How much does a Timber sorter make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Timber sorter

Timber sorter

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 sorter

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 35 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a sawmill sorter do? – Tasks and work environment

A sawmill sorter is responsible for assessing and sorting timber according to quality, dimensions, and用途. The daily work is usually carried out within sawmills or the wood industry, where precision and a trained eye for details are crucial. Tasks include manual and machine sorting, measurement, and documentation of timber batches. The environment is often noisy and dusty, requiring safety routines and proper protective equipment. Shift work is common, especially in larger industries, and the work can involve heavy lifting and working at a high pace.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, "Sawmill sorter salary" has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023 and further up to 36 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. Most of the increase has occurred during the past year, linked to increased demand for timber, changes in collective agreements, and the importance of qualified personnel in the wood industry. Despite traditionally stable salary growth, the profession has recently gained more attention within the industry, benefiting salary levels. Gender differences persist but have decreased somewhat, and regional variations occur depending on the location of the industry.

Being a sawmill sorter requires not only good physical condition but also a trained sense for quality and structure. Many who enjoy the profession appreciate the combination of practical work and the opportunity to influence the final product. The ability to make quick decisions and an interest in sustainability make the work especially meaningful.

– statsskuld.se

Sawmill sorter 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
  • Men earn: 37 000 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on industry location and regional demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a sawmill sorter, a high school education in industry, wood technology, or equivalent is generally required. Practical experience is highly valued, and employers often offer internal training upon hiring. Qualities such as accuracy, good physical condition, and attention to detail are highly regarded. Some employers may also require specific certifications or completed safety training.

  • High school education: Specialization in industry or wood technology, 3 years
  • Internal training: Often provided upon employment
  • Internship: Common during high school
  • Safety training: May be required depending on the workplace
  • Prerequisites: Precision, good physical condition, and interest in the wood industry

Common benefits and compensations

Sawmill sorters are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. Shift work may include overtime pay and extra compensation for night shifts. Other common benefits include work clothing, subsidized lunch, and opportunities for further training within the company.

Competition and challenges

The job market for sawmill sorters is influenced by the economic situation in the wood and construction sectors. Since the profession is part of a broader occupational group, sawmill sorters compete for the same positions as other operators within sawmills and the wood industry. Challenges include automation and increased technical competence, which change job tasks and requirements over time. There is a shortage of qualified personnel in some regions, while competition for jobs can be fierce elsewhere. Changing environmental regulations and a focus on sustainability also mean that new methods and techniques are continually developed.

Tips for those who want to become sawmill sorters

To succeed as a sawmill sorter, it is good to combine accuracy with an interest in practical work. Analytical ability helps in assessing timber quality, while endurance and good physical condition are required to handle long workdays in a production environment. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing tasks are advantageous, especially when pace varies and new technical solutions are implemented. Social skills facilitate teamwork with colleagues and contribute to a pleasant work environment. Those aiming for a career in this field should also be open to internal training and further development, as industry demands evolve. Showing engagement and a willingness to learn new skills is appreciated by employers and can lead to more career opportunities. Finally, responsibility and punctuality are important qualities to ensure quality and safety in the work.

Key facts about Sawmill Sorters

  • Educational level: High school diploma, often with specialization in industry/wood technology
  • Work environment: Sawmills and the wood industry, noisy and physically demanding
  • Work schedule: Shift work is common, including day and night shifts
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
  • Special skills: Quality assessment of wood, machine operation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a sawmill sorter, opportunities exist to advance to production supervisor or specialize in quality control and machine maintenance. Further education can lead to roles in production planning or process optimization. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for sawmill operators, there is no specific assessment for sawmill sorters, but a stable demand is reported within the profession with 1,437 available jobs during spring 2024. This indicates that the job market remains strong, especially for those with the right education and experience. Automation and digitalization are influencing the industry, opening new career paths for those with technical interests.

Frequently asked questions about Sawmill Sorters

  • What does a sawmill sorter earn?
    - A sawmill sorter has an average salary of 36 800 SEK per month.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 37 000 SEK and women 35,400 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a sawmill sorter?
    - High school education in industry or wood technology is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
  • What is the job market like for sawmill sorters?
    - There is strong demand within the profession with over 1400 available jobs in Sweden during 2024.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Assessment, sorting, and documentation of timber as well as machine operation within sawmills.
  • Can you advance within the profession?
    - Yes, with experience, you can become a supervisor, quality manager, or pursue further education in production technology.
  • What influences a sawmill sorter's salary?
    - Factors such as experience, region, education level, and employer size influence salary levels.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 21:16:43

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Timber sorter 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 sorter 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 sorter has the SSYK code 8173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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