- Salary statistics
- Tool operator
Tool operator
35 300 - 35 900 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Tool operator
What does a tool operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A tool operator primarily works within the industry and is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting tool machines in manufacturing processes. Tasks often include programming and setting up machines, quality control of finished components, and maintenance of equipment. Precision and technical understanding are required to ensure high-quality production and optimal machine operation. The work environment is typically industrial, involving both manual and automated work, where safety routines are important and collaboration with other production staff is common.
Salary development over time
The salary for a tool operator has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,500 kronor per month, which increased to 35 200 kronor in 2023, and further to 35 900 kronor in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 7.2% over three years. The salary increase can partly be explained by the growing demand for skilled labor in the industry and general wage adjustments within technical and manufacturing professions. Additionally, technical requirements and skills development have contributed to raising salary levels, while high employment in the industry has created competition for workers.
Tool operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage (average): 216 SEK
- Gender differences: Men 36 000 SEK, women – data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a tool operator, a high school education in industrial technology or similar technical programs is usually required. Many employers also prefer candidates with experience from production or relevant courses in workshop technology. Some employers offer internal training or trainee programs for new hires, while certifications in machine handling or CNC technology can be advantageous.
- High school education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
- Vocational courses: Workshop technology, CNC technology
- Certifications: Machine safety, quality control
- Internship: Common component during education
- Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology
Many tool operators have the opportunity to work with advanced and computer-controlled machines, making the profession an exciting entry point into the rapidly growing automation industry. The combination of practical work and technological development means the workday is rarely monotonous. For those who enjoy problem-solving and technology, the role is both challenging and stimulating.
Common benefits and compensations
Tool operators often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, and insurance. Shift work can provide additional allowances, and some workplaces offer bonuses for achieving production targets. Many employers also invest in skills development and further training as additional benefits.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a tool operator varies depending on region and economic situation. In areas with strong industry, there are often good employment opportunities, while competition may be higher in regions with weaker industrial bases. Challenges in the profession include rapid technological development requiring continuous skills updating, as well as high demands on accuracy and safety. Physical strain and monotonous tasks may occur, but are often offset by the opportunity to work with modern technology and automation. The availability of trained personnel also influences the job market, as a shortage of qualified tool operators can lead to increased demand and better conditions.
Tips for those wanting to become a tool operator
To succeed as a tool operator, it is good to have a technical interest and strong problem-solving skills, as the work often involves quickly identifying and fixing machine-related issues. Being precise and responsible is central, as quality assurance and safety are important parts of the job. Flexibility and teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and adaptation to changing tasks. An interest in development and a desire to learn new techniques are also valuable, as the industry is constantly evolving. Being able to handle stress helps during high production pace and unforeseen situations, and organizational skills contribute to creating a safe and efficient work environment.
Key facts about the tool operator profession
- Educational level: High school education (industrial technology) is most common
- Work environment: Industrial production, often shift work
- Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the profession
- Experience: Internships or trainee programs are common at start
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as production technician, supervisor, or specialist in CNC programming. It is also common for tool operators to further educate themselves in automation or quality assurance to broaden their skills. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for the tool operator as an individual profession, but the profession of toolmaker has good job availability, indicating stable future prospects for those who are educated and experienced. The technological development in industry may also create new career opportunities for those open to further training and specialization.
Frequently asked questions about the tool operator profession
- What is the average salary of a tool operator?
- A tool operator has an average salary of 35 900 kronor per month. - What is required to become a tool operator?
- High school education in industrial technology and practical experience or work in production are common. - Are there many job openings for tool operators?
- There are 1437 available jobs in the profession according to the latest statistics. - What is the work environment like for tool operators?
- The work environment is industrial, often involving shift work and high demands on safety and accuracy. - Can I pursue further education within the profession?
- Yes, there are good opportunities for further training in automation, CNC, or leadership. - What distinguishes tool operators from toolmakers?
- Tool operators mainly work in production, while toolmakers manufacture and maintain tools.
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 operator has the SSYK code 7222, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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