How much does a Heat treatment operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Heat treatment operator

Heat treatment operator

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 operator

Average salary 39 800 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 39 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 35 Vacant jobs ->

What does a heat treatment operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A heat treatment operator works with altering the properties of metals through various forms of heat treatment. Tasks include monitoring and controlling furnaces and other equipment, checking temperature and timing, and ensuring the material is processed according to specified parameters. Often, sampling, quality control, and documentation of processes are also involved. The work environment is typically industrial, where high temperatures and noise may be present, and safety routines are central to daily operations.

Salary development over time

The salary development for a heat treatment operator has been clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increasing to 36 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 800 SEK, representing a total increase of about 9.6 percent during the period. This salary growth can be linked to continued demand for skilled labor in the industry, where technical specialist roles like this are valued increasingly higher. Automation and the requirement for documented competence also contribute to higher wages for experienced operators. Despite economic downturns in parts of the industry, the shortage of qualified personnel has kept wages stable or rising.

Heat treatment operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (female, various sectors, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (female, regional sector, secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 239 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 39900 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 39 500 SEK
  • Women earn: 99% of men's salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a heat treatment operator, a high school education in industry, technology, or similar is usually required. Many employers also prefer candidates who have completed specific courses in metalworking or process industry. Practical experience is often crucial, and it is common for new operators to start as apprentices or participate in internal trainee programs to learn to handle the specific equipment.

  • High school education: Industrial technical programs (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in heat treatment and metallurgy
  • Practical training: Apprenticeship or trainee at industrial companies
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of technology and mathematics
  • Tips for choosing: Select schools with strong industry connections and opportunities for internships

It is common for heat treatment operators to develop a deep knowledge of materials and become experts on how different metals react to heat, making the role both technically challenging and interesting for those who enjoy problem-solving.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Besides base salary, benefits such as shift allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses or performance-based rewards are often offered. Some employers also provide opportunities for further training and skill development within the company.

Competition and challenges

The job market for heat treatment operators is stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in larger industrial companies. A clear challenge is technological development, where automation and digitalization require operators to continually update their skills. Safety standards are high, and the work environment can be physically demanding, making endurance and precision important qualities. Additionally, access to qualified training places may be limited, requiring initiative from individuals seeking entry into the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a heat treatment operator

To succeed as a heat treatment operator, it helps to have a technical interest and be meticulous, as small errors can have significant consequences in the process. Analytical skills are useful for interpreting measurement data and understanding how different parameters affect the final result. Flexibility and willingness to work shifts are often advantageous, as many facilities operate around the clock. Collaboration skills are also important, since work is often team-based where communication and responsibility are central. Finally, initiative and a desire to develop are appreciated, as employers prefer operators who take steps toward further education or specialization.

Key facts about the heat treatment operator

  • Salary range: 38,100–41,000 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education in industry/technology
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with high safety standards
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work
  • Job openings per year: 1,437 within the occupational group

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a heat treatment operator can advance to more senior roles, such as process manager, supervisor, or technical specialist in materials technology. Further training can also open doors to roles like production technician or quality coordinator. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is limited data to precisely assess future prospects for this specific job title. However, the statistics show that there are 1,437 job openings in the group, indicating continued demand for skilled workers with the right qualifications.

Frequently asked questions about heat treatment operators

  • What does a heat treatment operator earn?
    - The average salary is 39 800 SEK per month, with a range between 38,100 and 41,000 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 39900 SEK and women 39 500 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a heat treatment operator?
    - High school education in industry or technology, preferably with a focus on metalworking and practical training.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - Work is performed in an industrial environment with high temperatures, noise, and safety requirements, often in shifts.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Forecasts are lacking for the profession, but there are many job openings within the occupational group.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Shift allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses or further training.
  • What is the hourly wage for a heat treatment operator?
    - The hourly wage averages 239 SEK based on 166 hours per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 11:32:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Heat treatment operator 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 operator 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Heat treatment operator has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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