Image that illustrates Sheet machine operator

Sheet machine operator

41 000 kr

Process operators, paper

37 600 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sheet machine operator

Average salary 41 000 kr
Males 41 500 kr
Females 39 100 kr

What does an arkmaskinförare do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An arkmaskinförare is responsible for monitoring and controlling machines that handle paper sheets in industrial production, usually within pulp and paper mills. The role involves ensuring smooth operation, maintaining the quality of the paper sheets, and quickly resolving any disturbances. The work is often performed in shifts, and the work environment can be noisy with high demands on safety and precision. It requires both technical expertise and the ability to troubleshoot problems swiftly when they arise on the machine line.

Wage development over time

The salary for an arkmaskinförare has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 000 SEK in 2024. The total wage increase during this period is approximately 6.8%, with the largest growth occurring between 2022 and 2023. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for experienced operators, technological advancements in the industry, and a general push for higher wages in manufacturing sectors. Although the profession is part of a larger group of process operators, there is a clear tendency that skills and experience are financially rewarded.

Ark mask operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (women), 40,700 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 42,000 SEK/month (women), 42,200 SEK/month (men)
  • Hourly wage: 246 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (39 100 SEK/month vs 41 500 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Highest wages are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an arkmaskinförare typically involves secondary education with a focus on industry, technology, or production. Practical experience is highly valued and often supplemented with internal training or certifications at the workplace. Basic technical knowledge and an understanding of machine safety are crucial for success in the profession.

  • Secondary education: Industry or technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: Machine safety and work environment, often internal
  • Internships: Practical periods during education are common
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physical condition
  • Further education: Courses in process control and automation can be advantageous

Many arkmaskinförare develop a deep understanding of the entire production chain over time and become key personnel during machine changes or when implementing new technology. Practical experience is often invaluable for troubleshooting and maintenance.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, arkmaskinförare often receive shift allowances, overtime pay, and opportunities for overtime compensation. Many employers also provide wellness allowances, work clothing, insurance, and pension solutions according to collective agreements. Additional benefits may include training support and staff discounts depending on the company.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an arkmaskinförare is characterized by a relatively stable labor market, but competition can vary depending on region and economic conditions. Automation and technological development increase demands for technical skills and adaptability. A shortage of new recruits in the industry can create increased pressure on existing employees in some areas. Meanwhile, limited data for forecasts makes it difficult to precisely assess future demand, although the large number of job openings indicates good prospects for those with education and experience.

Tips for those wanting to become an arkmaskinförare

To succeed as an arkmaskinförare, it is beneficial to have a genuine technical interest and a meticulous attitude towards work. Problem-solving skills are crucial, as unexpected situations may arise at machines requiring quick action. Good teamwork skills facilitate shift work and collaboration where tasks are often interconnected. Being flexible and willing to learn new skills makes it easier to adapt to new technology and changing work routines. Physical endurance and the ability to work standing are also advantageous, as well as a high sense of responsibility for safety at the workplace. Curious and engaged individuals often find it easier to develop and take on more advanced tasks over time.

Key facts about arkmaskinförare

  • Education level: Secondary education, industry/technology (3 years)
  • Work environment: Shift work in industrial settings, often noisy
  • Demand: 1437 job openings in the field
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of men's salaries
  • Special skills: Machine safety and process control

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, an arkmaskinförare can advance to more specialized roles such as supervisor, process manager, or technician in maintenance and troubleshooting. Technological development in the industry also opens opportunities for further education in automation and process technology. According to the Employment Service, no detailed forecast is made for the profession due to limited data, but the large number of job openings for process operators in paper manufacturing suggests continued strong demand. For those interested in industrial production and machine control, there are good career opportunities and potential for growth within the field.

Frequently asked questions about arkmaskinförare

  • What is the salary of an arkmaskinförare?
    - An arkmaskinförare has an average salary of 41 000 SEK per month. The salary ranges from 37,600 SEK to 42,200 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • How do you become an arkmaskinförare?
    - The most common pathway is secondary education in industry or technology, followed by practical training and internal onboarding.
  • Are there wage differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment is industrial and often noisy, with shift work and high safety and accuracy demands.
  • What career opportunities are there?
    - After some years of experience, it is possible to advance to supervisor, process manager, or maintenance technician.
  • How high is the demand for arkmaskinförare?
    - There are 1437 job openings in the field, indicating good employment prospects.
  • What education is required to work as an arkmaskinförare?
    - Secondary education in industry or technology is most common, supplemented with practical training and internal education.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sheet machine operator is 42200 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 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sheet machine operator is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 29600 kr 37000 kr
25-34 98% 32100 kr 40300 kr
35-44 100% 33400 kr 41500 kr
45-54 92% 34000 kr 42100 kr
55-64 91% 33800 kr 41600 kr
Snitt 94% 33000 kr 41000 kr
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 Sheet machine operator has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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