- Salary statistics
- Oven caretaker, iron sponge plant
Oven caretaker, iron sponge plant
38 000 - 40 200 kr / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Installation & drift/underhåll
Salary progression Oven caretaker, iron sponge plant
What does an oven operator do in a pig iron plant? – Tasks and work environment
An oven operator in a pig iron plant is responsible for monitoring and controlling the operation of furnaces where iron ore is reduced to pig iron, an essential step in metal production. The job involves checking temperatures, handling raw materials, and ensuring that the process follows safety procedures and quality standards. The environment is often industrial, with high noise levels, heat, and dust, requiring protective equipment and precision. Oven operators typically work shifts, which may include nights and weekends, and collaborate closely with other operational staff to maintain consistent and safe production.
Wage development over time
The salary for an oven operator in a pig iron plant has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 kr per month, rising to 37 700 in 2023 and further to 39 700 in 2024. This represents a total increase of nearly 9% during the period, with a particularly clear rise in the last year. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for skills in the metal industry, as employers compete for experienced process supervisors. Industry demands for technical understanding and safety awareness have also contributed to pushing up wages.
Oven operator, pig iron plant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 700 kr/month
- Lowest salary: 38,000 kr/month (female, various sectors)
- Highest salary: 40,200 kr/month (male, regional sector)
- Hourly wage: 239 kr
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 39 900 kr, women: 38,000 kr)
- Regional differences: The regional sector offers the highest wages, but detailed statistics are lacking
Education and qualifications
To work as an oven operator in a pig iron plant, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or process engineering is usually required. Many employers also look for experience from similar work in the metal or process industry, and internal training programs or internships are common. In addition to formal education, technical interest, accuracy, and the ability to work in shifts are highly valued.
- High school education: Industry or technology programs, often 3 years
- Internal training: Introduction courses and safety certifications at the workplace
- Internships: On-the-job internships or trainee periods
- Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical understanding
- Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on metal or process industry for the best prospects
Working as an oven operator often involves shift work and can therefore suit people who enjoy varying working hours. The role also requires a high safety awareness and good teamwork skills, as the tasks are closely integrated with other parts of production. For those who appreciate technical challenges and want a practical role in industry, this profession is especially interesting.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for oven operators in a pig iron plant include shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and occupational pensions. Other benefits can include work clothing, subsidized lunches, and sometimes opportunities for further training or certification courses. Occupational pensions and insurances are often included as part of the employment package.
Challenges and competition
The profession of oven operator in a pig iron plant is part of the process supervisors within metal production, where the competitive situation varies depending on region and economic conditions. Currently, 481 job openings are reported within the profession, indicating relatively good demand. However, detailed future forecasts are lacking due to limited data. One of the biggest challenges is meeting increasing technical requirements and quickly adapting to new processes and safety routines. Shift work and physically demanding environments can also be strenuous for some, and the profession demands high accuracy and responsibility.
Tips for those who want to become an oven operator in a pig iron plant
To succeed as an oven operator in a pig iron plant, it is good to have an technical interest and a willingness to learn new processes, as the tasks often require quick problem-solving and adaptability. Precision is crucial to ensure that production is safe and meets quality standards, so developing a methodical work style already during training is beneficial. Teamwork skills are also important, as the work environment is collective, and communication with colleagues is central to avoiding risks. Being flexible and able to handle shift work facilitates adaptation to the profession’s demands. Finally, applicants should have high stress tolerance and a strong safety mindset, as quick decisions sometimes must be made under pressure.
Key facts about Oven Operator, pig iron plant
- Average salary: 39 700 kr/month
- Salary range: 38,000–40,200 kr/month
- Education level: High school education in industry/technology
- Work environment: Shift work in an industrial environment
- Job openings in the profession: 481
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience as an oven operator in a pig iron plant, opportunities open for more qualified roles such as shift leader, process operator, or specialist in process technology. Some choose to further their education and move into supervisory or technical expert roles within maintenance and process development. The Employment Service’s forecast for process supervisors in metal production does not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but there is a stable demand with many job openings. Those interested in advancing within the industry have good opportunities to progress or broaden their skills into related roles.
Frequently asked questions about Oven Operator, pig iron plant
- What does an oven operator earn in a pig iron plant?
- The average salary is 39 700 kr per month, with an hourly wage of 239 kr. - Are there gender pay differences?
- Yes, women earn approximately 95% of what men do within the profession. - What education is required to become an oven operator?
- High school education in industry or technology, along with internal training at the workplace, is most common. - What is the working environment like?
- The environment is industrial with shift work, high safety standards, and physical tasks. - What are the future prospects?
- There is a stable number of 481 job openings, but no exact forecast from the Employment Service. - What benefits are common?
- Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and occupational pensions are typical benefits. - Can one advance within the profession?
- Yes, experienced oven operators can become shift leaders, process operators, or further educate themselves in technical specialist roles.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31700 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33400 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34900 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34700 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35500 kr | 41100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34200 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31700 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33400 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34900 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34700 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35500 kr | 41100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34200 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31700 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33400 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34900 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34700 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35500 kr | 41100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34200 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31800 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33600 kr | 39000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35100 kr | 41200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34600 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35600 kr | 41200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34300 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31800 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33600 kr | 39000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35100 kr | 41200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34600 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35600 kr | 41200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34300 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31800 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33600 kr | 39000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35100 kr | 41200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34600 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35600 kr | 41200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34300 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 33400 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 33400 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 33400 kr | 38000 kr |
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 Oven caretaker, iron sponge plant has the SSYK code 8193, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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