Heat treatment

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 Heat treatment

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

What does a heat treater do? – Tasks and work environment

A heat treater works with altering the properties of metals through controlled heating and cooling. Processes may include hardening, tempering, and annealing, aiming to achieve desired hardness, toughness, or ductility in the material. The work is often carried out in industrial environments, such as steel and metal plants, where advanced furnaces and cooling systems are used. Heat treaters also monitor processes, perform quality control, and document to ensure products meet technical requirements and standards. The work environment is characterized by proximity to heavy machinery, high temperatures, and demands for precision and safety.

Salary development over time

The salary for heat treaters has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, rising to 36 900 SEK during 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 39 800 SEK, representing an increase of over 9.6% over three years. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for skilled labor in the industry, where technical knowledge and specialist skills are becoming increasingly important. The job market is also influenced by technological developments and higher demands for product quality, making the profession’s skill profile more attractive. Salary development can also be explained by regional differences and competition for experienced operators, especially in larger industrial regions.

Heat treater salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (woman, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (woman, secondary education, regional sector)
  • Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 39 500 SEK, men 39900 SEK – women earn 99% of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within regional sectors

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a heat treater typically involves a high school education within the industrial program with specialization in materials technology or production. Practical experience is highly valuable and often a requirement, as the work involves handling advanced machinery and processes. Further training, certifications, and specialized courses can provide advantages in the job market and enable specialization in various types of heat treatment.

  • High school education: Industrial technical program (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in heat treatment and materials science
  • Practical experience: Apprenticeship or internship during studies
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology skills
  • Further education: Opportunities for internal and external courses and certifications

Heat treaters often work in teams where collaboration between different professions is crucial for the final result. Many workplaces value initiative and the ability to quickly solve technical problems, making the profession attractive to those who enjoy challenges and development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Heat treaters can often expect benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, extra vacation during shift work, and wellness contributions. Many employers also offer training opportunities, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses linked to production goals or safety work.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a heat treater varies depending on the region and economic climate. Since the profession requires specialized skills and experience, it can be challenging for recent graduates to secure permanent positions immediately. Technological development imposes higher demands for understanding automated processes and quality control, requiring continuous skills development. The physical work environment with high temperatures and heavy lifts can also be demanding, so employers often prioritize candidates with good physical fitness and safety awareness. To stand out, not only the right education but also an interest in technology and process industries are necessary.

Tips for those wanting to become a heat treater

To succeed as a heat treater, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility. Being solution-oriented helps when unexpected problems arise, and a willingness to learn new techniques increases employability. Good teamwork skills are important since the work is often done in teams, and safety awareness is crucial given the work environment. Engagement in education and internships provides valuable experience, while patience and perseverance facilitate long or uncomfortable shifts. Seeking workplaces with internal training programs can also pave the way for career development within the profession.

Key facts about heat treaters

  • Educational level: High school diploma, often industrial technical program
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and high temperatures
  • Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes shift or night work
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession right now
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences, women earn 99% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a heat treater can advance to more senior roles, such as process manager, supervisor, or technical specialist in materials technology. There are also opportunities for further education in automation or quality control. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for heat treaters due to limited data, but within the machine and process operators at steel and metal plants, 1,437 available jobs are reported, indicating ongoing demand for the skill. Future prospects are mainly influenced by economic conditions and technological developments within Swedish industry.

Frequently asked questions about heat treaters

  • What does a heat treater earn?
    - A heat treater has an average salary of 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 per month, which means women earn 99% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a heat treater?
    - Industrial technical program at high school and practical experience or apprenticeship are recommended.
  • What is the job market like for heat treaters?
    - There are 1,437 available jobs within the profession, indicating strong demand.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a heat treater?
    - The highest salary is 41,000 SEK and the lowest 38,100 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Precision, responsibility, and technical interest are especially important for heat treaters.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Heat treatment 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 Heat treatment 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
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Heat treatment has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
  • Read more about working as Assembler, metal
    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 23:57
  • Read more about working as Mixing operator, rubber
    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 12:50
  • Read more about working as Seed cleaner
    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 01:37
  • Read more about working as Coppersmith
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 14:16
  • Read more about working as Gluers, carpentry
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 14:47
  • Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 12:06
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes