Pressure lathe

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pressure lathe

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a lathe operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A lathe operator works with shaping and processing metal objects using a specialized turning technique where pressure is combined with rotation. The profession involves setting up, monitoring, and maintaining advanced machines used to create components for industry, often with high demands for precision and quality. The work environment is typically workshop-based and characterized by machine noise, standing work, and handling heavy materials. Safety routines are central, and the tasks require both technical skill and accuracy. Lathe operators often collaborate with other machine operators and production technicians to ensure a smooth production flow.

Salary development over time

The salary for a lathe operator has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and then to 35 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 6.7% over three years. The salary rise has mainly been driven by continued demand for skills in the metal industry and a general shortage of qualified machine operators. At the same time, automation and technological development have begun to influence wage setting, which may dampen future increases. Despite this, the profession remains competitive in terms of salary, especially for those with specialized education and experience.

Lathe operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
  • Women: 34 100 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 35 400 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: May occur depending on industry concentration and local wage levels

Education and qualifications

To work as a lathe operator, a typical requirement is a vocational education in industrial technology or equivalent, often complemented with practical training. Some employers also require shorter post-secondary courses or certifications in machine processing. Knowledge of reading technical drawings, materials science, and machine safety is essential, and many employers value experience from similar industrial roles.

  • Vocational education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Post-secondary courses: Mechanical engineering or metal processing, often 1–2 years
  • Certifications: Specific licenses for machine safety or CNC control
  • Practical training: Workplace-based learning is common and provides valuable experience
  • Prerequisites: Basic math and technical interest
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs with strong industry links for higher employability

Lathe operators often need to work closely with designers and production planners to ensure parts are produced according to exact specifications. This close dialogue between practical craftsmanship and technical drawing makes the profession particularly dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving in a team.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Lathe operators often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness allowances. Shift work may include additional pay, and overtime is common during high workload periods. Some workplaces also offer further training and skill development opportunities within the company.

Competitions and challenges

The market for lathe operators today is characterized by high demand for labor, while there is a shortage of qualified candidates. However, challenges related to technological development and increased automation may reduce the need for manual skills in the long term. Competition for the most attractive positions is tougher in regions with many industries, and high demands are placed on both technical knowledge and flexibility. Competence in digital control of machines is becoming increasingly important to stay competitive in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a lathe operator

To succeed as a lathe operator, it is good to be precise and detail-oriented, as accuracy is crucial in the profession. Showing technical interest and quickly learning new machines provides an advantage, especially as industry changes. Communication skills are important, as collaboration with colleagues and production managers is common. Flexibility and the ability to handle change make it easier to meet new demands from both technology and market. Problem-solving skills are valuable when unexpected situations arise during production. Continuously developing your knowledge through courses or further education improves chances for advancement. Finally, a structured work approach contributes to safety and efficiency at the workplace.

Key facts about lathe operators

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Education level: Vocational or post-secondary education in industry
  • Work environment: Workshop, often shift work
  • Demand: High, but expected to decrease over five years
  • Number of job openings: 1,437 in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a lathe operator can advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or machine setter, especially if further training is undertaken in CNC technology or production management. The Employment Service's forecast shows that opportunities for work as a machine setter and operator in metalworking remain good nationally, although demand is expected to decline over the coming five years due to technological development and increased automation. Despite this, the current shortage situation means there are many available positions – currently 1,437 in the profession. For those wishing to develop further, specialization in quality control, maintenance, or programming automated machines can be viable career paths.

Frequently asked questions about lathe operators

  • What does a lathe operator earn?
    - The average salary for a lathe operator is 35 200 SEK per month.
  • What are the salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn an average of 35 400 SEK while women earn 34 100 SEK, which is 96% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a lathe operator?
    - The most common is a vocational education in industrial technology, often supplemented with practical training or post-secondary courses.
  • Are there many job openings for lathe operators?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is high today but expected to decline over five years due to technological development and automation.
  • What benefits are usually included in the job?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowance, shift premiums, and overtime pay.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a lathe operator?
    - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK and the lowest 31,400 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pressure lathe is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pressure lathe is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 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 Pressure lathe has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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