Image that illustrates Destruction machinist

Destruction machinist

38 100 kr

Machine operators, chemical technology and photographic products

36 000 - 39 800 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Destruction machinist

Average salary 38 100 kr
Males 38 500 kr
Females 36 900 kr

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

A destruction machine operator is responsible for handling, monitoring, and controlling machines used for the destruction of chemical, technical, and sometimes photographic products. The work often involves sorting materials, checking machine functions, following safety procedures, and documenting work steps. The work environment is characterized by high demands for precision and safety, as handling hazardous substances and advanced machinery are part of daily routines. Work is often carried out in specialized destruction facilities where protective equipment is mandatory and safety regulations are strict.

Salary development over time

The salary development for destruction machine operators has been clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 33 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 38 100 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 17% over the period. The sharp rise between 2023 and 2024 can partly be linked to increased demand for trained personnel in safe and environmentally friendly destruction, as well as general wage adjustments within the industry. Market demands for higher safety competence and specialization also contribute to pushing up salary levels in the profession.

Destruction machine operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 229 SEK/hour
  • Women: 36,900 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 38,500 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Information on regional variations is unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a destruction machine operator typically involves high school education in technology, industry, or natural sciences, followed by vocational courses and practical training. Many employers also require specific certifications in safety and environmental management, as the profession involves working with potentially hazardous substances and machinery. Practical experience in similar process industrial environments is often advantageous and can be decisive for employment.

  • High school education: Technology, industry, or science programs (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in work environment, chemical safety, and machine safety
  • Practical training: Internships or trainee positions at destruction facilities are common
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of technology, safety, and environment
  • Tips for choosing: Experience from process industries and interest in environmental work facilitate entry into the profession

Destruction machine operators often work in teams where collaboration and communication are crucial to ensure a safe and efficient work process. Many facilities operate in shifts and require flexibility in working hours, making the profession especially suitable for individuals who enjoy variable workdays and high responsibility.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for destruction machine operators often include compensation for unsocial hours, access to wellness allowances, work clothing, and protective equipment. Some employers also offer skills development, additional insurance, and the possibility of bonuses for achieving productivity goals.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a destruction machine operator is moderate, but employers increasingly demand specialized knowledge in safety and environmental issues. The job is physically demanding and often involves working in environments where routines and precision are critical for safety. Challenges may also include shift work and high documentation requirements. Lack of access to certain training and certifications can affect opportunities to establish oneself in the profession. However, those with previous experience in process industries or similar technical environments have good prospects for competing for available positions.

Tips for those who want to become destruction machine operators

To succeed as a destruction machine operator, it is important to be meticulous and responsible, as the work demands high safety standards and routines. Practical skills and technical interest help in understanding and handling machinery and troubleshooting when needed. Flexibility and good teamwork skills are valuable, especially since work often takes place in shifts and in teams. Being solution-oriented assists with unexpected problems or deviations in production, while stress tolerance is crucial during periods of high workload. It is recommended to actively seek internships and participate in further training in safety and environment to strengthen your skills and increase employability.

Key facts about Destruction Machine Operator

  • Education level: High school education and vocational certifications
  • Work environment: Production, process industry, and destruction facilities
  • Typical work form: Shift work and teamwork
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs in 2024
  • Special skills: Safe chemical handling and machinery safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a destruction machine operator, there are good opportunities to advance to leadership roles, such as supervisor or process manager within larger facilities. Further education can also open doors to specialist roles in environmental and safety work. The Employment Service’s forecasts for the chemical and photographic product machine operator profession indicate that there is insufficient data for an exact assessment of the job market for destruction machine operators. Nonetheless, the availability of 1,437 job openings within the profession indicates a stable demand, especially for those with the right certifications and experience.

Frequently asked questions about Destruction Machine Operator

  • What is the average salary of a destruction machine operator?
    - The average salary is 38 100 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 36,900 SEK while men earn 38,500 SEK, meaning women earn 96% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a destruction machine operator?
    - High school education in technology or industry, along with vocational certifications in safety and environment, are common requirements.
  • What is the job market like for destruction machine operators?
    - There are 1,437 available jobs, but no specific forecast for destruction machine operators.
  • What tasks does a destruction machine operator perform?
    - Monitor and control destruction machines, follow safety routines, and document work processes.
  • What is the hourly wage for a destruction machine operator?
    - The average hourly wage is 229 SEK.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Information on regional salary differences is currently unavailable.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Destruction machinist is 39800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Destruction machinist is 36000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33300 kr 37300 kr
35-44 35000 kr 39100 kr
45-54 35400 kr 39200 kr
55-64 34800 kr 38900 kr
Snitt 96% 34200 kr 38100 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 Destruction machinist has the SSYK code 8132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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