Supervisors, chemical and pharmaceutical products

What does a supervisor within chemical and pharmaceutical products do? – Tasks and work environment

A supervisor within chemical and pharmaceutical products is responsible for leading and coordinating production in industries that manufacture everything from medicines to chemicals and biotech products. The role includes overseeing production teams, ensuring safety and quality, and continuously optimizing processes to meet high safety and efficiency standards. The work environment is typically industrial, characterized by advanced technology and strict safety procedures, where leadership and communication skills are crucial for achieving production goals and complying with regulations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for supervisors within chemical and pharmaceutical products have shown a steady positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,100 SEK, rising to 44,500 SEK in 2023, and further to 46 100 SEK in 2024. The total salary increase over the period amounts to approximately 7%. This development reflects increased demand for qualified supervisors in manufacturing, where technical skills and leadership abilities are valued. Salary growth is also influenced by the industry's high safety requirements and the need to attract skilled personnel for roles requiring both experience and specialized education.

Supervisors within chemical and pharmaceutical products salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,900 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 51,500 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 277 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (women: 44 200 SEK, men: 46 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Information on regional salary differences is lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a supervisor within chemical and pharmaceutical products, a post-secondary education in chemistry, engineering, or process industry is usually required, complemented by experience from production or laboratory environments. Many employers also value leadership training and knowledge of industry safety standards. Further education and certifications can be advantageous for career advancement.

• Post-secondary education: University or vocational college degree in chemistry, engineering, or process industry (3 years or more)
• Certifications: Additional training in occupational health and safety, leadership, or quality assurance is often beneficial
• Internship/Trainee: Practical experience from production or laboratory settings is common
• Prerequisites: Basic high school education in science or technology
• Tips for choosing: Focus on process industry and supplement with leadership courses

Common benefits and compensations

Among the most common benefits are occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and various bonus programs linked to production results. Many employers also offer opportunities for further training and skills development, as well as discounted healthcare services and occupational health services.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by relatively high competition for the most attractive positions, especially within larger companies and corporations. Challenges include balancing high safety and efficiency demands with constantly changing production goals. Technological development requires continuous skills upgrading and adaptability. Shift work and responsibility for large teams can also be stressful for both supervisors and their staff. The shortage of experienced leaders means employers often prioritize candidates with both technical and social skills.

Tips for those aspiring to become supervisors within chemical and pharmaceutical products

To succeed as a supervisor within chemical and pharmaceutical products, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong sense of responsibility. Obtaining a solid education in chemistry or engineering provides a good foundation, but developing leadership abilities and stress management skills is equally important. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with production teams and other departments, and flexibility allows quick adaptation to changing production conditions. Practical experience in industry is highly valuable, as is interest in occupational health and safety procedures. Being solution-oriented and having a structured work approach ease daily leadership and build trust among colleagues.

Key facts about supervisors within chemical and pharmaceutical products

• Educational level: Post-secondary education (at least 3 years) in chemistry or engineering
• Work environment: Industrial setting with high safety and quality standards
• Work form: Often shift work and leadership responsibility for larger teams
• Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession according to current statistics
• Special skills: Process optimization, occupational health and safety, quality management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a supervisor within chemical and pharmaceutical products, opportunities open up to advance to production manager, plant manager, or specialized roles within process development and quality assurance. Forecasts from the Employment Service show continued stable demand in the industry, especially for individuals with high technical competence and proven leadership experience. The possibility to work within international corporations or move into project management and process optimization roles is good. Skills in digitalization and automation are increasingly valued, and further education in these areas can strengthen career opportunities.

Common questions about supervisors within chemical and pharmaceutical products

• What does a supervisor within chemical and pharmaceutical products earn?
  - The average salary is 46 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and gender.
• What education is required to become a supervisor within the field?
  - Post-secondary education in chemistry, engineering, or process industry (at least 3 years) is recommended.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn approximately 95% of what men do within the profession.
• Are there significant regional salary differences?
  - Specific information on regional salary differences is lacking for this profession.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and opportunities for further education are common.
• What are the future job prospects within the field?
  - Demand is high, with over 1437 job openings according to current statistics.
• What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
  - Highest salary: 51,500 SEK/month (male); lowest salary: 41,900 SEK/month (female).