Image that illustrates Bakery worker

Bakery worker

32 500 kr

Machine operators, mill, bakery and confectionery industry

30 500 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 108% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Bakery worker

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr

What does a baker's assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A baker's assistant is responsible for the production of bread, baked goods, and other flour-based products in both industrial and smaller bakeries. Tasks include weighing and mixing ingredients, operating machines, monitoring fermentation processes, baking, and packaging finished products. The work is often performed in teams alongside other bakers and machine operators. The work environment can be physically demanding with early mornings, shift work, and working in warm or noisy facilities, depending on the size and focus of the bakery.

Salary development over time

Baker's assistants have experienced relatively stable salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month, rising to 34 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary slightly decreased to 32 500 SEK. This slight decline corresponds to a reduction of about 4.7% from the previous year, possibly due to economic changes, increased competition, and squeezed margins in the food industry. Despite this, the profession has shown steady salary development over the long term, with only minor variations. Gender pay gaps have also decreased, with female bakers earning an average higher than men in recent periods. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as experience, workplace size, and geographic location.

Baker's assistant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,500 SEK/month (men), 33,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 195 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 108% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Varying, generally slightly higher salaries in metropolitan areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a baker's assistant, a secondary education focusing on food or baking is often required, although many employers also value practical experience. Internal training at the workplace is common, and some employers offer introductory programs or internships for new employees. Formal certifications are rare, but specialized courses can be advantageous when applying for jobs.

  • Secondary education: Food program, with specialization in baking/pastry arts (3 years)
  • Internship: Often offered during education or as apprenticeships
  • Prerequisites: Good physical health and interest in food
  • Courses: Specialized courses in machinery handling or hygiene can be advantageous
  • Workplace training: Some employers provide internal onboarding

Many baker's assistants have the opportunity to develop their creativity by contributing their own recipes or improvement suggestions to production. It is common for engaged employees to become an important part of product development, especially in smaller bakeries where collaboration and innovation are highly valued.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Baker's assistants are often covered by collective agreements that provide overtime pay for irregular hours, additional compensation for shift work, and access to wellness allowances. Many workplaces also offer work clothing, employee discounts on bakery products, and sometimes opportunities for further training or internal skills development.

Competition and challenges

The competition for baker's assistant positions varies by region and season, but generally, there is steady demand for labor in the profession. Challenges include physically demanding work environments, monotonous tasks, and shift work that can affect work-life balance. Digitalization and automation of production require new skills in machinery operation and flexibility. Many employers also seek good teamwork skills and accuracy, especially in larger industrial bakeries where the pace is high.

Tips for those wanting to become a baker's assistant

To succeed as a baker's assistant, it is good to have a strong work ethic and be prepared for early mornings or shift work, as production often begins before dawn. Precision is crucial since small errors in recipes or handling can impact the entire production, so practicing attention to detail is beneficial. Being flexible and able to work independently and in teams is also important, as tasks can vary daily. Good physical health is an advantage, as the work often involves heavy lifting and standing or walking for long periods. Creativity and interest in food can also open pathways to more specialized tasks or career development, especially in smaller bakeries where personal ideas are appreciated.

Key facts about Baker's assistants

  • Education level: Secondary education with focus on food/baking
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work and early mornings
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, often in warm facilities
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Women have higher average salaries than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a baker's assistant, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, production manager, or specialized machine operator. Some choose to further educate themselves as bakers or pastry chefs, while others move into roles within quality control or logistics. Projections from the Employment Service indicate continued strong demand, driven by increased consumption of fresh baked goods and bread, as well as retirements within the profession. Developments in the food industry, focusing on sustainability and new product segments, can also create new career opportunities for skilled baker's assistants.

Frequently asked questions about Baker's assistants

  • What does a Baker's assistant earn?
    - The average salary for a baker's assistant is 32 500 SEK per month.
  • What is the lowest and highest salary for a Baker's assistant?
    - The lowest salary is 30,500 SEK (men), 33,400 SEK (women), and the highest salary is 34,600 SEK.
  • How does one become a Baker's assistant?
    - The most common pathway is a secondary school education focused on food or baking, along with practical training.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 108% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment can be physically demanding with shift work, often in warm and noisy facilities.
  • Are there job opportunities as a Baker's assistant?
    - Yes, there were 1437 available jobs during 2024.
  • What are the career paths?
    - Opportunities include advancing to supervisor, specialized machine operator, or further education as a baker or pastry chef.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Bakery worker is 34600 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same highest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Bakery worker is 30500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 116% 29200 kr 30700 kr
35-44 97% 31600 kr 35500 kr
45-54 108% 29500 kr 32600 kr
55-64 107% 30400 kr 33100 kr
Snitt 108% 29300 kr 32500 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 Bakery worker has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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