Color mixer, printing

What does a color mixer do in a printing house? – Tasks and work environment

A color mixer in a printing house is responsible for preparing, blending, and adjusting colors used in various printing processes. This involves precisely matching color shades according to customer requirements, following recipes, and ensuring that the color mixture is optimal for the specific material and machinery. The work often takes place in a production environment where accuracy, color sense, and technical knowledge are crucial. The color mixer collaborates closely with printers and quality managers to deliver print products with high color quality and consistency. The work environment is characterized by standing work, handling chemicals, and sometimes shift work depending on the printing house's production schedule.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, printing house color mixers have experienced salary development reflecting both industry changes and labor market demand. In 2022, the average salary was 33,100 SEK, followed by a slight decrease to 32 500 SEK in 2023. This decline can be linked to general economic fluctuations and some uncertainty within the printing industry. However, by 2024, the average salary has risen sharply to 35 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 7.7% compared to the previous year. The rise is mainly explained by increased demand for specialized skills and technical knowledge, as digitalization and more advanced printing techniques require greater responsibility from the color mixer. The positive salary trend indicates stabilization and increased value of the profession.

Color mixer, printing house salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,000 SEK/month (women), 34,000 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 32,300 SEK/month (women), 37,000 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 89% of what men do (32,000 SEK compared to 35 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation within this profession is not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a color mixer in a printing house, a high school education with a focus on printing or graphic technology is generally required, combined with practical skills and sometimes internal training. Formal requirements vary between employers, but technical understanding, color perception, and accuracy are essential. Employers often value experience from production and the ability to work systematically and follow instructions.

• Type of education: High school with printing or graphic focus (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in color theory and printing techniques are advantageous
• Internship: Work-based learning during education is highly recommended
• Prerequisites: Good vision and color perception, technical interest
• Further education: Opportunities for internal training and specialized courses

Common benefits and compensations

Color mixers in printing houses are often covered by collective agreements, which entitle them to statutory vacation, occupational pension, and insurance coverage. Other common benefits may include wellness contributions, reduced working hours, and opportunities for skills development through internal or external courses. Some employers also offer shift or overtime pay depending on production schedules.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a color mixer in a printing house has increased somewhat due to technological developments in the industry and decreased demand for traditional print products. Digitalization and automation mean fewer but more qualified color mixers are needed. At the same time, there is steady demand for professionals with specialized knowledge in advanced color mixing and new technology. Challenges often involve staying updated on new materials, working methods, and environmental requirements, as well as working quickly and accurately under time pressure.

Tips for those who want to become a color mixer in a printing house

To succeed as a color mixer in a printing house, it is good to have a meticulous and methodical personality, since small mistakes can have large consequences for the final result. A good color perception and interest in technology facilitate understanding of machinery and color processes. Flexibility and adaptability are important as tasks and materials can vary from day to day. It is recommended to actively seek internships or summer jobs in the printing industry to build experience and networks. Continuing education in new printing techniques and color theory increases opportunities for development. Employers also appreciate the ability to collaborate and communicate clearly, especially during quality control and customer-specific assignments. Finally, being solution-oriented and resilient under stress is a benefit, as production pace can sometimes be high.

Key facts about a color mixer in a printing house

• Education level: High school with graphic/technical focus
• Work environment: Production environment focused on color and technology
• Work form: Often shift work, sometimes full-time day shifts
• Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession according to current statistics
• Special skills: Color perception, technical understanding, and quality control

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a color mixer in a printing house can advance to roles such as team leader, quality manager, or technician within color management and printing processes. Some choose to further their education in graphic technology or production technology to broaden their career opportunities. The employment service's forecasts show continued stable demand within the profession, especially for those with experience in digital printing and advanced color mixing. The increasing specialization and technological development in the industry mean that individuals with updated skills and interest in new technology have good chances of employment and development. Currently, the number of job openings in the profession is 1,437, indicating a relatively strong job market for color mixers in printing houses.

Frequently asked questions about color mixers in printing houses

• What does a color mixer earn in a printing house?
  - The average salary is 35 000 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become a color mixer?
  - A high school education with a focus on graphic or technical studies is recommended, often combined with practical training.
• What is the work environment like?
  - Work takes place in a production environment with standing work, contact with chemicals, and sometimes shift work.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 89% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast is stable with 1,437 job openings and increasing demand for specialized skills.
• What benefits are common?
  - Collective agreements, occupational pension, wellness contributions, and sometimes overtime pay are common benefits.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a color mixer?
  - The highest salary is 37,000 SEK (male), and the lowest is 32,000 SEK (female).