Tool dispenser

What does a Tool Lender do? – Tasks and work environment

A Tool Lender primarily works with managing, administering, and distributing tools and equipment to staff in industries such as manufacturing, construction, workshops, or warehouses. Common tasks include receiving, registering, and maintaining tools, as well as ensuring that the correct equipment is available and returned in good condition. The role often involves close collaboration with technicians, production staff, and warehouse workers, along with significant administrative duties involving inventory and documentation. The work environment is typically located in workshops, warehouses, or large construction sites and requires good organizational skills, accuracy, and the ability to work systematically under time pressure.

Salary development over time

The salary for Tool Lenders has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK per month, which increased to 32 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 400 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.7% during the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by a greater focus on qualified warehouse work and technical service, as well as general salary adjustments within the warehouse and logistics sector. Despite this rise, salary levels remain relatively stable, indicating steady demand and limited salary differences between employers. However, the market is characterized by a certain oversupply of labor, which may influence future salary development.

Tool Lender salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education of at least 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 201 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 32 700 SEK, men 33 600 SEK (women earn 97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on location and demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a Tool Lender, usually no formal higher education is required, but a high school diploma with a focus on technical, industrial, or logistics subjects is advantageous. Practical experience from warehouse work or other logistics services is often a strong asset, along with good knowledge of warehouse management and inventory systems. Some employers may also require forklift licenses or other relevant certifications depending on the workplace requirements.

• High school diploma: Focus on technical, industrial, or warehouse/logistics (3 years)
• Certifications: Forklift license or training in warehouse management systems can be advantageous
• Practical experience: Experience from warehouse, workshop, or similar environments is often desirable
• Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and administrative ability
• Tips for choosing: Select education or internships with elements of logistics and material handling

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Tool Lenders include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches or employee discounts depending on the employer. In some cases, additional compensation is offered for unsocial hours or standby, especially in larger companies or operations with shift work. Occupational pension and collective insurance schemes are also common within the industry.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for Tool Lenders is characterized by relatively high competition, with a national oversupply of workers in the warehouse and terminal personnel group. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, job opportunities are limited, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges may also arise from increased demands for digital skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing routines. Digitalization and automation of warehouse processes could, in the long term, affect the need for traditional Tool Lenders, even though specialized knowledge of tools and equipment remains valuable. Flexibility and technical understanding are therefore increasingly important qualities.

Tips for those who want to become a Tool Lender

To succeed as a Tool Lender, it is good to have a strong sense of order and be meticulous, as proper handling of tools and equipment is crucial for workflow. Demonstrating service-mindedness and being communicative facilitates cooperation with colleagues and makes it easier to solve everyday problems. Developing a technical understanding of various tools and materials gives you an advantage and makes you more independent in the role. It is also wise to gain experience from warehouse or workshop environments early on to understand logistics in practice. A flexible attitude and willingness to learn new systems and routines are valuable, especially as workplaces digitize. Finally, patience and stress tolerance are important, as the pace can sometimes be high and multiple tasks need to be managed simultaneously.

Key facts about Tool Lenders

• Salary range: 25,900–35,500 SEK/month
• Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma, often technical or logistical
• Work environment: Warehouse, workshop, or industrial setting
• Demand: Limited opportunities, oversupply nationally according to the Employment Service

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, Tool Lenders can advance to roles such as warehouse manager, logistics supervisor, or specialized technical support. Opportunities also exist to further education in warehouse management, procurement, or logistics planning to take the next step in their career. According to the Employment Service's forecast for warehouse and terminal personnel, the job market is expected to remain characterized by oversupply and limited opportunities in the coming years, with unchanged demand over the next five years. Despite this, there are still some job openings in the profession – in the latest compilation, there were 412 available positions. Those who combine experience with digital skills and specialized knowledge of tools and warehouse management have the best chances of remaining competitive in the job market.

Frequently asked questions about Tool Lenders

• What is the average salary of a Tool Lender?
  - The average salary for a Tool Lender is 33 400 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in Tool Lender salaries?
  - Men earn 33 600 SEK while women earn 32 700 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What education is required to become a Tool Lender?
  - High school education with a focus on technical or logistical subjects is recommended, often supplemented with practical experience and certifications.
• Are there good job opportunities for Tool Lenders?
  - Opportunities are considered limited at the national level, with an oversupply of labor and unchanged demand according to the Employment Service.
• How much does the salary vary for Tool Lenders?
  - The salary range spans from 25,900 SEK up to 35,500 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What personal qualities are important for a Tool Lender?
  - Accuracy, organizational skills, service-mindedness, and stress tolerance are important for success in the role.
• Can Tool Lenders work shifts?
  - Yes, many workplaces have shift work or varying working hours depending on operational needs.