- Salary statistics
- CNC operator, plastic salary
CNC operator, plastic salary
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
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Salary progression CNC operator, plastic
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.
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).
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
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.
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