How much does a Packaging operator make

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  2. Packaging operator
Image that illustrates Packaging operator

Packaging operator

33 400 kr

Machine operators, filling, packing and labeling

32 400 - 34 500 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Packaging operator

Average salary 33 400 kr
Males 33 900 kr
Females 32 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a packaging operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A packaging operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining machines used for packaging products in manufacturing industries. Tasks include loading materials into machines, checking that packaging meets quality standards, and quickly addressing any operational issues. Daily work often involves quality inspections, machine cleaning, and documentation of production. The work environment is typically industrial, requiring safety, precision, and efficiency. Shift work is common, and the pace can be high, especially during peak production periods.

Salary development over time

The salary for packaging operators has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,600 SEK per month, rising to 33,000 SEK in 2023 and reaching 33 400 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years amounts to approximately 5.7%. This trend is driven by increased demand for machine operators in Swedish industry and automation of production lines, which has raised the need for skilled operators. Union negotiations and inflation adjustments have also contributed to salary increases. The trend indicates continued stable salary growth, although regional differences and gender pay gaps still exist.

Packaging operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 34,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 201 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men 33 900 SEK, women 32,400 SEK (women 96% of men’s salary)
  • Regional differences: Varies, but larger industrial regions often offer slightly higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a packaging operator, a high school education in technology, industry, or equivalent is usually required. Many employers also offer internal training and onboarding, as machines and processes can differ between companies. Practical experience is highly valued, and some employers prefer candidates with relevant certifications or courses in production technology.

  • High school education: Industry or engineering programs (3 years)
  • Internal training: Often several weeks to months at the workplace
  • Certifications: Courses in machine safety and production technology
  • Internships/traineeships: Opportunities through vocational programs or post-secondary education
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and basic technical understanding

Packaging operators play a crucial role in ensuring products are delivered defect-free and in proper condition to customers. The profession requires both technical skills and a sense of quality, which leads many operators to develop a broad understanding of the entire production process.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Among the most common benefits for packaging operators are shift and overtime allowances, wellness contributions, opportunities for training, and sometimes bonuses based on production targets. Many employers also offer insurance, pension contributions, and subsidized lunch or work clothes.

Competition and challenges

The job market for packaging operators is characterized by relatively stable demand, especially in larger industrial regions. A major challenge is technological development within automation, which requires continuous skills development. Competition for jobs can vary by region and industry, but the number of available positions has been good, with 1437 advertised jobs within the profession. Keeping up with new machines and digital systems is essential to remain attractive on the job market. Additionally, high demands are placed on accuracy and responsibility, which can be challenging during periods of high production volume.

Tips for those who want to become a packaging operator

To succeed as a packaging operator, it’s good to have a technical interest and a willingness to constantly develop. Attention to detail is crucial, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in the production chain. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing work hours and tasks are also important, as well as good teamwork skills. A structured approach helps when the pace is high and tasks numerous, while a problem-solving attitude assists in quickly handling machine stops and other challenges. Taking initiative for further training and staying updated on new production methods increases the chances of career development within the profession.

Key facts about packaging operators

  • Education level: High school education in industry or technology
  • Work environment: Industrial premises, often shift work
  • Demand: 1437 available jobs in the profession (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Special skills: Machine operation and quality assurance

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a packaging operator can advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or machine technician within production. There are also opportunities to specialize in quality control, maintenance, or process development. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecasts, no precise assessment is made for packaging operators due to limited statistical data. However, the general outlook indicates continued demand, especially in industrial regions. Automation may change work content, but the need for skilled operators is expected to remain.

Frequently asked questions about packaging operators

  • What does a packaging operator earn?
    - The average salary is 33 400 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience, region, and gender.
  • What is required to become a packaging operator?
    - A high school education in industry or engineering is most common, but internal training and internships are often available.
  • Are there good job opportunities?
    - Yes, many available jobs within the profession, especially in industrial regions.
  • What are the working hours for a packaging operator?
    - Shift work is common, including day, evening, and night shifts.
  • What are the career paths?
    - Opportunities for advancement within production, such as team leader or quality manager.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, technical interest, and teamwork skills are highly valued.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 23:06:39

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Packaging operator is 34500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Packaging operator is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 96% 28200 kr 33800 kr
25-34 93% 29300 kr 32600 kr
35-44 97% 30600 kr 34000 kr
45-54 96% 30200 kr 32900 kr
55-64 98% 31300 kr 34200 kr
Snitt 96% 29800 kr 33400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Packaging operator has the SSYK code 8181, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
31 377
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Fees
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