Tool changer

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 Tool changer

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

What does a tool setter do? – Tasks and work environment

A tool setter primarily works with setting, changing, and adjusting tools in production machines within the metal industry. The profession involves significant responsibility for ensuring machines operate optimally, that settings are correct, and that production meets quality and efficiency requirements. The tool setter often collaborates with machine operators, technicians, and maintenance staff. The work environment is characterized by industry demands for precision, safety, and often some physical work, with tasks performed both standing and walking in noisy environments.

Salary development over time

Salaries for tool setters have shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 000 SEK in 2023, and further rising to 35 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.7% over three years. The trend is driven mainly by continued strong demand for the profession, especially in industries where automation and technological development impose higher requirements on specialized skills. Despite this, demand is expected to decrease somewhat in the long term as more companies invest in automated solutions. However, the salary development has been stable, indicating that competent tool setters continue to be highly valued in the labor market.

Tool setter salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
  • Women: 34 100 SEK/month
  • Men: 35 400 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 96 % of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on industry location and demand, especially in areas with a high concentration of industry.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a tool setter usually involves technical high school programs, particularly in industrial technology or workshop technology. Many employers also seek experience from production, and it is common to combine education with internships or trainee positions. For some roles, supplementary courses or certifications may be advantageous, especially within CNC technology and machine maintenance.

  • High school education: Industrial technical program, 3 years
  • Internship: On-the-job learning during education
  • Supplementary courses: CNC control, machine technology
  • Certifications: Especially meritorious for advanced tasks
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest

Tool setters often develop a deep understanding of machine functions and can, over time, become key personnel for the production flow, as they can quickly identify and resolve issues that would otherwise cause downtime.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Industries often offer tool setters benefits such as overtime pay, shift or night allowances, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training. Working hours can vary with shift schedules, and some employers provide bonus or performance-based compensation during high production periods or special efforts.

Competition and challenges

The job market for tool setters features good opportunities, but employers also demand high technical competence and flexibility. The shortage of experienced tool setters has led to a strained recruitment situation, especially in regions with a lot of industry. At the same time, technological development and increased automation mean the profession is changing rapidly, requiring continuous further education. In the longer term, demand is expected to decline, but those who stay updated on new technology will still have good prospects.

Tips for those who want to become a tool setter

To succeed as a tool setter, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with a careful and problem-solving mindset. Being flexible and able to adapt to changing production requirements is important, as is quickly learning new machines and routines. A structured approach helps minimize errors and increase efficiency, while teamwork skills facilitate communication with operators and technicians. Patience and stress tolerance are also advantages when unforeseen problems arise. Those who invest in further training in CNC technology or automation will have better opportunities for development and higher salaries within the profession.

Key facts about Tool Setters

  • Salary range: 31,400–36,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school, industrial technology (3 years)
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Demand: Great job opportunities, but declining in the long term
  • Job openings: 1,437 nationwide (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to develop into more advanced roles, such as production technician, supervisor, or quality manager within industry. Many tool setters further specialize in CNC programming or automation and take on more complex tasks. According to the Employment Service, job opportunities remain strong, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to technological development and automation. The profession will evolve as new machines and digital tools are introduced, making continuous education and broad technical skills increasingly important.

Frequently asked questions about Tool Setters

  • What is the average salary of a tool setter?
    - The average salary for a tool setter is 35 200 SEK/month.
  • How do gender differences in salary look for tool setters?
    - Men earn 35 400 SEK while women earn 34 100 SEK, which means women earn 96 % of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a tool setter?
    - Industrial technical high school program (3 years) plus internships and sometimes additional courses in CNC technology.
  • Are there good future prospects for tool setters?
    - Yes, there are many job openings today, but demand may decrease over time due to automation.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a tool setter?
    - Highest salary is 36,100 SEK and lowest is 31,400 SEK.
  • What is the work environment like for tool setters?
    - The work environment is industrial, often involving shift work and noise, with safety routines being important.
  • What career paths are available for tool setters?
    - It is possible to advance to production technician, supervisor, or specialize in CNC and automation.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Tool changer 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 Tool changer 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
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 changer has the SSYK code 7223, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes