Roller

What does a Valssvarvare do? – Tasks and working environment

A Valssvarvare works with processing and maintaining rollers used in various types of metal industry, such as steelworks and rolling mills. Tasks include turning, grinding, and inspecting rollers to ensure they meet correct dimensions and quality before production. The work often involves advanced machines and tools, where precision and accuracy are crucial for the final result. The working environment is typically industrial and may involve noise, heavy lifting, and working with large machines, which requires safety awareness and technical understanding.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Valssvarvare has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and has continued up to 35 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.7% during this period. The trend indicates a stable demand for skills in the profession, partly due to a shortage of qualified labor and ongoing technological development in the industry. Meanwhile, automation and efficiency improvements have started to influence the workforce, which may dampen future salary increases and alter demand in the long term. The recent growth reflects increased workload and the need for specialized skills.

Valssvarvare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (women), 31,800 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 34,500 SEK/month (women), 36,100 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 34 100 SEK/month (96% of men's 35 400 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on industry location, but generally are somewhat higher in metropolitan areas and regions with heavy metal industry.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Valssvarvare, a high school education in industry, technology, or production is usually required, supplemented with practical training or apprenticeship periods. Many employers value additional education in CNC technology or metalworking, and experience in machine turning is often advantageous. Certifications and specialized courses can also increase employability and enable higher wages.

• High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
• Vocational college: Mechanical engineering / metalworking, 1–2 years
• Apprenticeship: Practical training at companies, often 6–12 months
• Certifications: CNC or turning technology, various levels
• Prerequisites: Passing grades in mathematics and technology from compulsory school
• Further training: Courses in advanced machinery handling and quality assurance

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Valssvarvare include shift and overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, insurance, and sometimes additional training through the employer. Many also offer access to occupational health services. Union agreements often guarantee stable conditions and pension contributions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a Valssvarvare has so far been relatively low, but over the longer term, demand is expected to decrease slightly due to increased automation and technological development. Although there are currently 1,437 job openings in the profession, the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) predicts that the need for machine setters and operators in metalwork may decline over five years. The shortage of qualified labor remains significant, especially in certain regions and industries. Changes in production methods and demands for digital skills may alter the profession, requiring new training and flexibility.

Tips for those who want to become a Valssvarvare

To succeed as a Valssvarvare, it is good to combine technical accuracy with a solution-oriented approach. Developing a good sense for details and quality control is crucial, as small errors can have large consequences in production. Practical experience through internships or apprenticeships provides confidence with machines and understanding of the working environment. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate changes in tasks and technology, while stress tolerance helps during unexpected breakdowns or production demands. Finally, good teamwork skills are important, as the work often takes place in teams where communication and responsibility are central.

Key facts about Valssvarvare

• Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
• Education requirements: High school education in industry or technology
• Job openings (2024): 1,437 in the profession
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
• Future prospects: Good today, but declining demand in the long term

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a Valssvarvare, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as production technician, supervisor, or quality manager in the metal industry. Some choose to further their education in CNC technology or automation to work with advanced machinery or programming. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts show that opportunities for employment as machine setters and operators in metalwork are currently strong, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to increased automation. Despite this, there remains a shortage of experienced and well-trained Valssvarvare, especially in larger industrial regions. Skills development and adaptation to new technology are important for meeting future demands and maintaining competitiveness in the job market.

Frequently asked questions about Valssvarvare

• What is the average monthly salary of a Valssvarvare?
  - The average salary is 35 200 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Valssvarvare?
  - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK and the lowest is 31,400 SEK per month, depending on gender, education, and employment type.
• What are the gender salary differences for Valssvarvare?
  - Women earn an average of 34 100 SEK per month, which corresponds to 96% of men's salary of 35 400 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Valssvarvare?
  - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training or further education in metalworking.
• What are the future prospects for Valssvarvare?
  - Demand is currently high, but a slight decrease is expected over five years due to automation and technological development.
• What benefits are common for Valssvarvare?
  - Shift and overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, insurance, and often further training are frequently offered.
• Are there regional salary differences for Valssvarvare?
  - Yes, salaries may be somewhat higher in metropolitan areas and regions with a large metal industry.