- Salary statistics
- Fish food processor salary
Fish food processor salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
31 500 - 34 400 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Related tools
Salary progression Fish food processor
What does a fish processing worker do? – Tasks and work environment
A fish processing worker primarily works with refining and preparing fish products for sale to consumers or further processing within the food industry. Tasks include filleting, cleaning, salting, smoking, and packaging fish, as well as handling machinery and equipment designed for these tasks. In some cases, quality control and documentation are included to ensure products meet food safety standards. The work environment is often cool and humid, as work takes place in facilities designed to keep raw materials fresh, and the pace can be intense at times, especially before large deliveries.
Salary development over time
The salary for a fish processing worker has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,500 SEK per month, which increased to 30 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 33 000 SEK, representing a total increase of about 8% over three years. This salary trend reflects a general pattern in the food industry where wages have been adjusted upward to meet increased demands for skills, work environment, and staffing. The increase can also be linked to a shortage of trained personnel and an increased investment by employers in work environment and skills development to retain and attract experienced employees.
Fish processing worker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 28,500 SEK/month (men), 31,400 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (men), 32,700 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 185 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salary (men: 33 200 SEK, women: 32 600 SEK)
- Regional differences: Highest and lowest salaries are found within the regional sector
Education and qualifications
To work as a fish processing worker, a high school education within the food program with specialization in fish or charcuterie is usually required, but internal training at the workplace is also common. Practical experience is highly valued, and some employers offer internships or trainee programs for new employees. Basic knowledge of food hygiene and machinery handling is essential for performing the tasks.
- Education: High school, often within the food program (3 years)
- Certifications: Food hygiene and HACCP courses can be advantageous
- Internship: Usually offered by employers as part of training
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition and attention to detail are required
- Tips: Interest in food and quality facilitates learning
Fish processing is a profession where craftsmanship still holds great importance despite significant automation. Many tasks require skill and a feel for the raw material, making experienced fish processors often invaluable to employers.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, overtime pay, special allowances for work in cold environments, and sometimes wellness contributions are offered. Some employers provide work clothing, employee discounts, or opportunities for skills development within food handling. Vacation pay and collective agreement-insured insurances are common.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a fish processing worker is generally moderate, with a recruitment situation described as balanced according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Over a five-year horizon, demand is expected to decline somewhat, mainly due to technological development and increased automation in the food industry. This may lead to the disappearance or transformation of simpler tasks, while the need for specialized skills and machine familiarity increases. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding environments, high pace, and the requirement for precision, as well as staying updated on food safety and new technologies. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself become increasingly important in the future.
Tips for those who want to become a fish processing worker
To succeed as a fish processing worker, it is good to combine attention to detail with an interest in food and craftsmanship. Being service-oriented facilitates teamwork and contributes to a good work environment, while good physical condition makes it easier to handle heavy lifts and repetitive movements. Flexibility and openness to change are important, especially when new machines or methods are introduced. Patience and perseverance help during periods of high pace and many orders. Showing initiative and willingness to learn more about food hygiene and quality assurance also provides advantages in the profession and can lead to more responsibilities over time.
Key facts about fish processing workers
- Education level: High school, food program
- Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
- Work environment: Cool and humid facilities, often physically demanding
- Demand: Moderate opportunities, balanced labor market
- Number of job openings in the profession: 1437
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a fish processing worker, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles within production, such as supervisor or team leader for a production line. Some choose to broaden their skills towards quality control or specialization in smoking, curing, or export adaptation of fish products. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the labor market for food machine operators is currently balanced, but demand is expected to decline over five years, mainly due to automation and technological development. Nonetheless, there remains a need for experienced and specialized professionals, especially within smaller and craft-oriented companies. Employment opportunities are also influenced by regional differences and proximity to larger fishing ports or food industries.
Common questions about fish processing workers
- What is the average salary of a fish processing worker?
- The average salary is 33 000 SEK per month. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a fish processing worker?
- The highest salary is 33,300 SEK and the lowest is 28,500 SEK per month. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn 98% of men's salaries (women: 32 600 SEK, men: 33 200 SEK). - What education is required to become a fish processing worker?
- A high school education within the food program is recommended, often with practical training. - What is the job market like for fish processing workers?
- There are moderate job opportunities, but demand is expected to decline in the long term. - What qualities are important for a fish processing worker?
- Attention to detail, good physical condition, flexibility, and interest in food are important qualities. - What common benefits are offered?
- Overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and collective agreements are common.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28600 kr | 32000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29600 kr | 32400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30500 kr | 33100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 31500 kr | 34700 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30200 kr | 33000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28600 kr | 32000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29600 kr | 32400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30500 kr | 33100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 31500 kr | 34700 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30200 kr | 33000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28600 kr | 32000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29600 kr | 32400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30500 kr | 33100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 31500 kr | 34700 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30200 kr | 33000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28600 kr | 32000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29900 kr | 32600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30800 kr | 33500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 32000 kr | 35800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28600 kr | 32000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29900 kr | 32600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30800 kr | 33500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 32000 kr | 35800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28600 kr | 32000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29900 kr | 32600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30800 kr | 33500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 32000 kr | 35800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 28700 kr | 32000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30100 kr | 32800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30100 kr | 32400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 30700 kr | 33000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 29900 kr | 32600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 28700 kr | 32000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30100 kr | 32800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30100 kr | 32400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 30700 kr | 33000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 29900 kr | 32600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 28700 kr | 32000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 30100 kr | 32800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 30100 kr | 32400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 30700 kr | 33000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 29900 kr | 32600 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 Fish food processor has the SSYK code 8161, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Food Operator in Kungshamn – Start Week 34
Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 23:14 -
Summer Job in Industry in Vaggeryd – Full-time
Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 09:54 -
Feed Operator Wanted at Modern Farm in Ålberga
Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 08:22 -
Food Production Operator in Kungshamn – Start Week 34
Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 00:44 -
Production Associate for Vinsta Texas Food Company in Vällingby
Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 - 00:39
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Welders and gas cutters
Compare with Fish food processor
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 04:47 -
Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Other machine and process operators, steel and metal
Compare with Fish food processor
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 07:49 -
Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Machine setters and machine operators, metal work
Compare with Fish food processor
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 08:10 -
Average salary: 48 700 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Process operators, stone crushing and ore processing
Compare with Fish food processor
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:47 -
Average salary: 48 700 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Process operators, stone crushing and ore processing
Compare with Fish food processor
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:57 -
Average salary: 34 600 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning
Printers
Compare with Fish food processor
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 03:12
