Image that illustrates Timber intake

Timber intake

36 800 kr

Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

35 400 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Timber intake

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 35 400 kr

What does a Virkesintagare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Virkesintagare primarily works within the timber industry and is responsible for receiving, sorting, and assessing the quality of timber at sawmills and wood processing facilities. The tasks include accepting deliveries, checking timber batches against orders, and ensuring the material meets standards before moving further in the production process. The work often involves close cooperation with truck drivers, machine operators, and production staff. The environment is characterized by a fast pace, heavy lifting, and work both outdoors and indoors, where good communication skills and precision are essential for a smooth workflow.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Virkesintagare has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 kronor per month. In 2023, the average increased to 35 000 kronor, corresponding to an increase of about 4.2%. In 2024, the trend continued upward, and the average salary reached 36 800 kronor per month, a further increase of approximately 5.1% from the previous year. Factors driving this increase include increased demand for wood products, skill shortages in certain regions, and salary adjustments to attract and retain skilled personnel in the industry. Gender differences persist, but the overall salary development benefits both men and women in the profession.

Virkesintagare salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 kr/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 kr/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 221 kr
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of men's salary (men 37 000 kr, women 35,400 kr)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions, but specific regional ranges are not provided

Education and qualifications

To work as a Virkesintagare, a high school education in wood technology, industry, or a related field is usually required. Many employers value practical experience from sawmills or the wood industry, and some companies offer internal training or trainee programs for new employees. Good physical condition, technical interest, and the ability to work independently are important qualities. Additional qualifications such as forklift licenses or training in occupational safety and health can be advantageous.

  • High school education: Specialization in wood technology or industry (3 years)
  • Certificates/courses: Forklift license, occupational safety training, and safety courses
  • Internship: Experience from sawmills or the wood industry is often advantageous
  • Internal training: Some employers offer trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical interest

Experienced Virkesintagare often develop a unique feel for different wood types and quality, allowing them to quickly determine which batches are suitable for various uses. This tacit knowledge is difficult to replace with machines and is highly valued by employers in the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Virkesintagare are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation, wellness contributions, and sometimes work clothing and protective equipment. Overtime pay and shift allowances are common in many positions, especially where operations run in three shifts or during inconvenient hours. Some employers also offer bonuses linked to production or safety performance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for Virkesintagare positions varies depending on region and economic conditions in the wood industry. In areas with many sawmills and high production, demand for labor is generally good, but access to qualified candidates can be limited, especially if specific certifications are required. Challenges in the profession often involve handling heavy lifts, working under pressure, and maintaining accuracy in quality assessments. Another challenge is adapting quickly to changing production flows and safety routines, especially with the introduction of new machinery and digital systems.

Tips for those wishing to become Virkesintagare

To succeed as a Virkesintagare, it’s good to combine precision with a genuine interest in wood and production. Attention to detail helps quickly identify quality issues, while good physical fitness facilitates handling heavy timber loads and long working hours. Stress resistance is an important trait, as the pace is often high, and deliveries must be managed swiftly and safely. Demonstrating responsibility and working systematically are appreciated by employers, especially in environments where safety is prioritized. It’s also wise to actively seek internships or summer jobs in the wood industry to build experience and networks. Finally, showing interest in new machinery and digital tools is advantageous, as technological development in the industry is rapid.

Key facts about Virkesintagare

  • Average salary: 36 800 kr/month
  • Salary range: 35,400–37,400 kr/month
  • Education level: High school education, often supplemented with certificates
  • Work environment: Industrial environment, both outdoors and indoors
  • Job openings within the profession: 1,437 positions (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a Virkesintagare, there are good opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader or production manager within sawmills and the wood industry. Further education can lead to specialist roles, such as quality manager or process operator. According to the Employment Service, there is currently no exact forecast for Virkesintagare, but within the group “Operators in sawmills, planing mills, and plywood etc.” there were 1,437 available positions in spring 2024, indicating continued demand. Skills in digital control systems and machinery handling are expected to become increasingly important for the future job market in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Virkesintagare

  • What is the average salary of a Virkesintagare?
    - The average salary for a Virkesintagare is 36 800 kronor per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Virkesintagare?
    - The highest salary is 37,400 kronor, and the lowest is 35,400 kronor per month.
  • What do gender differences look like in the profession?
    - Women earn 96% of men's salaries (men 37 000 kr, women 35,400 kr).
  • What education is required to become a Virkesintagare?
    - High school education in wood technology or industry is recommended, along with practical experience.
  • Are there many job openings for Virkesintagare?
    - Yes, there were 1,437 available positions in spring 2024.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Accuracy, physical fitness, stress resistance, and responsibility are essential for success in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for Virkesintagare?
    - The prognosis is uncertain, but demand remains high within the wood industry and sawmill sector.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Timber intake is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Timber intake is 35400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 31000 kr 36300 kr
25-34 95% 32300 kr 36900 kr
35-44 96% 32400 kr 36400 kr
45-54 93% 32700 kr 37000 kr
55-64 97% 32900 kr 37200 kr
Snitt 96% 32400 kr 36800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Timber intake has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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