Joint cutter, plastic

What does a plastic seam cutter do – tasks and work environment

A plastic seam cutter primarily works with cutting, processing, and finishing plastic parts, often as part of industrial manufacturing. Tasks include operating specialized machines and tools to separate and shape plastic components according to specified requirements. Precision is crucial because exact cuts are needed to ensure product quality and functionality. The work often takes place in production environments with high safety and work environment standards, such as using protective equipment and handling materials under controlled conditions. It is common for seam cutters to collaborate with other professionals in the manufacturing chain, which requires good communication skills and teamwork.

Salary development over time

The salary for plastic seam cutters has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month, increasing to 32 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of about 7.5% over three years. This development reflects a continued demand for skills in the field, although technological advances and automation are gradually impacting the industry. Salary increases can also be linked to recruitment difficulties and the need to retain qualified personnel, especially as many leave the profession. Despite the positive salary trend, there are differences between genders and regional variations affecting overall salary levels.

Plastic seam cutter salaries – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, regional sector)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly rate: 200 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 33 900 SEK, women 31 800 SEK (women 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Lowest salary for men 33,500 SEK, lowest for women 31,500 SEK

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a plastic seam cutter often involves completing a high school technical program or similar technical education, supplemented with practical experience. Employers typically require documented experience with machine handling or cutting techniques. Certain positions may require specific certificates, internal training, or industry-specific courses. Internships in the plastics industry provide valuable insight into material handling and machine processing.

• High school education: Industrial technology program (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in plastic processing or machine safety
• Internships: Experience from production or manufacturing is prioritized
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and accuracy
• Tips: School visits and internships in the plastics industry provide competitive advantages

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for plastic seam cutters include shift or overtime allowances, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training within the company. Work clothes, protective equipment, and sometimes bonuses tied to production goals are also offered. Retirement plans and insurance are usually included in collective agreement employment.

Competition and challenges

Although there are many job opportunities in the plastics industry nationally, the profession is characterized by a paradoxical situation where many leave the industry while there are recruitment difficulties. Over the next five years, demand for plastic seam cutters is expected to decline mainly due to increased automation and technological development. Employers seek candidates with both technical skills and the ability to adapt to new machines and methods. Competition for the most attractive positions can be tough, especially for those lacking specialized knowledge or relevant experience. Staying updated on new materials and techniques is crucial for long-term employability.

Tips for those wanting to become a plastic seam cutter

To succeed as a plastic seam cutter, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with accuracy and a willingness to learn. Developing strong problem-solving skills makes it easier to handle unexpected challenges in production. Flexibility is an asset, as tasks can vary between projects and machines. Actively seeking internships or summer jobs in the plastics industry provides valuable experience and networks. Good teamwork skills facilitate working in teams and contribute to an efficient work environment. Those who are proactive and take responsibility for their skills development often find opportunities for further training and new roles. A systematic safety mindset is also important, especially in environments with advanced equipment and high quality standards.

Key facts about Plastic Seam Cutter

• Education level: High school vocational education (industrial technology)
• Work environment: Industrial production, often shift work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, but decreasing over time
• Gender distribution: Predominantly men, clear salary differences
• Special skills: Machine handling and material knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, plastic seam cutters can advance to roles such as production technician, supervisor, or quality manager within the plastics industry. Further education in automation, production technology, or plastics technology opens opportunities for more specialized positions. Although the current job market offers many vacancies – 1433 in the profession – forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand will decline over the next five years, mainly due to automation and technological advancements. Those who stay updated with new techniques and are willing to further educate themselves have good chances to remain in or develop further within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Plastic Seam Cutter

• What does a plastic seam cutter earn?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become a plastic seam cutter?
  - High school education in industrial technology or equivalent, preferably supplemented with practical experience.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 33 900 SEK and women 31 800 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
• What is the job market like for plastic seam cutters?
  - Currently, there are great opportunities for jobs, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 35,700 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education), the lowest is 31,500 SEK (female, regional sector).
• What benefits are common for plastic seam cutters?
  - Shift allowances, wellness contributions, further training, and collective agreement benefits are common.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, and teamwork skills are highly valued.