Inspectors, plastic products

What does an inspector within plastic products do? – Tasks and work environment

An inspector within plastic products is responsible for checking and assessing the quality of plastic components after manufacturing. Tasks include visual inspection, measurement, and testing of products to ensure they meet specific requirements and standards. The role often involves working closely with production and collaborating with machine operators to identify and correct any faults or deviations. The work environment is mainly in industrial premises where precision, patience, and a keen eye for details are crucial. The work often requires standing or moving most of the day, and shift work may be necessary depending on production needs.

Wage development over time

The salary for inspectors within plastic products has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 32 000 SEK, and in 2024, it has risen further to 33 200 SEK. This corresponds to a total wage increase of about 7.5% during the period. The increase can partly be explained by high demand for skilled labor and difficulties in recruiting experienced professionals, despite automation and technological development expected to reduce the need for manual quality work in the long run. The wage growth gap between men and women remains, with women earning 94% of men's wages, but both groups have experienced positive development.

Inspectors, plastic products salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education, up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour (average, based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 33 900 SEK, women 31 800 SEK – women earn 94% of men's earnings
• Regional differences: Salary range is affected by education level and sector, but detailed regional differences are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as an inspector within plastic products, a high school education with an industrial, technical, or production focus is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in manufacturing, especially within plastics. Some companies offer internal training or introductory programs, and further education in quality assurance can be advantageous. Practical experience, technical understanding, and good measurement skills are important for success in the role.

• High school education: Industrial technology program or equivalent (3 years)
• Workplace-based internship: Common within the education
• Internal training: Quality assurance and measurement techniques
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and good Swedish skills in speech and writing
• Additional merit: Experience from plastics or manufacturing industry

Common benefits and compensations

Employment as an inspector within plastic products often includes collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and vacation pay. Shift allowances for unsociable hours are common, and some workplaces offer wellness allowances or work clothing. Certain workplaces also have bonus schemes linked to production targets and quality.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an inspector within plastic products is currently relatively low, as demand for skilled professionals is high and recruitment difficulties exist. At the same time, the profession faces challenges from increased automation and technological development, which are expected to reduce the need for manual quality control in the future. Those wanting to establish themselves in the industry should be prepared for changing tasks, and flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself are important factors for long-term job security. Another challenge is staying updated on new materials and production methods, which can rapidly change the requirements of the profession.

Tips for those who want to become inspectors within plastic products

To succeed as an inspector within plastic products, it is important to have a strong sense of accuracy and patience, as the work requires careful examination of every detail. Showing technical interest and willingness to learn new measurement methods or quality standards increases chances of employment and development. Good teamwork skills are also vital, as the role involves collaboration with both machine operators and quality managers. The ability to quickly identify deviations and communicate them clearly is valued by employers. Being flexible and open to shift work, as well as working under time pressure, are additional qualities in demand. Demonstrating initiative, such as proposing improvements in inspection processes, is also beneficial. Finally, responsibility and a desire to develop within the company can open doors to other roles within the industry.

Key facts about inspectors within plastic products

• Education level: High school with industrial/technical focus
• Work environment: Industrial premises with shift work
• Typical employment: Full-time, often permanent
• Demand: Good job opportunities, but decreasing long-term forecast
• Special skills: Measurement techniques, quality control, and precision

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an inspector within plastic products can move on to roles such as quality manager, production team leader, or trainer for new employees. Further education within production technology or quality assurance opens opportunities for more specialized positions, such as process development or product safety. The Employment Service currently assesses that job opportunities are good, with 1437 available positions in the machine operator and plastics industry. However, in five years, demand is expected to decline mainly due to increased automation and technological advancement. Those wishing to secure their future in the industry should continuously pursue further education and stay updated on new techniques and work methods.

Frequently asked questions about inspectors within plastic products

• What does an inspector within plastic products earn?
  - The average salary for an inspector within plastic products is 33 200 SEK per month.
• How do gender differences manifest in wages?
  - Men earn an average of 33 900 SEK, while women earn 31 800 SEK on average – women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an inspector within plastic products?
  - A high school education with an industrial or technical focus is usually required, often supplemented with practical training.
• Are there good job opportunities?
  - Yes, there are significant opportunities for employment today, but demand is expected to decrease in the long term according to the Employment Service's forecast.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work is mainly performed in industrial premises and may involve shift work and standing positions.
• What is a typical hourly wage?
  - The average for hourly-paid inspectors within plastic products is 200 SEK per hour.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - It is common to advance to roles such as quality manager, team leader, or further education within production technology.