Labor Costs & Productivity in Sweden
What does manufacturing labor really cost in Sweden? The answer comes down to two things this dataset reports monthly: the fully loaded cost of a worker — total wages and all non-wage costs combined into a single figure — and the Labor Productivity Factor, which captures how productively that laborer works. Industry Economics & Competitiveness gives you both for the Sweden's manufacturing and construction sectors.
Swedish labor costs across chemical and manufacturing sectors rose notably in 2021 compared to 2020, with chemical plant supervisors commanding the highest hourly wages at $65.12, up $6.02 from the prior year. Manufacturing labor increased to $52.88 per hour in 2021 from $47.12 in 2020, representing a 12.1 percent year-over-year increase, while chemical plant operators and construction labor grew more modestly at 2.8 and 1.0 percent respectively. Over the full 2016–2021 period, supervisory roles demonstrated the steepest cumulative growth at 9.8 percent, whereas operator-level positions remained comparatively stable despite the sharp 2020–2021 acceleration.
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.