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- Salary statistics
- Pharmaceutical operator salary
Pharmaceutical operator salary
36 500 SEK
Latest available salary statistics are for 2024. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
35 600 - 38 600 SEK / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Average salary
36 500 SEK/month
Monthly gross salary
Salary range
35 600 - 38 600 SEK
Latest available range
Data year
2024
Latest published dataset
Related tools
Salary progression Pharmaceutical operator
Average salary
36 500 kr
Males
36 500 kr
Females
36 600 kr
What does a pharmaceutical operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A pharmaceutical operator works to monitor and operate machines that manufacture medicines and other pharmaceutical products. Tasks include starting, monitoring, and adjusting production equipment, inspecting raw materials, performing quality checks, and documenting production data according to strict procedures. The work environment is often a laboratory or factory setting, with high demands for hygiene, safety, and precision. Shift work and teamwork are common, where clear communication and focus on quality are essential to maintain product safety.
Salary development over time
The salary for a pharmaceutical operator has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35100 SEK per month, increasing to 37100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 36 500 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 4 % from 2022 to 2024, with a slight decrease from the peak year 2023. The salary development reflects changes in demand, inflation, and overall labor market conditions. The temporary salary increase in 2023 can be explained by increased demand for pharmaceutical production, while the recent decrease may be due to normalization after the pandemic and adjustments in collective agreements.
Pharmaceutical operator salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 36 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (men), 35,800 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (men), 38,300 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 219 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn as much as men in this profession
- Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on employer and region, but generally salary levels are stable across the country
Education and qualifications
To work as a pharmaceutical operator, a high school education with a focus on technical or science subjects is usually required, often supplemented with internal training or specialized courses in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Practical experience in industrial production is highly valued, and many employers offer introductory programs or trainee positions for new operators. Prior knowledge of chemistry, process technology, and quality assurance is advantageous and can facilitate career entry.
- High school education: Technical, science, or industrial technology (3 years)
- Internal training: Specific courses in pharmaceutical production and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- Internship/trainee: Introduction and internship opportunities are often available at the workplace
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of technology, chemistry, and mathematics
- Courses/certifications: Quality and safety training are advantageous
In the role of pharmaceutical operator, quick learning of new tasks and adapting to changing processes are often required. The rapid technological development in the pharmaceutical industry makes flexibility and a willingness to continuously learn new skills highly valued by employers.
Common benefits and compensations
Among the most common benefits for pharmaceutical operators are wellness allowances, subsidized meals, shift allowances, and occupational pension schemes. Many employers also offer opportunities for skills development, extra vacation days, and insurance coverage. In some cases, bonus or performance-based compensation may also be provided depending on the company and collective agreement.
Competition and challenges
The job market for pharmaceutical operators is stable but competition can occur, especially for positions at larger pharmaceutical companies. Challenges in the profession often involve maintaining high quality standards and safety routines while production speed is high. Technological development requires continuous further training and adaptability, and the work environment can be physically demanding with shift work and monotonous tasks. Those who wish to establish themselves in the industry need to be meticulous, resilient under stress, and capable of teamwork.
Tips for those who want to become a pharmaceutical operator
To succeed as a pharmaceutical operator, it is good to be meticulous and have an interest in technology and quality. A first step can be choosing a high school program with a technical or science focus and familiarizing oneself early with industrial processes through internships or summer jobs. Showing responsibility and a structured working approach is crucial, as small mistakes can have large consequences. Flexibility and a willingness to learn new methods and machines make it easier to adapt to changes in production. The ability to collaborate and communicate clearly with colleagues is also important, especially during shift work and when tasks require coordination. Finally, employers appreciate initiative and engagement, especially from those looking to develop further within the industry.
Key facts about Pharmaceutical Operator
- Education level: High school education, often with a focus on technical or science subjects
- Work environment: Laboratory and factory environment with high hygiene requirements
- Typical work form: Shift work and teamwork
- Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession (2024)
- Gender distribution: Equal salaries between women and men
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a pharmaceutical operator can advance to more qualified roles such as supervisor, production technician, or quality manager. There are also opportunities to specialize in process development or training new operators. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Service indicate that there is no specific assessment for this job title at present, but within the broader group of machine operators for pharmaceutical products, 1,437 job openings are reported, indicating stable demand. Continued industry development and technological progress open new career paths, especially for those interested in process technology and quality assurance.
Frequently asked questions about Pharmaceutical Operator
- What does a pharmaceutical operator earn?
- The average salary is 36 500 SEK per month, with minor differences between women and men. - What is the hourly wage for pharmaceutical operators?
- An average hourly wage is 219 SEK based on 166 working hours per month. - What education is required to become a pharmaceutical operator?
- A high school education with a focus on technical, science, or industrial subjects is recommended. - Are there salary differences between regions?
- Regional differences exist, but generally salary levels are consistent across the country. - What career opportunities are available in the profession?
- After a few years, you can advance to roles such as supervisor, quality manager, or production technician. - What are the future prospects for pharmaceutical operators?
- There is strong demand within the profession, with over 1,400 job openings reported in 2024. - Is shift work common in the profession?
- Yes, shift work is common, especially within larger pharmaceutical companies.
Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pharmaceutical operator is 38600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 38300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pharmaceutical operator is 35600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 35800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25700 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29600 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31700 kr | 37400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 32800 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 33800 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25700 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29600 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31700 kr | 37400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 32800 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 33800 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25700 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29600 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31700 kr | 37400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 32800 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 33800 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25700 kr | 32400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29500 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31600 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33000 kr | 39100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 34000 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30400 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25700 kr | 32400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29500 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31600 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33000 kr | 39100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 34000 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30400 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25700 kr | 32400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29500 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31600 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 33000 kr | 39100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 34000 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30400 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25800 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29600 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31900 kr | 37200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 32500 kr | 37700 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 33500 kr | 38600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30700 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25800 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29600 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31900 kr | 37200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 32500 kr | 37700 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 33500 kr | 38600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30700 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25800 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 29600 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 31900 kr | 37200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 32500 kr | 37700 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 33500 kr | 38600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30700 kr | 36600 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 Pharmaceutical operator has the SSYK code 8131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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Net salary
31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582