Machine tool operator

What does a Tool Machine Operator do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A tool machine operator mainly works with operating and monitoring machines in the metal industry. Tasks include setting, starting, and inspecting machines such as lathes, milling machines, or drilling machines for metal components. The operator ensures machines function correctly, maintains quality standards, and quickly addresses any faults. The work is often performed in production environments with high safety requirements, noise, and sometimes shift work. Precision, technical interest, and problem-solving skills are important qualities in this profession.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for a tool machine operator has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, increasing to 34 000 SEK in 2023 and further to the current level of 35 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 6.7% during this period, representing a relatively stable salary development compared to other industrial occupations. Factors driving this include continued high demand for skills, especially given the current shortage of machine operators in metalwork. At the same time, automation and technological advances will influence future salary trends, potentially leading to changes in the longer term.

Tool 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, various sectors, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK/hour
• Women: 34 100 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
• Men: 35 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, especially between metropolitan areas and smaller towns

Education and Qualifications

To work as a tool machine operator, a high school education in industrial technology or equivalent is usually required, but many employers also value practical experience from the industry. Additional training or certifications in CNC technology or metalworking can increase employability and salary potential. Internships during education are common and can often lead to employment immediately after graduation.

• High school education: Industrial technology programs (3 years)
• Certifications: CNC operator, welding licenses, forklift license
• Internship: Often mandatory during training
• Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology skills
• Additional courses: Can be offered via adult education or YH (Higher Vocational Education)

Common Benefits and Compensation

Tool machine operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide rights to occupational pensions, insurance, and holiday pay. Other common benefits include shift allowances for night and weekend work, wellness contributions, workwear, and sometimes opportunities for training or further development at the workplace. In some cases, bonus programs linked to production results are offered.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a tool machine operator has been relatively low so far, due to a shortage of trained personnel in the field. At the same time, the profession faces challenges related to increased automation and technological development, which may reduce demand in the longer term. To remain attractive on the job market, continuous skills development and adaptation to new technologies are necessary. Shift work and physically demanding environments can be strenuous for some, while working with advanced technology attracts others. Regional differences in demand also influence the competitive situation.

Tips for Aspiring Tool Machine Operators

To succeed as a tool machine operator, having a technical interest and a willingness to learn new things is beneficial. Precision is crucial, as machines and processes require accuracy for the final product to meet standards. Flexibility and teamwork skills facilitate the work, especially during shift work and in production teams. A solution-oriented mindset helps to quickly handle issues that may arise during production. Taking the initiative for further training, such as CNC programming, provides an advantage in the job market. Good physical health is also an asset, as the work can be physically demanding. Finally, responsibility and organization are valued, as safety routines must always be followed.

Key Facts about Tool Machine Operators

• Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
• Education level: High school or YH, often with industrial technology specialization
• Work environment: Industrial production, often shift work
• Demand: Good job prospects, but decreasing in the future
• Job openings: 1,437 advertised positions within the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, opportunities open for more qualified roles such as CNC programmer, supervisor, or production technician. Some choose to further their education in automation or maintenance, which can lead to additional career advancement. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, prospects remain good for work as a tool machine operator, although demand may decline over time due to technological progress and increased automation. The current recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of trained personnel, especially in metalwork. Regional variations exist, but metropolitan areas and expanding industrial regions often offer the most opportunities. Continual upskilling in new technologies and machinery systems strengthens long-term employability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tool Machine Operators

• What does a Tool Machine Operator earn?
  - The average salary is 35 200 SEK/month, with a range from 31,400 SEK to 36,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 35 400 SEK, while women earn 34 100 SEK, which is approximately 96% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Tool Machine Operator?
  - A high school education in industrial technology is most common, but additional courses or certifications in CNC or metalworking can be advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is currently high, but is expected to decrease slightly over five years due to automation and technological development.
• Are there many job openings for Tool Machine Operators?
  - Yes, there are currently 1,437 advertised positions within the profession according to the latest statistics.
• What do Tool Machine Operators do during their workdays?
  - Tasks include setting up, operating, and monitoring machine tools, checking quality, and troubleshooting machine issues.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Collective agreements, occupational pension, shift allowances, wellness contributions, workwear, and opportunities for training or further development are common benefits.