Image that illustrates Workshop technician, machine operator metal

Workshop technician, machine operator metal

35 200 kr

Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

31 400 - 36 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Workshop technician, machine operator metal

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 34 100 kr

What does a Workshop Technician, Metal Machine Operator do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A workshop technician, metal machine operator is responsible for setting up, monitoring, and operating machines that process metals in various manufacturing processes. Tasks include starting, stopping, and adjusting machines, checking product quality, and performing basic maintenance. Reading and interpreting drawings and instructions to ensure production meets specifications is often included. The work environment is typically industrial with a focus on safety, involving both independent work and teamwork. Precision, technical interest, and the ability to quickly handle operational disruptions are required.

Salary development over time

The average monthly salary for workshop technicians, metal machine operators has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average was 33,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 34 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further risen to 35 200 SEK, representing a total increase of about 6.7% over three years. This trend reflects ongoing high demand in the job market, driven by a shortage of qualified labor. Despite expectations of demand decrease in the longer term, recent technological developments and increased skill requirements continue to positively impact wages.

Workshop Technician, Metal Machine Operator Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male, post-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 35 400 SEK, women 34 100 SEK (women earn 96% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region, employer, and sector

Education and Qualifications

To work as a workshop technician, metal machine operator, a high school education with a focus on industrial technology or equivalent is usually required. Many employers also seek experience in machine production and knowledge of CNC technology. Practical experience is highly valued, and opportunities exist to supplement with certificates or in-house training. For some positions, shorter post-secondary courses may be advantageous.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: CNC operator, welding licenses
  • Internships: Apprenticeships and industry placements are common
  • Experience: Previous work in the metal industry is often advantageous
  • Additional courses: Machine handling and safety

Working as a machine operator in the metal industry often involves being part of a high-tech production chain where digitization and automation are rapidly changing daily work. The ability to adapt to new machines and digital systems is increasingly important, and curious individuals about technology often have opportunities to develop their skills continuously.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as shift and overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training are often offered. Occupational pensions and insurance are also common in the industry, along with overtime compensation and sometimes bonuses linked to production results.

Challenges and Competition

The job market for workshop technicians and metal machine operators is currently characterized by high demand and a shortage of qualified personnel. At the same time, rapid technological development and increased automation mean some tasks are changing or disappearing. This requires continuous skills development and flexibility. Competition can be fierce for the most attractive jobs, especially in regions with many industries. Long-term forecasts indicate a potential decrease in demand, making it especially important to stay updated and be prepared for new technological solutions in the profession.

Tips for Aspiring Workshop Technician, Metal Machine Operator

To succeed as a workshop technician or metal machine operator, combining technical interest with precision and problem-solving skills is beneficial. Being flexible and able to quickly learn new machines or tasks is a significant advantage, especially as production technology evolves. A strong safety mindset and a responsible attitude contribute to a safe working environment for yourself and colleagues. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new tasks makes it easier to develop and take on more advanced responsibilities. Good teamwork skills are also valuable since the work often occurs in teams. Finally, endurance and stress resistance are helpful, as the pace can be high, and quick responses may be required during production stoppages.

Key Facts about Workshop Technician, Metal Machine Operator

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school with technical specialization
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Demand: Large shortage of labor, but expected to decrease in the long term

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession as a workshop technician or metal machine operator, opportunities include advancing to roles such as production technician, supervisor, or CNC specialist. Some choose to further their education in automation or quality assurance, opening doors to more qualified positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market for metal machine operators is currently strong, but demand is expected to decline slightly over five years due to increased automation and technological advancements. Nevertheless, there are over 1,400 current job openings in the field, indicating good prospects for those interested in building a career in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions about Workshop Technician, Metal Machine Operator

  • What does a Workshop Technician, Metal Machine Operator earn?
    - The average salary is 35 200 SEK/month, with an hourly wage of 212 SEK.
  • How does the salary development look for the profession?
    - Salaries have increased by approximately 6.7% over three years, from 33,000 to 35 200 SEK/month.
  • What education is required to become a metal machine operator?
    - High school education in industrial technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training or certificates.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 34 100 SEK/month compared to men's 35 400 SEK/month.
  • What does the job market look like for metal machine operators?
    - There is currently a significant shortage of skilled workers, but demand is expected to decrease somewhat in the future.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Shift and overtime pay, wellness allowance, occupational pension, and work clothing are common benefits.
  • What career paths are available after a few years as a machine operator?
    - Advancement to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or automation specialist is possible.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Workshop technician, machine operator metal is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Workshop technician, machine operator metal is 31400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 30700 kr 32600 kr
25-34 98% 33400 kr 35300 kr
35-44 95% 33500 kr 35200 kr
45-54 97% 34300 kr 35900 kr
55-64 94% 34300 kr 35800 kr
65-68 33300 kr 34400 kr
Snitt 96% 33500 kr 35200 kr
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 Workshop technician, machine operator metal has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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