry. Good teamwork and communication skills are appreciated since the work is often done in teams. Flexibility and willingness to pursue further training increase the chances of development within the profession, and a sense of form and aesthetics provides advantages in custom orders. Finally, a safety-conscious approach is essential for long-term success and job satisfaction.

Key facts about Woodturners

  • Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 32,200–33,800 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education in wood technology
  • Work environment: Workshop and industry, often with machinery
  • Job openings in the profession: 1,437 positions (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a woodturner, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as production manager or machine supervisor within the woodworking industry. Specialization in areas like CNC control or finer craftsmanship can also lead to higher responsibility and salary growth. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, no specific assessment exists for the profession due to limited data, but the broad occupational group has over 1,400 job openings, indicating continued demand. Opportunities for further education and specialization are good for those wishing to develop, and the profession is suitable for those interested in starting their own carpentry or craft business.

Frequently asked questions about Woodturners

  • What is the average salary for a woodturner?
    - The average salary for a woodturner is 33 000 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Women earn an average of 32,200 SEK, which corresponds to 97 % of men's salary of 33 100 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a woodturner?
    - Usually, a high school education in wood technology and practical experience are required.
  • What are the future prospects for woodturners?
    - Projections show stable demand, with over 1,400 job openings in the profession.
  • What occupational health risks are associated with the profession?
    - The work involves noise, dust, and machinery, requiring protective gear and safety routines.
  • Are there opportunities for advancement within the profession?
    - Yes, with experience, one can move into supervisory roles or specialize in areas like CNC technology.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Wood lathe is 33800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Wood lathe is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29500 kr 31400 kr
25-34 31300 kr 32600 kr
35-44 31700 kr 32600 kr
45-54 32300 kr 33300 kr
55-64 99% 32700 kr 33900 kr
Snitt 97% 31900 kr 33000 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 Wood lathe has the SSYK code 7523, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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