Image that illustrates Distillery workers

Distillery workers

32 000 kr

Other machine operators, food industry etc.

29 700 - 34 700 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Distillery workers

Average salary 32 000 kr
Males 32 700 kr
Females 31 100 kr

What does a distillery worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A distillery worker is responsible for monitoring and operating machinery and equipment in the production of spirits, whiskey, vodka, and other distilled beverages. Tasks include handling raw materials, following recipes, controlling the distillation process, and ensuring the final product meets quality standards. The role also involves cleaning equipment, sampling, and documenting production according to applicable regulations. The work environment is often industrial, involving both manual and machine work, which requires safety awareness and precision.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for distillery workers have shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, rising to 31 900 SEK in 2023 and continuing up to 32 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase during this period is approximately 5.6%, in line with overall wage development in Swedish industry. This positive trend is partly explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the food industry and a greater focus on quality and traceability in manufacturing. The demand for handcrafted beverages and the growing export market also contribute to stable wage growth in the sector.

Many distillery workers develop a deep understanding of flavors and aromas over time, which often attracts individuals interested in sensory analysis and product development. This knowledge can open doors to specialized roles in quality assurance and innovation work.

– statsskuld.se

Distillery worker salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 32 700 SEK, women: 31 100 SEK)
  • Regional differences: The highest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a distillery worker, a high school education in food, process, or industry is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers offer internal training for suitable candidates. The tasks also require good knowledge of safety, hygiene, and quality control.

  • High school education: Food or industrial focus, 2–3 years
  • Practical training: Common during education or as an intern
  • Certifications: Courses in food hygiene and machinery safety are often advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Precision, technical interest, and responsibility
  • Additional: Some employers offer further training and specialization opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Distillery workers are often covered by collective agreements that provide overtime pay, shift allowances, occupational pension, and wellness contributions. Other common benefits include subsidized meals, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. In some cases, bonus systems linked to production or quality are also present.

Competition and challenges

The job market for distillery workers is relatively stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in smaller towns with few producers. Challenges in the profession include shift work, high demands for accuracy, and responsibility for safety in an environment where machinery and chemicals are handled daily. The industry's increased focus on sustainability and digitalization means that new technical skills are becoming increasingly important. Employers often require a combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge of processes. Changes in legislation and consumer trends can also influence job tasks.

Tips for aspiring distillery workers

To succeed as a distillery worker, it is important to be precise and responsible, as the work involves constant monitoring of processes and equipment. An interest in technology facilitates learning about machinery and process flows, and showing initiative in learning new tasks is appreciated by employers. Being able to handle stress, especially during intensive production periods, as well as collaborating and communicating clearly with colleagues, are valuable skills. Flexibility is also important, as tasks can vary between different parts of production. A willingness to further educate oneself and keep up with technological developments offers good opportunities for career advancement. Finally, an interest in food safety and quality is essential for enjoying and succeeding in the role.

Key facts about Distillery workers

  • Educational level: High school, industrial or food focus
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with both machine and manual work
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work is common
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession according to latest data
  • Special skills: Process monitoring, food hygiene, and quality control

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a distillery worker can advance to leadership roles such as shift supervisor, process manager, or quality coordinator. Some choose to further their education in production technology or food safety to move into more specialized positions, such as product development or laboratory work. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand remains stable, with over 1,400 job openings in the profession. Digitalization and increased automation mean that technical skills are becoming increasingly important, creating new career opportunities for those interested in development and innovation within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Distillery workers

  • What is the average salary of a distillery worker?
    - A distillery worker has an average salary of 32 000 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 32 700 SEK, while women earn 31 100 SEK, which corresponds to 95% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a distillery worker?
    - High school education with a focus on industry or food is recommended, often combined with practical training.
  • What is the job market like for distillery workers?
    - Demand is stable, with over 1,400 job openings in the profession according to recent data.
  • What is the most common work environment for a distillery worker?
    - The work environment is industrial, often involving shift work and high demands for safety and hygiene.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 34,700 SEK and the lowest is 29,700 SEK, depending on experience, sector, and education.
  • What personal qualities are important for the profession?
    - Precision, technical interest, and a sense of responsibility are especially important for success as a distillery worker.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Distillery workers is 34700 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 33100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Distillery workers is 29700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 28100 kr 31600 kr
25-34 96% 29800 kr 33300 kr
35-44 84% 28900 kr 31200 kr
45-54 93% 30700 kr 33100 kr
55-64 28500 kr 30600 kr
Snitt 95% 29300 kr 32000 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 Distillery workers has the SSYK code 8169, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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