What does a CNC operator in plastics earn?

The average salary is 33,200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and region.

How does the salary difference between men and women look?

Men earn on average 33,900 SEK and women 31,800 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.

What education is required to become a CNC operator in plastics?

High school industrial technology programs or equivalent adult education, often supplemented with certification courses.

Are there many job openings in this profession?

Yes, as of May 2024, there were 1,437 available jobs in the field of machine operators in the plastics industry.

What are the future prospects for this profession?

Opportunities for employment are large today but are expected to decrease over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.

What is the hourly wage for a CNC operator in plastics?

The average for hourly workers is 200 SEK per hour.

What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?

The highest salary is 35,700 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education of at least 3 years) and the lowest is 31,500 SEK (female, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years).

CNC operator, plastic salary

34 200 SEK

Machine operators, plastics industry

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

32 600 - 35 200 SEK / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

Average salary 34 200 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 32 600 - 35 200 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a CNC operator in the plastics industry do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time CNC operator in plastics salary – complete overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression CNC operator, plastic

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What does a CNC operator in the plastics industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A CNC operator in the plastics industry is responsible for programming, monitoring, and maintaining computer-controlled machines that process plastic materials into finished products or components. Tasks include reading and interpreting drawings, setting up machines, checking measurements, and performing quality controls to ensure production meets high standards. The environment is often industrial with high demands on safety and efficiency, where both independent work and collaboration with colleagues occur. Shift work is common, especially in larger production facilities, and work tasks can be monotonous but require precision and technical interest.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for CNC operators in the plastics industry have shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK, followed by an increase to 33 200 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 34 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. This trend reflects a continued demand for technically skilled operators, despite automation and technological development beginning to impact the industry. Salary increases can also be linked to recruitment difficulties, as many leave the profession for other opportunities or further education. Gender differences remain, although they have decreased somewhat over time.

CNC operator in plastics salary – complete overview

Average salary: 34 200 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 sector, post-secondary education of at least 3 years)
Hourly wage (average): 200 SEK/hour
Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% of what men do (men: 34 800 SEK, women: 32 700 SEK)
Regional differences: Salaries vary between regions and employers, with higher wages in metropolitan areas and the private sector.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a CNC operator in the plastics industry usually goes through high school industrial technology programs or equivalent vocational training, sometimes supplemented with specialized courses in CNC technology and plastic processing. Practical experience is valuable, and many employers require some familiarity with industrial environments. Certifications and further training increase employment opportunities and career development.

High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
Adult education/Vux: CNC operator training, 1–2 years
Certifications: Courses in CNC programming and plastic processing
Internship: Apprenticeship or practical placement during training
Prerequisites: Passing grades in mathematics and technology from compulsory school

Many CNC operators in the plastics industry have the opportunity to work with advanced automation and digitalization, which means their work is constantly evolving and provides insight into the latest manufacturing technologies.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

For CNC operators in the plastics industry, benefits often include shift allowances for night shifts, wellness grants, work clothing, as well as opportunities for further training and skills development. Occupational pension and insurance are standard in most collective agreements, and some employers also offer bonuses linked to production or attendance.

Competition and challenges

The job market for CNC operators in the plastics industry is characterized by high demand, but also a paradoxical situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and many leaving the profession. Technological development and increased automation mean that skill requirements are constantly changing, demanding flexibility and continuous learning. Competition for the most attractive positions is increasing as some tasks are automated away. At the same time, there are great opportunities for those who are technically interested and willing to further educate themselves in the field.

Tips for aspiring CNC operators in the plastics industry

To succeed as a CNC operator in the plastics industry, it’s good to have a genuine interest in technology and machines, while accuracy and responsibility are crucial to ensure quality and safety in production. Good problem-solving skills help quickly handle operational disruptions and adapt to new tasks. Flexibility and openness to learning new technology are also important, as the industry is characterized by rapid development and changing routines. Collaboration skills facilitate communication with colleagues and management in shift teams or larger groups. Being proactive, such as suggesting improvements in the manufacturing process, is often appreciated by employers and can lead to further advancement. Finally, endurance and stress resistance are important qualities in environments where the pace can be high and tasks repetitive.

Key facts about CNC operator in plastics

Education level: High school or vocational training required
Work environment: Industrial, often with shift work
Demand: Great job opportunities, but decreasing in the longer term
Number of available jobs: 1,437 (May 2024, Sweden)
Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years of experience as a CNC operator in the plastics industry, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as production technician, supervisor, or quality manager. Some choose further education in automation, production technology, or mechanical engineering to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market for machine operators in the plastics industry is currently good, but demand is expected to decline over the next five years due to increased automation and technological development. Nevertheless, there are still many available positions, especially for those with specialized skills or experience with advanced CNC systems.

Frequently asked questions about CNC operator in plastics

What does a CNC operator in plastics earn?
- The average salary is 34 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and region.
How does the salary difference between men and women look?
- Men earn on average 34 800 SEK and women 32 700 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
What education is required to become a CNC operator in plastics?
- High school industrial technology programs or equivalent vocational training, often supplemented with certification courses.
Are there many job openings in this profession?
- Yes, as of May 2024, there are 1,437 available jobs in the field of machine operators in the plastics industry.
What are the future prospects for this profession?
- Opportunities are large today but are expected to decrease over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
What is the hourly wage for a CNC operator in plastics?
- The average for hourly workers is 200 SEK per hour.
What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
- The highest salary is 35,700 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education of at least 3 years) and the lowest is 31,500 SEK (female, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years).

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 17:42:53

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		28800 kr	31400 kr
25-34	94%	31200 kr	34300 kr
35-44	91%	32300 kr	34900 kr
45-54	96%	32300 kr	34900 kr
55-64	94%	32500 kr	34600 kr
Snitt	94%	31600 kr	34200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		28800 kr	31400 kr
25-34	94%	31200 kr	34300 kr
35-44	91%	32300 kr	34900 kr
45-54	96%	32300 kr	34900 kr
55-64	94%	32500 kr	34600 kr
Snitt	94%	31600 kr	34200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		28800 kr	31400 kr
25-34	94%	31200 kr	34300 kr
35-44	91%	32300 kr	34900 kr
45-54	96%	32300 kr	34900 kr
55-64	94%	32500 kr	34600 kr
Snitt	94%	31600 kr	34200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		28800 kr	31900 kr
25-34	94%	31300 kr	34800 kr
35-44	91%	32900 kr	35600 kr
45-54	96%	32400 kr	35400 kr
55-64	94%	33000 kr	35500 kr
Snitt	94%	31900 kr	34800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		28800 kr	31900 kr
25-34	94%	31300 kr	34800 kr
35-44	91%	32900 kr	35600 kr
45-54	96%	32400 kr	35400 kr
55-64	94%	33000 kr	35500 kr
Snitt	94%	31900 kr	34800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		28800 kr	31900 kr
25-34	94%	31300 kr	34800 kr
35-44	91%	32900 kr	35600 kr
45-54	96%	32400 kr	35400 kr
55-64	94%	33000 kr	35500 kr
Snitt	94%	31900 kr	34800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	94%	30800 kr	32700 kr
35-44	91%	30200 kr	32400 kr
45-54	96%	32100 kr	33900 kr
55-64	94%	31700 kr	33200 kr
Snitt	94%	31000 kr	32700 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	94%	30800 kr	32700 kr
35-44	91%	30200 kr	32400 kr
45-54	96%	32100 kr	33900 kr
55-64	94%	31700 kr	33200 kr
Snitt	94%	31000 kr	32700 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	94%	30800 kr	32700 kr
35-44	91%	30200 kr	32400 kr
45-54	96%	32100 kr	33900 kr
55-64	94%	31700 kr	33200 kr
Snitt	94%	31000 kr	32700 kr

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

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 CNC operator, plastic has the SSYK code 8142, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.