Diaper machine attendant

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

A diaper machine operator primarily works with monitoring, controlling, and maintaining machines that produce diapers and other paper hygiene products. Tasks include starting and stopping machines, ensuring smooth production, fixing minor faults, and performing quality checks on finished products. Work often occurs in shifts within an industrial environment where precision and safety are central. The job requires understanding of machine technology and the ability to quickly solve practical problems that may arise during production.

Salary development over time

The profession of diaper machine operators has experienced steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,100 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 900 SEK in 2023, and further to 35 700 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 4.7% over the period. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for hygiene products and a growing need for skilled machine operators in the paper products industry. At the same time, technological development and higher demands for production quality have led employers to offer better conditions to retain competent staff.

Diaper machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 37,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 215 SEK/hour
• Women: 33 700 SEK/month
• Men: 36 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 93% of men's salary
• Regional differences: The highest salary belongs to a man in a regional sector (high school education, up to 2 years), while the lowest is among women with a 3-year high school education.

Education and qualifications

To work as a diaper machine operator, a high school education focused on industry, technology, or process operation is usually required. Practical experience and machine knowledge are highly meritorious, and many employers offer internal training or trainee programs. Some workplaces also require certificates or proof of training for operating specific machines.

• High school education: Industry or technical focus, 2–3 years
• Internal training: Common at workplaces
• Internship: Seen as meritorious during training
• Certification: Sometimes required for machine safety training
• Prerequisites: Technical understanding and good physical condition

Common benefits and compensations

Diaper machine operators are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay for evening and night shifts, and wellness contributions. It is also common to have collective agreement-based pension contributions and opportunities for skills development through the employer. Some workplaces also offer subsidized lunches or work clothing.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for diaper machine operators is characterized by some competition, where experience and technical competence are often decisive for securing the most attractive positions. Since the profession is part of a broader group within the paper products industry, the market situation is affected by the overall economic climate in the industry. Challenges may include shift work, monotonous tasks, and the need for constant attention to avoid operational disruptions. At the same time, technological development means that skill requirements are continuously evolving, making it important to keep knowledge up to date.

Tips for those who want to become a diaper machine operator

To succeed as a diaper machine operator, it is good to be precise and have a genuine interest in technology, as machines require regular monitoring and small problems can quickly turn into larger faults. Being stress-resistant helps during shift work and when the production line is running at high speed. Initiative is a great asset, especially when it comes to acting quickly in unexpected situations. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues and maintenance staff, while a certain degree of independence is needed to make your own assessments. Showing engagement in the work environment and safety is also very important, as it contributes to both your own and colleagues' safety at the workplace.

Key facts about diaper machine operators

• Education level: High school education (2–3 years), often industrial or technical programs
• Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work
• Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Men earn 36 300 SEK, women 33 700 SEK per month
• Special skills: Machine monitoring and troubleshooting

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a diaper machine operator can often advance to senior machine operator, supervisor, or technical specialist within production. Some choose to further their education as maintenance technicians or production planners. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for the profession, as there is insufficient data for a separate analysis of diaper machine operators. However, there are a significant number of job openings for machine operators in the paper products industry, indicating continued demand. The industry is affected by automation and technological development, which may change job tasks over time.

Frequently asked questions about diaper machine operators

• What does a diaper machine operator earn?
  - The average salary is 35 700 SEK per month. Men earn 36 300 SEK and women 33 700 SEK.
• What education is required to become a diaper machine operator?
  - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
• What is the work environment like for diaper machine operators?
  - Work takes place in an industrial environment, often in shifts, requiring accuracy and safety awareness.
• Are there good future prospects in this profession?
  - There are many available jobs within the profession, but automation may influence tasks in the future.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, stress tolerance, and teamwork skills are especially valuable.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for diaper machine operators?
  - The highest salary is 37 000 SEK (male), and the lowest is 32 800 SEK (female).