Image that illustrates Packaging technicians

Packaging technicians

45 300 kr

Engineers and technicians in mechanical engineering

37 000 - 68 000 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Packaging technicians

Average salary 45 300 kr
Males 45 600 kr
Females 43 200 kr

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

A packaging technician develops, tests, and optimizes packaging solutions for various types of products and industries. Tasks include everything from material selection and design to production techniques and quality inspections. Packaging technicians often work closely with product developers, purchasers, and production teams to ensure that packages are durable, cost-effective, and compliant with legal requirements. The work environment can vary between laboratories, offices, and production settings, and the profession often requires both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.

Salary development over time

Packaging technicians have seen steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,500 SEK per month, rising to 43 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has increased further and now amounts to 45 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9% over the three-year period. Salary development is driven by technological advancements, increased demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and a growing focus on material optimization within the industry. The shortage of qualified technicians in the field has also contributed to raising salary levels, especially for those with specialized education or experience in modern production techniques.

Packaging technician salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 68,000 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
  • Hourly wage: 272 SEK/hour
  • Men's average salary: 45 600 SEK/month (highest: 50,500 SEK, lowest: 39,900 SEK)
  • Women's average salary: 43 200 SEK/month (highest: 68,000 SEK, lowest: 37,000 SEK)
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a packaging technician, a technical education focusing on mechanical engineering, materials science, or industrial design is usually required. Many employers prefer a university or engineering degree, but it is also possible to enter the profession through vocational colleges or equivalent practical training. Internships and trainee programs are often advantageous, and additional courses in sustainability, production technology, and CAD can be very beneficial.

  • Formal education: University or engineering degree (3–5 years) in mechanical engineering, materials science, or industrial economics
  • Vocational college education: 2–3 years, often focusing on production technology or packaging development
  • Certifications: Courses in CAD, production technology, or sustainability
  • Internships/Trainee: Internships during education are common
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma with a technical focus is recommended

Packaging technicians often work at the intersection of innovation and environment, where small changes in material choice or design can significantly impact costs and climate footprint. The role therefore requires a rare combination of creativity and precision, making the profession particularly attractive to technology enthusiasts who also want to contribute to sustainable development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Packaging technicians are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include bonus programs linked to project goals, skills development through internal and external training, and opportunities for remote work depending on company policies. Company cars and subsidized lunches are also available in some larger organizations.

Competition and challenges

The market for packaging technicians is characterized by increasing competition for the most qualified positions, especially within larger industries and international companies. Challenges include rapid technological development, increased demands for sustainable solutions, and the need to combine engineering skills with business acumen. Since the profession lies at the intersection of technology, production, and environmental issues, high adaptability and continuous education are required. The shortage of specialists in certain areas, such as environmentally friendly packaging development, can create good opportunities for those with the right skills.

Tips for aspiring packaging technicians

To succeed as a packaging technician, it is good to be analytical and curious, as the profession requires quickly evaluating and implementing new materials and techniques. Precision is a valuable asset in quality control and documentation, while teamwork skills facilitate projects involving multiple disciplines. Staying updated on sustainability trends and environmental legislation provides an advantage, as does actively participating in industry seminars or networks. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are crucial when conditions change rapidly. Finally, it’s wise to seek internships or trainee positions to gain experience and contacts during your studies.

Key facts about packaging technicians

  • Educational level: University or vocational college education recommended
  • Work environment: Varies between offices, production, and laboratories
  • Typical work format: Project-based and cross-functional collaboration
  • Job openings: 564 within the profession (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, many packaging technicians advance to roles such as project manager, specialist in material development, or production manager. It is also common to move into positions like quality manager, sustainability officer, or consultant within the packaging industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service for engineers and technicians in mechanical engineering indicate good employment opportunities, although the exact demand for packaging technicians cannot be separately assessed due to limited data. In 2024, there were 564 job openings within the profession, suggesting continued demand for technical expertise in the field.

Common questions about packaging technicians

  • What does a packaging technician earn?
    - A packaging technician has an average salary of 45 300 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a packaging technician?
    - A university or vocational college education with a technical focus is recommended.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for packaging technicians?
    - The profession has good future prospects with several job openings within the field.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Development and testing of packaging solutions, material selection, and quality control.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for packaging technicians?
    - The highest salary is 68,000 SEK and the lowest is 37,000 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities are important for the profession?
    - Analytical skills, accuracy, and teamwork are especially important.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Packaging technicians is 68000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 50500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Packaging technicians is 37000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 39900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 33500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 98% 40200 kr 40900 kr
35-44 102% 43600 kr 45000 kr
45-54 95% 48200 kr 49400 kr
55-64 93% 44900 kr 46300 kr
65-68 48200 kr 49400 kr
Snitt 95% 44100 kr 45300 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 Packaging technicians has the SSYK code 3114, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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