What does a Surface Finisher in the shoe industry earn?

The average salary is 30,400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.

What education is required to work as a surface finisher in the shoe industry?

A high school education in industrial technology, textiles, or craftsmanship is recommended, often combined with practical training.

Are there differences in salary between men and women?

Yes, women earn on average 95 % of what men do in the profession.

What is the working environment like for a surface finisher in the shoe industry?

The work environment is industrial, involving machinery and chemicals, requiring precision and protective equipment.

What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?

Opportunities include supervisory roles, specialization in exclusive shoes, or further education in production technology.

What is the job market like for this profession?

The job market is limited, but there are approximately 1,437 job openings within the profession according to recent data.

Surface finishers, shoes salary

32 200 SEK

Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

31 300 - 34 400 SEK / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

Average salary 32 200 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 31 300 - 34 400 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a surface finisher in the shoe industry do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Surface Finisher, shoes salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Surface finishers, shoes

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What does a surface finisher in the shoe industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A surface finisher in the shoe industry is responsible for processing and refining the surface of shoes, which can include polishing, coloring, impregnation, and applying various protective or decorative layers. The work often takes place in industrial environments where machines, chemicals, and manual tools are used to achieve the desired finish and quality. The work environment is characterized by high demands for precision, with both standing and sitting positions common. Safety procedures and chemical handling are central parts of daily work to ensure both product quality and personal health.

Salary development over time

The salary development for surface finishers in the shoe industry has been positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, increasing to 30 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.8 % over three years. This trend reflects increased demand for skilled craftsmen in the industry, as well as effects of wage negotiations and inflation. Although the salary increase is clear, the profession still remains somewhat below the average for industrial jobs, which may be due to competition from foreign production and automation in manufacturing processes. Gender differences persist, with men experiencing slightly higher salary growth than women.

Surface Finisher, shoes salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 32 200 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education 3 years)
Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
Hourly wage (average): 183 SEK
Gender differences: Men earn 33 200 SEK, women 31 300 SEK (women = 94 % of men's salary)
Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, lowest in private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a surface finisher in shoe manufacturing, a high school education in industrial technology, textiles, or craftsmanship is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers also offer internal training to teach specific methods and machinery. Formal certifications are rare, but courses in work environment and chemical handling can be advantageous.

High school education: Industrial technology, textiles, or craftsmanship (3 years)
Practical training: Common at the end of education or via workplace introduction
Internal training: Often offered at larger workplaces
Courses: Work environment and chemical handling are advantageous
Prerequisites: Basic education, technical interest, and precision

Surface finishers in the shoe industry often develop a keen sense for material properties and how different treatments affect both appearance and durability. This tactile skill allows skilled surface finishers to sometimes specialize in exclusive or handmade shoes, where every detail matters.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Surface finishers in the shoe industry often have access to benefits such as shift allowances for working nights, wellness contributions, and sometimes employee discounts on company products. Collective agreements are common, providing security regarding pensions, insurances, and working conditions. Some workplaces may also offer bonuses or productivity-based compensation depending on work results and attendance.

Challenges and competition

The job market for surface finishers in the shoe industry is relatively limited, as the profession is niche, and competition from automated production methods is increasing. Low-cost competition from abroad and strict environmental regulations can also impact job availability. At the same time, there is demand for qualified skilled workers with specialized expertise, especially among smaller or exclusive manufacturers. Challenges often include staying updated on new materials and techniques, while maintaining efficiency and quality. For those with the right skills and flexibility, there are opportunities for employment, particularly in regions with strong shoemaking traditions.

Tips for aspiring surface finishers in the shoe industry

To succeed as a surface finisher in shoemaking, patience and attention to detail are essential, as each step requires precision. Technical interest helps in understanding machinery and materials, and flexibility is important to adapt to different tasks and production changes. Being cooperative and communicative makes teamwork easier and facilitates learning new instructions, while curiosity about new techniques and materials can lead to career development. Finally, being proactive and eager to learn is advantageous, as the industry often values practical experience and engagement during recruitment.

Key facts about Surface Finisher, shoes

Education level: High school, often industrial technology or textiles
Work environment: Industrial, often with machinery and chemicals
Typical work pattern: Shift work or daytime, both standing and sitting
Demand: Limited, but specialists are sought after in certain niches
Special skills: Material knowledge and precision are central

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession as a surface finisher in shoes, opportunities may open to take on more responsibility, such as supervisor or quality manager on a production line. Some choose to further their education in production technology or specialize in exclusive or handmade shoes, where craftsmanship is emphasized. According to the Employment Service, no definitive forecast exists for future job prospects due to limited data, but the overall profession has about 1,437 job openings in Sweden. Digitalization and automation may influence the need for labor, but those developing skills in new materials and sustainable methods still have growth potential.

Frequently asked questions about Surface Finisher, shoes

What does a Surface Finisher in shoes earn?
- The average salary is 32 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.
What education is required to work as a surface finisher in the shoe industry?
- A high school education in industrial technology, textiles, or craftsmanship is recommended, often combined with practical training.
Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 94 % of what men do in the profession.
What is the work environment like for a surface finisher in shoes?
- The work environment is industrial, involving machinery and chemicals, requiring precision and protective equipment.
What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
- Opportunities include supervisory roles, specialization in exclusive shoes, or further education in production technology.
What is the job market like for this profession?
- The job market is limited, but there are approximately 1437 job openings within the profession according to recent data.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 00:31:25

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29100 kr	31500 kr
35-44	95%	29900 kr	31800 kr
45-54	92%	30900 kr	32600 kr
55-64	93%	31200 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	94%	30300 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29100 kr	31500 kr
35-44	95%	29900 kr	31800 kr
45-54	92%	30900 kr	32600 kr
55-64	93%	31200 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	94%	30300 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29100 kr	31500 kr
35-44	95%	29900 kr	31800 kr
45-54	92%	30900 kr	32600 kr
55-64	93%	31200 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	94%	30300 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29600 kr	32500 kr
35-44	95%	29800 kr	32500 kr
45-54	92%	31800 kr	34000 kr
55-64	93%	31700 kr	34500 kr
Snitt	94%	30500 kr	33200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29600 kr	32500 kr
35-44	95%	29800 kr	32500 kr
45-54	92%	31800 kr	34000 kr
55-64	93%	31700 kr	34500 kr
Snitt	94%	30500 kr	33200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29600 kr	32500 kr
35-44	95%	29800 kr	32500 kr
45-54	92%	31800 kr	34000 kr
55-64	93%	31700 kr	34500 kr
Snitt	94%	30500 kr	33200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44	95%	30000 kr	30900 kr
45-54	92%	30200 kr	31400 kr
55-64	93%	30900 kr	32000 kr
Snitt	94%	30000 kr	31300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44	95%	30000 kr	30900 kr
45-54	92%	30200 kr	31400 kr
55-64	93%	30900 kr	32000 kr
Snitt	94%	30000 kr	31300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44	95%	30000 kr	30900 kr
45-54	92%	30200 kr	31400 kr
55-64	93%	30900 kr	32000 kr
Snitt	94%	30000 kr	31300 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 finishers, shoes has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.