Labor Costs & Productivity in Sweden
What does manufacturing labor really cost in Sweden? It depends on the total cost of each worker — wages plus non-wage costs — and on the output each worker delivers. Industry Economics & Competitiveness reports both, monthly, for Sweden's manufacturing and construction sectors.
Swedish labor costs across chemical and manufacturing sectors experienced notable increases from 2020 to 2021, with supervisory roles commanding the highest hourly wages. Chemical Plant Supervisors reached $65.12 per hour in 2021, up 10.3 percent from the previous year, while Manufacturing Labor climbed to $52.88 per hour, representing an 12.1 percent year-over-year gain. Chemical Plant Operators and Construction Labor showed more moderate growth, rising to $45.02 and $46.81 per hour respectively, though both categories demonstrated cumulative upward pressure over the six-year period. Manufacturing Labor and supervisory positions consistently occupied the upper end of the wage spectrum, with spreads between operator and supervisory roles ranging from approximately $20 to $25 per hour across the review period.
The figures shown are illustrative and represent a historical sample. For up-to-date monthly labor cost and productivity benchmarks in Sweden — along with industrial costs and manufacturing competitiveness data across 33 countries — subscribe to Intratec Industry Economics & Competitiveness.
About the Labor Benchmarks. Each monthly release reports three categories of labor data for Sweden: total employer cost (wages plus non-wage costs) for manufacturing and construction sectors, output per worker for the same sectors, and role-specific wages for chemical plant operators and supervisors at typical plant staffing levels. The same methodology produces comparable benchmarks for every country in the program, with a 10-year monthly history alongside the current values.
Beyond Labor Costs
Labor cost and productivity factors are part of the Industry Economics & Competitiveness subscription — a monthly program benchmarking commodities manufacturing competitiveness across 33 countries, including Sweden.
33 Key Countries
Country-by-country monthly reports covering major industrial hubs — USA, China, Germany, Japan, Brazil, India, and more.
7 Industries Covered
Industry-specific rankings across olefins, aromatics, alcohols & organic acids, polymers, fertilizers, inorganic chemicals, and metals.
Reference Datasets
Country-level cost inputs for plant projects — labor costs, utility prices, construction indexes, and location factors.
Monthly Updates
Fresh data every month, always reflecting the most recent period available, with short-term forecasts on selected series.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sweden's Manufacturing Industry
Sweden's economy is known for its innovation, high standards of living, and strong social welfare system. As one of the most competitive and technologically advanced economies in the world,
Sweden's economy is highly developed and innovative, known for its strong emphasis on technology, sustainability, and social welfare. The country boasts a diverse industrial base, with key sectors including telecommunications, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, all contributing significantly to economic growth and export performance.
Sweden's manufacturing sector is marked by its focus on advanced engineering and sustainable practices. The country has made substantial investments in green technologies, enhancing its global competitiveness and reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible manufacturing.
As Sweden continues to embrace digital transformation and sustainability, its manufacturing industry remains central to the economy, supporting Sweden's role as a leading industrial nation in Europe and on the global stage.