How much does a Surface finishers, shoes make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Surface finishers, shoes

Surface finishers, shoes

30 400 kr

Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

29 400 - 32 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Surface finishers, shoes

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 31 200 kr
Females 29 700 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

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 29 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 400 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: 30 400 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 31 200 SEK, women 29 700 SEK (women = 95 % 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 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 salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95 % 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

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

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Surface finishers, shoes is 32200 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 30300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Surface finishers, shoes is 29400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25600 kr 27300 kr
25-34 94% 27400 kr 29500 kr
35-44 95% 28700 kr 29900 kr
45-54 92% 29400 kr 31200 kr
55-64 94% 29900 kr 31300 kr
Snitt 95% 28800 kr 30400 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.

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Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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