Aroma mixer

What does an aroma mixer do? – Tasks and work environment

Aroma mixers primarily work within the food industry and are responsible for producing and blending aroma compounds for various products, such as confectionery, beverages, and dairy products. The profession involves carefully following recipes and manufacturing instructions to ensure the correct flavor profile and quality. Tasks include both manual work and supervision of automated mixing processes, including sampling, documentation, and quality controls. The work environment is often production-oriented, involving both physical and repetitive tasks, and requires good hygiene and the ability to work focused under time pressure.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for aroma mixers has increased from 28,500 SEK in 2022 to 29 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 8% over the period. The trend shows stable salary growth within the profession, with a particularly clear increase between 2022 and 2023 when salaries rose by just over 4% in one year. Changes in salary can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized production staff in the food industry and general contractual salary increases. At the same time, automation and increased requirements for technical competence have contributed to raising the value of experience and education in the field.

Aroma mixer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,500 SEK/month (man), 31,400 SEK/month (woman)
• Highest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (man), 32,700 SEK/month (woman)
• Hourly wage: 185 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 106% of what men do (men 30 400 SEK, women 32 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Highest and lowest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as an aroma mixer, a high school diploma with a focus on food technology, chemistry, or industrial production is generally required. Many employers also seek practical experience from food production or similar fields, and supplementary courses in hygiene and quality assurance are often advantageous. Specialized in-house training occurs, especially with larger employers, and some companies offer internships or trainee programs for new hires.

• High school education: Food technology or industrial technology focus, 2–3 years
• Internship/Trainee: Introduction at the workplace is often offered
• Certifications/courses: Hygiene, quality assurance, safe handling of aroma compounds
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in chemistry and mathematics are recommended
• Tips for choosing: Interest in technology, accuracy, and responsibility are important factors

Common benefits and compensations

Aroma mixers are usually covered by collective agreements and are offered occupational pensions, vacation pay, and insurances. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and employee discounts on the company's products. Shift work may occur, often entitling to overtime pay and extra pay for inconvenient working hours. Larger employers may also offer skills development and further training.

Competitions and challenges

The competition for jobs as an aroma mixer is considered relatively balanced in the labor market, with neither oversupply nor shortage of labor nationally. A challenge for the profession is that technological development and automation are expected to reduce the need for manual work over five years. Therefore, demand for new aroma mixers may decline, especially within larger industries where machinery and processes develop rapidly. At the same time, increased demands for technical understanding, quality work, and hygiene routines are set, meaning that those wishing to work in the profession should be prepared for continuous skills development and adaptation to new working methods.

Tips for those who want to become an aroma mixer

To succeed as an aroma mixer, it is good to combine accuracy with an interest in food and technology. Those who are methodical and easy to follow instructions often get a smooth start, especially when handling recipes and documentation. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to shift work or changing routines are also important qualities. A sense of order and hygiene increases the chances of enjoying and developing in the role, as the work environment often demands high cleanliness standards. Being cooperative and communicating clearly with colleagues facilitates both quality work and problem-solving. Finally, technical interest and curiosity about industrial processes can be advantageous when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Key facts about Aroma Mixers

• Education level: High school diploma, food technology or industrial technology focus
• Work environment: Production environment with high hygiene requirements
• Work form: Full-time, often shift work
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, 1,437 job openings within the profession
• Special skills: Quality control and handling of aroma compounds

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an aroma mixer can develop into roles such as supervisor, process technician, or quality manager within food production. Specialization in product development or laboratory work is also possible, especially for those further educated in chemistry or food technology. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate moderate job opportunities, but demand for machine operators in food production is expected to decrease over five years, mainly due to automation. Nevertheless, there are still a significant number of job openings, indicating ongoing need for skilled professionals. Those willing to broaden their skills toward technology or quality may benefit in future career choices.

Frequently asked questions about Aroma Mixers

• What does an aroma mixer earn per month?
  - An aroma mixer has an average salary of 30 800 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary for aroma mixers?
  - Women earn approximately 106% of what men do, which means women have an average salary of 32 300 SEK and men 30 400 SEK.
• What is required to work as an aroma mixer?
  - Typically, a high school diploma with a focus on food, chemistry, or industrial production, along with good knowledge of hygiene and quality assurance.
• What are the future prospects for aroma mixers?
  - Opportunities are considered moderate, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to automation.
• What are the job duties of an aroma mixer?
  - Tasks include blending aroma compounds, quality control, following recipes, documentation, and working with both manual and automated processes.
• Are there regional salary differences for aroma mixers?
  - Yes, both highest and lowest salaries are found within the regional sector, with variation depending on education level and experience.
• What career paths are available after a few years as an aroma mixer?
  - Supervisor, process technician, quality manager, or specialization in product development and laboratory work are possible options.