How much does a Packaging operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Packaging operator
Image that illustrates Packaging operator

Packaging operator

33 400 kr

Machine operators, filling, packing and labeling

32 400 - 34 500 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Packaging operator

Average salary 33 400 kr
Males 33 900 kr
Females 32 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a packaging operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A packaging operator works with monitoring, controlling, and maintaining machines used for filling, packing, and labeling products. Tasks often include checking machine functionality, refilling materials, overseeing production flow, and ensuring products meet quality and labeling standards. The profession also involves quickly fixing minor technical issues and performing simple maintenance. The work environment is characterized by industrial settings where work is performed in shifts, often standing at machines, sometimes requiring protective equipment to ensure safety at the workplace.

Salary development over time

The salary for packaging operators has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,600 SEK per month, increasing to 33,000 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 5.7% over the period. The salary increase can be linked to a generally higher demand for machine operators in industrial manufacturing, as well as ongoing technological development requiring higher competence and precision. The market has also been influenced by inflation and collective bargaining within the industrial sector, contributing to the successive raises.

Packaging operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK
  • Highest salary: 34,500 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 33 900 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 32,400 SEK
  • Women earn: 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Information about regional variation is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a packaging operator, a high school education in industry, technology, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers also offer internal training, and some may require specific certifications for machine safety. Practical experience in production or machine handling is often advantageous and can facilitate employment.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
  • Certifications: Forklift licenses and machine safety training may be required
  • Internship: Internships or apprenticeship periods at industrial companies are common
  • Prerequisites: Passing grades in mathematics and technical subjects
  • Further education: Courses in automation or process technology increase opportunities

Many packaging operators quickly take responsibility for optimizing production and proposing improvements in the flow. Those showing initiative and technical interest can often advance to supervisory roles or specialize in maintenance and quality assurance.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Packaging operators are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses tied to production goals. Other common benefits include occupational pension, work clothing, and occasionally subsidized lunches or staff discounts. The extent of benefits varies depending on the employer and collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a packaging operator is considered moderate, although exact forecasts are unavailable due to limited statistics. The profession is part of a larger group of machine operators within industrial manufacturing, with a large number of available positions overall. Challenges in the profession mainly concern technological development, where demands for digital skills and machine understanding are increasing. The work can be monotonous and physically demanding, and it is important to quickly identify and resolve production disruptions to maintain pace. Shift work and workplace regulations are other factors influencing daily life.

Tips for those wanting to become a packaging operator

To succeed as a packaging operator, attention to detail and a good sense of accuracy are important, as production requires high quality and precision. An interest in technology facilitates understanding of machines and processes, making it easier to solve problems or prevent errors quickly. Flexibility and the ability to work different hours or shifts are often prerequisites, as production can run around the clock. Teamwork skills are also essential since the work is performed in teams where communication is crucial for smooth workflow. Finally, responsibility and initiative are valuable traits, as operators often need to make decisions during minor disruptions and suggest improvements in production.

Key facts about Packaging Operator

  • Education level: High school education in industry/technology
  • Work environment: Industrial production environment, often shift work
  • Employment type: Permanent or temporary employment, sometimes staffing
  • Demand: 1,433 available jobs in the profession (May 2024)
  • Special skills: Machine and process technology, quality control

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or quality manager within the industry. Some choose to further their education in automation or production technology, opening doors to more specialized roles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are currently 1,433 available jobs in the profession, but no precise forecast exists due to limited data. The ongoing technological development in industry suggests that demand for operators with digital skills and problem-solving abilities will persist, although automation may impact certain tasks.

Frequently asked questions about Packaging Operator

  • What is the average salary of a packaging operator?
    - A packaging operator has an average salary of 33 400 SEK per month.
  • What is the highest salary for a packaging operator?
    - The highest salary is 34,500 SEK and is earned by a man with post-secondary education.
  • How large is the difference between men's and women's salaries?
    - Women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a packaging operator?
    - High school education in industry or technology is usually required.
  • What does the job market look like for packaging operators?
    - Currently, there are 1,433 available jobs in the profession according to recent statistics.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and occupational pension are common benefits.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Information about regional differences is currently unavailable.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 18:33:27

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Packaging operator is 34500 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 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Packaging operator is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 96% 28200 kr 33800 kr
25-34 93% 29300 kr 32600 kr
35-44 97% 30600 kr 34000 kr
45-54 96% 30200 kr 32900 kr
55-64 98% 31300 kr 34200 kr
Snitt 96% 29800 kr 33400 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 Packaging operator has the SSYK code 8181, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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