Injection molds

What does a moulding technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A moulding technician primarily works with setting, monitoring, and adjusting moulding machines in the plastics industry. Tasks include preparing machines for production, changing moulds, controlling material flow, and ensuring products meet quality standards. Precision is required during setup and maintenance to minimize downtime and production errors. The work environment is often industrial, involving both manual work and digital control systems. The job may involve shift work and requires good technical understanding and the ability to quickly solve urgent problems.

Salary development over time

The salary for a moulding technician has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK/month, increasing to 32 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 33 200 SEK, which represents a total increase of approximately 7.4% over three years. The salary trend reflects continued demand for skills in the plastics industry, even as technological developments and automation gradually change the profession's nature. The stable salary increase is also linked to difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, prompting employers to offer competitive conditions. Despite forecasts of decreased demand in the longer term, wages have continued to rise, partly due to industry needs for experience and technical expertise.

Moulding technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education, up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 200 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 31 800 SEK, men 33 900 SEK (women 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on sector and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a moulding technician, a technical high school education in industry, production, or plastics technology is normally required. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed specific courses in moulding or have experience as machine operators. Practical experience is highly valued, especially in combination with theoretical knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes. Some companies also offer internal trainee programs to strengthen skills in machine maintenance and production technology.

• Formal education: High school education in industry/production (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in moulding and machine technology
• Internship: Workplace-based practical training during or after education
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic mathematics
• Tip: Combine education with summer jobs or internships in the plastics industry

Common benefits and compensations

Moulding technicians are often covered by collective agreements, providing access to occupational pensions, overtime pay, insurance, and wellness contributions. Many workplaces also offer work clothing, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonus programs linked to production targets. Opportunities for further training and skills development are common, especially in larger companies.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a moulding technician is moderate, but there is a shortage of qualified labor, especially in certain regions and companies with advanced production. An ongoing challenge is increasing automation, where some tasks are replaced by robots and digital control systems, requiring continuous skills development. At the same time, many workers leave the profession, creating recruitment needs. Staying updated on new technology and materials is crucial to maintain marketability. The work can also be physically demanding and involve irregular hours, requiring endurance and flexibility.

Tips for aspiring moulding technicians

To succeed as a moulding technician, it is important to be precise and have a genuine interest in technology and problem-solving. Actively seeking internships or summer jobs in the plastics industry provides valuable experience and increases chances of permanent employment. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new machines and methods are essential, especially as technology develops rapidly. Good teamwork skills are highly valued, as the work often takes place in teams and requires communication with colleagues and technicians. Patience and stress resilience are also assets, particularly during production peaks or machine stoppages. Finally, continuous further training is recommended to stay competitive and be able to take on more advanced roles in the future.

Key facts about Moulding Technicians

• Educational level: High school education in industry/production
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
• Demand: Great job opportunities today, but decreasing in the future
• Special skills: Machine setting, material knowledge, technical problem-solving
• Job openings: 1,437 in the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years as a moulding technician, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, production engineer, or specialist in machine maintenance. Some choose to further their education to become process engineers or quality managers in the plastics industry. The Employment Service's forecasts indicate good job prospects today, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to technological development and automation. Nonetheless, the recruitment need remains high in the short term, especially as many leave the profession. Those who continuously develop their skills and stay interested in new technology have good prospects for a stable career in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Moulding Technicians

• What does a moulding technician earn?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK/month, with variation depending on experience, education, and gender.
• What education is required to become a moulding technician?
  - A technical high school education in industry/production is most common, often supplemented with courses in moulding.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 31 800 SEK/month while men earn 33 900 SEK/month.
• What is the job market like for moulding technicians?
  - There are currently good job opportunities, but demand is expected to decrease over five years.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, flexibility, and teamwork skills are particularly valuable.
• How much does an hourly-paid moulding technician earn?
  - The hourly wage is approximately 200 SEK according to industry averages.
• What are the career options within the profession?
  - It is possible to advance to supervisor, technician, or quality manager after a few years in the profession.