Workshop optician

What does a workshop optician do? – Tasks and work environment

A workshop optician works with manufacturing, adjusting, and repairing optical instruments and components, such as glasses, lenses, and sometimes precision optics for industry or healthcare. Tasks often include grinding, polishing, assembly, and quality control of optical products according to precise specifications. The workshop optician may also be responsible for quality assurance and troubleshooting in the manufacturing process, requiring great accuracy and technical knowledge. The work environment is usually a specialized workshop or laboratory, where work is performed independently and in collaboration with other technicians and engineers. The profession demands high precision and patience, especially regarding micromechanical tasks and handling advanced equipment.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for workshop opticians has increased from 31,900 SEK in 2022 to 33 400 SEK in 2023, and further to 34 800 SEK in 2024. This salary increase corresponds to a total growth of approximately 9% during the period, which is somewhat above the general wage level within craft professions. Factors driving this development include continued technological advancement within the optics industry, increased demands for specialized skills, and a growing need for quality control and product customization. The demand for workshop opticians has also been influenced by new technology and an increased focus on individually tailored solutions, which gradually assigns greater responsibility to the role and thus improved salary conditions.

Workshop optician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,300 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 40,900 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 209 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 37 900 SEK, women 28,300 SEK (women earn 75% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No detailed data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a workshop optician, a high school education in technology or industry is usually required, preferably with a focus on micromechanics. Many employers view supplementary post-secondary education or specialized courses in optics, metrology, and micromechanics positively. Practical experience is also highly valuable and can be obtained through internships, traineeships, or supervised work.

• High school education: Industrial technical programs with relevant specialization (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college or technical training shorter than 3 years is advantageous
• Certifications: Courses in optics, metrology, and micromechanics are recommended
• Internships: Workplace-based internships or traineeships are common
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and precision

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for workshop opticians include occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for professional development through courses and further training. Many workplaces also offer subsidized lunches, flexible working hours, and insurance coverage. Extra compensation for unsocial hours may occur during shift work or on-call duties.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of workshop opticians is affected by the limited number of training places and a relatively small labor market. The challenge often lies in staying updated on new technology and production methods, as the industry undergoes rapid technological development. The profession also requires the ability to work under high quality standards and with small tolerances, which can be demanding. Since the profession is part of the micromechanics group, competition for available positions exists, but with the right skills and experience, opportunities are good. The lack of detailed statistics makes it difficult to give an exact picture of future competition.

Tips for those who want to become a workshop optician

To succeed as a workshop optician, it is good to have a genuine interest in technology and details. Precision is a crucial trait, as many tasks require accuracy at the millimeter level. Problem-solving skills are helpful in troubleshooting when optical components do not meet requirements. Patience and perseverance are important during repetitive tasks and long-term projects where each step must be performed correctly. Being collaborative is also valuable, as many tasks are performed in teams with other technicians and engineers. Finally, curiosity and openness to learning new techniques are beneficial, since the optics industry is constantly evolving and offers opportunities for further education and specialization.

Key facts about workshop opticians

• Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month
• Salary range: 28,300–40,900 SEK/month
• Education level: High school or vocational college (up to 3 years)
• Work environment: Workshop or laboratory, often within micromechanics
• Demand: 341 job openings within the micromechanics profession

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a workshop optician, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or specialized technician within optics and micromechanics. Further education can open doors to more advanced positions in quality control, development of new optical products, or work within medical technology and research. According to the Employment Service's job forecast for micromechanics, which includes workshop opticians, there is no detailed assessment of job prospects due to limited statistical data. However, the number of job openings indicates that demand for expertise in the field remains stable. Technological development and increased demands for specialization suggest that the profession will continue to be relevant and offer good career opportunities for those willing to develop further.

Common questions about workshop opticians

• What does a workshop optician earn?
  - The average salary for a workshop optician is 34 800 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development for workshop opticians progressed?
  - Salaries have increased from 31,900 SEK in 2022 to 34 800 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 9%.
• What education is required to become a workshop optician?
  - Usually, a high school education in technology or industry, along with post-secondary courses or vocational college, is required.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for workshop opticians?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 37 900 SEK and women 28,300 SEK, meaning women earn 75% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like for workshop opticians?
  - There are 341 job openings within the micromechanics profession, including workshop opticians.
• What work environments are common for workshop opticians?
  - They mainly work in specialized workshops or laboratories, often within micromechanics.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for workshop opticians?
  - The highest salary is 40,900 SEK, and the lowest is 28,300 SEK per month.