Image that illustrates Coating machine operator

Coating 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 Coating machine operator

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

What does a coating machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A coating machine operator primarily monitors and controls machines that apply coating agents to paper and cardboard products within the paper industry. Tasks include starting, stopping, and adjusting machines, ensuring the coating quality is correct, and troubleshooting process disruptions. The work is often in shifts and can involve noisy, high-production environments where accuracy and quick problem-solving are crucial. Safety and adherence to routines are central, as the machines are advanced and require constant attention.

Salary development over time

The salary for coating machine operators has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 40 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 41 000 SEK, representing a total increase of about 7% over three years. This trend reflects both the general wage development in the industry and an increased demand for qualified personnel in the paper processing sector. However, wage growth has slowed somewhat due to automation and efficiency improvements, leading to a steadier wage trend. Despite this, the profession remains attractive in terms of salary compared to many other industrial roles.

Coating machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
  • Women: 39 100 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
  • Men: 41 500 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are often seen in regional sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a coating machine operator, a high school education with an industrial, technical, or process operator focus is typically required. Many employers value practical experience from industrial work, and new hires often receive on-site training. Some companies also offer trainee programs or apprenticeships to ensure operators gain the necessary knowledge of machines and processes.

  • High school education: Industrial or technical programs, usually 3 years
  • Internal company training: Common in larger paper mills
  • Internships: Recommended during education or as part of a traineeship
  • Certification courses: Sometimes required for machine safety and quality
  • Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and problem-solving skills

Coating machine operators often work in teams where collaboration and communication are essential to avoid downtime and ensure production quality. Many workplaces have a strong focus on work environment and safety, making routines and teamwork a natural part of daily life.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Coating machine operators are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and protective equipment. It is also common to have collectively negotiated insurances and pensions, along with opportunities for skill development through the employer.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a coating machine operator is characterized by a relatively stable job market, although automation and technological advances influence the industry. Competition for jobs may vary regionally, but overall demand remains steady since the paper industry is a significant part of Swedish manufacturing. A challenge is staying updated on new machines and methods, while maintaining resilience during production stoppages or disruptions. Shift work can also be demanding for health and private life, making flexibility and adaptability important qualities.

Tips for those who want to become a coating machine operator

To succeed as a coating machine operator, it is beneficial to have an interest in technology and machinery, along with a strong sense of responsibility. Being precise and organized facilitates monitoring processes and ensuring quality. Good teamwork skills are advantageous, as work often occurs in teams where communication is crucial during disruptions. Resilience and quick problem-solving skills help handle unexpected situations. Flexibility is also important, as shift work and rapid changes are common. A willingness to continuously learn new things and stay updated on machine technology offers good development opportunities. Finally, being practical and detail-oriented is an advantage, as small errors can impact the entire production chain.

Key facts about coating machine operators

  • Education level: High school education, preferably industrial or technical programs
  • Work environment: Shift work in industrial settings, often with a high safety focus
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the process operators, paper sector
  • Gender distribution: Men have slightly higher average salaries than women
  • Special skills: Handling process machines and quality control

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, coating machine operators can advance to supervisory roles such as shift leader, team manager, or process responsible within the paper industry. Some choose to further their education in production technology or automation to move into more specialized or technical positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no exact forecast exists due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates good future prospects. The demand for qualified operators with technical skills is expected to remain high as the industry continues to develop and become more efficient.

Frequently asked questions about coating machine operators

  • What does a coating machine operator earn?
    - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, with variations between 37,600 and 42,200 SEK depending on experience, gender, and region.
  • What are the salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn an average of 41 500 SEK, women 39 100 SEK. Women thus earn 94% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a coating machine operator?
    - Vocational education with an industrial or technical focus, along with internal training or internships, is common.
  • What does the work environment look like?
    - Work takes place in an industrial setting with shift work, where safety and accuracy are central.
  • Are there many job openings in this profession?
    - Yes, there are 1437 available jobs within the process operators, paper sector.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and collectively negotiated insurances are common benefits.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Projections are uncertain due to limited data, but demand for skilled personnel remains strong within the sector.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Coating 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 Coating 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 Coating 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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