How much does a Surface finisher, metal make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Surface finisher, metal
Image that illustrates Surface finisher, metal

Surface finisher, metal

35 200 kr

Machine operators, surface treatment

32 400 - 36 200 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Surface finisher, metal

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 32 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 12 Vacant jobs ->

What does a metal surface treatment technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A metal surface treatment technician is responsible for refining and protecting metal products through techniques such as painting, coating, galvanizing, and anodizing. The work often takes place in industrial environments where machines and chemical processes are used to give the metal desired properties such as corrosion protection, wear resistance, or aesthetic finish. The work environment can be noisy and requires precision, protective equipment, and adherence to safety routines. Surface treatment technicians work closely with other production and quality assurance personnel to meet high standards for the final result.

Salary development over time

The profession of metal surface treatment technician has experienced a clear positive salary trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average increased to 32 800 SEK, representing an increase of about 5.5%. In 2024, it further rose to 35,200 SEK, a growth of over 7.3% from the previous year. This trend indicates a stable demand for the profession and some upward salary pressure, likely driven by increased technical specialization and the need for skilled industry personnel. Variations in education level and regional labor availability may also have influenced salary development.

Metal surface treatment technician salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 212 SEK
  • Gender difference: Women earn 91% of men's salary (women: 32,400 SEK, men: 35 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within the regional sector for men

Education and qualifications

To work as a metal surface treatment technician, a high school education in industry, technology, or similar fields is usually required. Practical experience and knowledge of chemical processes are advantageous, and many employers offer internal training or internships. Some employers may also require specific certificates or courses in occupational health and safety.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
  • Certifications: Occupational health and safety, hot work, chemical handling
  • Internships: Common during education
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry and technology
  • Tips for choosing: Interest in machinery and careful work is an advantage

Metal surface treatment technicians quickly encounter changing technologies and processes – those who continuously learn and are curious about innovation can work with advanced materials and environmentally friendly methods, making the profession particularly dynamic.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Metal surface treatment technicians are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training and skill development. Shift and overtime pay are common, especially in industries with 24/7 production.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a metal surface treatment technician varies depending on region and economic conditions. In some areas, job availability is good due to a strong industrial presence, while in others it can be more challenging to find the right skills. Challenges include staying updated on new environmental regulations and techniques, and working ergonomically and safely in environments with chemicals and machinery. The underrepresentation of women and salary gaps between genders are also challenges for the industry.

Tips for those who want to become a metal surface treatment technician

To succeed as a metal surface treatment technician, it is important to be meticulous and quality-conscious, as the work requires precision and attention to detail. Technical interest facilitates understanding machinery and processes, and a willingness to learn new methods is valuable in a constantly evolving industry. Good teamwork skills are essential because the work often occurs in teams and requires communication across departments. Flexibility and the ability to handle physically demanding work under sometimes challenging conditions are also central. Lastly, responsibility and adherence to safety routines are highly valued by employers in the industry.

Key facts about metal surface treatment technicians

  • Education level: High school education in industry/technology most common
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with safety focus
  • Work form: Shift work is common
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession in Sweden
  • Gender distribution: The profession is dominated by men, but the proportion of women is slowly increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a metal surface treatment technician, opportunities open for roles such as lead operator, supervisor, or quality manager within production. Some choose to specialize in advanced surface treatments or environmental technology, while others move into training or technical support. The Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that, due to limited data, there is no exact assessment for this profession, but with 1,437 job openings nationwide, demand remains strong. Those who continually upgrade their skills have good prospects for development and advancement within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about metal surface treatment technicians

  • What does a metal surface treatment technician earn?
    - The average salary is 35,200 SEK per month, with variation between 32,400 and 36,200 SEK.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn 32,400 SEK on average, which is 91% of men's average salary of 35 700 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a metal surface treatment technician?
    - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training and certificates.
  • What occupational health and safety risks exist in the profession?
    - Risks related to chemicals, noise, and heavy lifting occur but are managed through protective equipment and routines.
  • What is the job market like for the profession?
    - There are currently 1,437 job openings within the profession in Sweden.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, many employers offer skills development in new techniques and environmental requirements.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, responsibility, and technical interest are especially valuable qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 12:54:36

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Surface finisher, metal is 36200 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 32400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Surface finisher, metal is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29300 kr 33400 kr
25-34 30100 kr 34000 kr
35-44 32100 kr 36100 kr
45-54 32900 kr 35900 kr
55-64 32700 kr 35900 kr
Snitt 91% 31600 kr 35200 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 Surface finisher, metal has the SSYK code 8121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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