Image that illustrates Timber markers

Timber markers

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 markers

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

What does a Virkesmärkare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Virkesmärkare primarily works within the sawmill industry, where tasks revolve around identifying, marking, and quality controlling timber. The profession involves assessing wood material based on specific criteria, ensuring correct marking, and documenting and reporting completed work. The work is often carried out in a production environment with machinery and transport equipment, requiring good physical condition and attention to safety routines. The Virkesmärkare usually collaborates closely with other operators and production managers, and the work environment can vary from indoor in larger sawmills to outdoor work during larger deliveries.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Virkesmärkare has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further increased to 36 800 SEK. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 9.5% over the three-year period. The salary increase can be linked to an increased demand for skilled labor within the wood industry and general wage adjustments within the industrial sector. The demand for Virkesmärkare has also been maintained by the ongoing shift toward more sustainable building materials and steady demand for Swedish wood products.

Virkesmärkare salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 221 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of men's salary (men: 37 000 SEK, women: 35,400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within regional sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a Virkesmärkare, a high school education with specialization in wood technology, industry, or equivalent is usually required. Many employers seek practical experience from sawmills or the wood industry, and internal training or introductory programs are often offered. Further education in quality control or material knowledge can be advantageous for career advancement.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, wood technical specialization (3 years)
  • Internal training: Introduction and safety training at the workplace
  • Practical experience: Experience from sawmills or the wood industry is recommended
  • Certifications: Courses in quality control and material handling can be advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Often basic mathematics and good physical fitness

Working as a Virkesmärkare requires a trained eye for detail; small differences in wood quality can affect the entire production chain. Many develop impressive material sensitivity after just a few years in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Virkesmärkare include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunch. Some workplaces also offer bonus programs linked to production goals, as well as opportunities for further training and skills development within the company.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a Virkesmärkare varies depending on region and industry cycle within the wood sector. As automation increases, higher demands are placed on flexibility and technical understanding. A challenge is to stay updated on new material requirements and quality standards. The industry can also be affected by economic fluctuations and changes in the construction sector. Broadening one's skills and being open to further education can strengthen a Virkesmärkare's position in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a Virkesmärkare

To succeed as a Virkesmärkare, it is good to have a meticulous and quality-conscious attitude, as the work requires identifying and handling small details in the timber correctly. Being persistent and physically fit facilitates the often physically demanding tasks, especially outdoor work or shift work. Technical curiosity and willingness to learn new machines and processes make it easier to adapt to industry developments. Good teamwork skills are also important, as communication with colleagues and management is crucial for a smooth production flow. Being solution-oriented helps with unexpected problems in production, and having an interest in material knowledge and quality assurance is a plus. Finally, a sense of responsibility is a valuable trait, as the Virkesmärkare often has a central role in ensuring products meet the correct standards.

Key facts about Virkesmärkare

  • Salary range: 35,400–37,400 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, wood technology or industrial specialization
  • Work environment: Production at sawmills, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job vacancies within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Virkesmärkare, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, quality manager, or production technician within the wood industry. With further education, positions in production planning or logistics can also become relevant. Statistics show that there are approximately 1,437 job vacancies, indicating continued demand for the skills. However, forecasts from the Employment Service suggest that due to limited data, it is difficult to provide an exact outlook for the profession, but the stable job market for sawmill operators indicates good opportunities for those wishing to develop in the field.

Frequently asked questions about Virkesmärkare

  • What does a Virkesmärkare earn?
    - The average salary is 36 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 221 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women as Virkesmärkare?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Virkesmärkare?
    - High school education in wood technology or industry is recommended, often supplemented with practical experience.
  • What is the work environment like for a Virkesmärkare?
    - Work takes place in a production environment at sawmills, often with shift work and certain physical tasks.
  • Are there good future prospects in the profession?
    - Demand is stable with many job openings, but no specific forecast is available according to the Employment Service.
  • What career paths are available for an experienced Virkesmärkare?
    - Opportunities include advancing to supervisor, quality manager, or production technician.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Virkesmärkare?
    - The highest salary is 37,400 SEK and the lowest is 35,400 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Timber markers 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 markers 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
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 Timber markers has the SSYK code 8173, 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