- Salary statistics
- Tool worker
Tool worker
35 300 - 35 900 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Tool worker
What does a toolmaker do? – Tasks and work environment
A toolmaker manufactures, maintains, and repairs precision tools used in industry, such as molds, press tools, and fixtures for production. The work requires precision and technical knowledge since tools are often produced in small series with high demands on accuracy. The work environment is typically workshop-based, utilizing both manual and computer-controlled machines. Toolmakers often work in teams but can also be independently responsible for entire or parts of the manufacturing process.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, toolmakers have experienced steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 33,500 SEK per month, which increased to 35 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of about 7.2% over three years. Salary growth within the profession has been somewhat stronger than the average within the industry, which can be explained by continued demand for specialized skills in precision mechanics and tool manufacturing. The shortage of trained toolmakers and increasing technical requirements in the industry have contributed to pushing wages slightly higher than in related professions.
Toolmaker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data varies, but the average is 35 900 SEK
- Hourly wage: 216 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 36 000 SEK, no specific data on women
- Regional differences: Data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on industry area
Education and qualifications
To work as a toolmaker, a typical requirement is a technical upper secondary school program, preferably with a focus on toolmaking or production technology. Many employers also seek experience with CNC-controlled machines and basic skills in reading technical drawings. Additional courses, internships, and certifications can be advantageous and improve employment prospects.
- Upper secondary education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
- Certifications: CNC operator, metrology, welding
- Internships: Usually through school-based practical training or trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology
- Further education: Opportunities for YH (vocational university) training in toolmaking
Toolmakers often work with highly advanced machines and digital systems. The technological development in the industry means that the profession is constantly evolving, providing opportunities to learn new techniques and work with the latest technology.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for toolmakers include collective agreement-based occupational pension schemes, insurances, and access to wellness allowances. Many employers also offer training opportunities, workwear, and sometimes bonus or incentive systems linked to production results. Overtime pay and shift allowances may also be included depending on the workplace schedule.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a toolmaker varies depending on region and industry development. Since the profession requires specialized skills and experience with advanced machinery, it is in short supply in some areas, which can benefit recent graduates. At the same time, rapid technological development and increased automation are changing the profession, requiring continuous further education. Physical strain and repetitive movements can be challenging, and the work environment demands precision and safety awareness. Success depends on staying updated on new manufacturing methods and digital tools.
Tips for aspiring toolmakers
To succeed as a toolmaker, it is important to be meticulous and have a strong interest in technology. Developing problem-solving skills helps when setting up complex machines or performing repairs. It is also essential to be resilient and work systematically, especially during long or monotonous tasks. Good teamwork skills are valued since work often occurs in teams, but independence is also necessary to take responsibility for your own projects. A willingness to learn new techniques and machines is crucial as the industry constantly evolves. Taking the initiative to internships or summer jobs provides valuable experience and increases chances of employment. Finally, it pays off to invest time in understanding technical drawing and basic metrology early in your education.
Key facts about toolmakers
- Educational level: Upper secondary education – industrial technology program
- Work environment: Workshop, often with advanced machinery
- Work schedule: Shift or daytime, depending on industry
- Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
- Special skills: CNC, reading technical drawings, metrology
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a toolmaker, there are good opportunities for further development within the industry. Common career paths include roles as production technicians, supervisors, or specialists in CNC programming. Further education in quality control or technical project management is also common. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, there is no specific assessment for toolmakers due to limited data, but industry data shows that in May 2024, there were 1,437 job openings in the profession. This indicates continued demand, especially in markets where industry is strong. Automation and technological development influence the profession, but those who keep their skills up to date have good future prospects.
Frequently asked questions about toolmakers
- What is the average salary of a toolmaker?
- The average salary is 35 900 SEK per month. - How has the salary development for toolmakers looked?
- Salaries have increased from 33,500 SEK in 2022 to 35 900 SEK in 2024, a rise of approximately 7.2%. - What education is required to become a toolmaker?
- The industrial technology upper secondary program is most common, often supplemented with internships and certifications. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn on average 36 000 SEK; specific data on women is not available. - What is the job market like for toolmakers?
- Currently, there are 1,437 job openings in the profession, indicating strong demand. - What personal qualities are important for a toolmaker?
- Attention to detail, technical interest, and problem-solving skills are central qualities in the profession.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35100 kr | 35800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 36200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36900 kr | 37500 kr | |
| Snitt | 35300 kr | 35900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35100 kr | 35800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 36200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36900 kr | 37500 kr | |
| Snitt | 35300 kr | 35900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35100 kr | 35800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 36200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36900 kr | 37500 kr | |
| Snitt | 35300 kr | 35900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 35700 kr | 36400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37200 kr | 37700 kr | |
| Snitt | 35400 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 35700 kr | 36400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37200 kr | 37700 kr | |
| Snitt | 35400 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 35700 kr | 36400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37200 kr | 37700 kr | |
| Snitt | 35400 kr | 36000 kr |
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 Tool worker has the SSYK code 7222, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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