Workshop planner

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

A workshop planner is responsible for coordinating and optimizing the production flow within the workshop industry. Tasks include planning manufacturing orders, resource allocation, material procurement, and monitoring production times. The role often involves close collaboration with production technicians, engineers, and operators to ensure efficient production and timely deliveries. The work is usually performed in a combination of office and production environments, where flexibility and problem-solving skills are important traits. Workshop planners also play a key role in identifying and resolving bottlenecks in production and working on continuous improvements.

Salary development over time

The salary for workshop planners has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,500 SEK per month, increasing to 43 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 45 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.2% over the period, which is slightly higher than the average salary development in the industry sector. Factors driving this development include increased demand for skills in production planning, technical specialization, and a growing need for efficiency in industry. Technological development and digitization of production processes have also contributed to higher skill requirements and salary levels for the profession.

Workshop planner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 68,000 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 272 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 43 200 SEK/month (95% of men's 45 600 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is lacking for the profession

Education and qualifications

To work as a workshop planner, a technical education at high school or post-secondary level is usually required, often with a focus on mechanical engineering, production technology, or industrial economics. Practical experience from the workshop industry is highly valued, and many employers also value further training or certifications in production and logistics. Good computer skills and the ability to work with production planning systems are often required.

• High school diploma: Industrial technical programs or engineering programs (3 years)
• Vocational college education: Production technician, logisticians, or equivalent (2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in LEAN, production management, or logistics
• Internship: Practical experience from workshop production is an advantage
• IT skills: Familiarity with production planning systems and enterprise systems

Common benefits and compensations

Workshop planners are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime agreements, and the possibility of remote work for administrative tasks. Other common compensations include bonus programs based on production goals, insurances, and opportunities for further training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for workshop planners is characterized by competition for the most qualified candidates, especially in regions with a strong industrial concentration. Since many employers require both technical skills and experience in production management, it can be challenging for recent graduates to enter the market without practical experience. Digitalization has also raised the demands for understanding advanced IT systems and data analysis. At the same time, globalization and rapid technological shifts mean the profession is constantly evolving, requiring continuous skills development. The lack of standardized educational pathways can make it difficult to stand out in the competition, which is why work experience often weighs heavily.

Tips for aspiring workshop planners

To succeed as a workshop planner, it is good to combine analytical skills with a structured approach. An advice is to gain practical experience early on, such as through summer jobs or internships, as this provides invaluable insight into workflows. Good communication skills are crucial, as the role requires collaboration with technicians and management. Being solution-oriented helps when unforeseen problems arise, while precision minimizes the risk of planning errors. Furthermore, having an interest in technology and a desire to learn about new systems and methods is an advantage. Flexibility and the ability to prioritize tasks under time pressure are also highly valued traits in the profession.

Key facts about workshop planners

• Salary range: 37,000–68,000 SEK/month
• Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
• Education: High school or post-secondary technical education
• Work environment: Combination of office and production
• Job openings: Approximately 550 within the profession

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a workshop planner can advance to roles such as production manager, project manager, or logistics manager. Experience in production optimization and digital tools can also open opportunities in business development or process development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, there is no specific assessment for the job title workshop planner, but within the group of engineers and technicians in mechanical engineering, about 550 job openings are reported. The future outlook is considered stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be high. Continued technological development and focus on efficiency are expected to maintain demand for skilled workshop planners.

Frequently asked questions about workshop planners

• What does a workshop planner earn?
  - A workshop planner has an average salary of 45 300 SEK per month, with a salary range between 37,000 and 68,000 SEK.
• What education is required to become a workshop planner?
  - Typically, a technical high school or post-secondary education is required, often supplemented with practical experience from the industry.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 43 200 SEK, while men earn 45 600 SEK, which means women earn approximately 95% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Projections show stable demand within the profession, with about 550 job openings, but no specific assessment for workshop planners is available.
• What is the highest salary for a workshop planner?
  - The highest reported salary is 68,000 SEK per month and belongs to a woman with a doctoral degree in the municipal sector.
• What does a workshop planner do daily?
  - The role involves planning and controlling production, optimizing workflows, and collaborating with various functions within the company.
• What is the lowest salary for a workshop planner?
  - The lowest salary is 37,000 SEK per month and belongs to a woman in the public sector.