Image that illustrates Packaging developer

Packaging developer

45 600 kr

Other engineers and technicians

38 900 - 52 700 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Packaging developer

Average salary 45 600 kr
Males 46 500 kr
Females 43 100 kr

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

A packaging developer works with designing, testing, and improving packaging solutions for various products in both industry and consumer goods. Tasks include developing new materials, optimizing packaging durability and functionality, and ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards. The role often involves collaboration with product developers, purchasers, logistics experts, and production to find innovative solutions that meet both customer and company needs. The work environment is usually office-based but may also include visits to production facilities and laboratories for testing or quality control.

Salary development over time

The salary for packaging developers has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,200 SEK per month, increasing to 43 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 45 600 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 8%, slightly higher than the average salary increase in technical professions. This development is partly driven by increased demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions, as well as a growing focus on environmental and circular economy issues. The need for specialized expertise in materials science and design has also contributed to rising wages.

Packaging developer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 45 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 52,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 274 SEK
  • Women: 43 100 SEK/month (93% of men's salary)
  • Men: 46 500 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan regions tend to offer slightly higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a packaging developer, a technical degree in, for example, mechanical engineering, materials science, or industrial design at university or college level is usually required. Many employers also value experience with project work and knowledge of packaging materials, environmental legislation, and manufacturing processes. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs is often advantageous.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's or Master's in engineering (3–5 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Specialization in packaging technology or sustainability
  • Internships/traineeships: Recommended during studies
  • Prerequisites: Science or technical high school education
  • Self-study/online: Possible to supplement with digital courses in CAD, materials science, or project management

Packaging developers often have the opportunity to work in cross-functional teams and collaborate with marketing, production, and sustainability departments. The role can therefore provide a broad understanding of the entire value chain and open doors to several future career paths within the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Packaging developers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Extras like additional vacation days, bonus programs, and skills development through internal or external training are common. In some cases, benefits like company cars, subsidized lunches, or remote work options may also be available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as a packaging developer is moderate, but technological advances and increased sustainability requirements mean the role is constantly evolving. To stay competitive, ongoing training and the ability to quickly adopt new materials and manufacturing methods are essential. Challenges also include balancing cost efficiency with environmental considerations and innovation, while regulations and customer demands tighten. Collaboration across departments and international projects can add further complexity.

Tips for aspiring packaging developers

To succeed as a packaging developer, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with creativity and a genuine interest in technology. Curiosity about new materials and technical solutions helps drive innovation and improvements, while good teamwork skills facilitate working in cross-functional teams. Precision is crucial when testing and evaluating packaging solutions, and strong communication skills support dialogue with suppliers and internal departments. A proactive approach and willingness to continually develop are also important for remaining relevant in the profession.

Key facts about packaging developers

  • Education level: Bachelor's or Master's in engineering (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based with elements of production and laboratories
  • Occupational group: Other engineers and technicians
  • Demand: 564 job openings within the profession according to latest data
  • Special skills: Materials science, environmental requirements, CAD, and project management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a packaging developer, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as project manager, technical specialist, or product manager within packaging and materials development. It is also common to move into sustainability roles or innovation leadership, especially if experience includes environmental work and circular economy. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the demand for packaging developers remains high, driven by increased e-commerce, consumer demands for sustainable solutions, and technological advancements. Opportunities for employment are particularly strong in metropolitan regions and larger manufacturing companies.

Frequently asked questions about packaging developers

  • What does a packaging developer earn?
    - The average salary is 45 600 SEK per month, with variations between 38,900 SEK and 52,700 SEK depending on education, experience, and sector.
  • What are the gender differences in salary for packaging developers?
    - Women earn an average of 43 100 SEK while men earn 46 500 SEK, which means women receive approximately 93% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a packaging developer?
    - Typically, a university or engineering degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, or industrial design.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, generally higher salaries are offered in metropolitan regions compared to other parts of the country.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Common paths include project manager, technical specialist, product manager, or roles within sustainability and innovation.
  • What is the job market like for packaging developers?
    - Demand is high, with over 500 job openings in the profession according to current statistics.
  • What personal qualities are important for a packaging developer?
    - Analytical skills, creativity, teamwork, and meticulousness are especially valuable in the role.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Packaging developer is 52700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 46700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Packaging developer is 38900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 31000 kr 32500 kr
25-34 92% 40400 kr 41900 kr
35-44 92% 44900 kr 46700 kr
45-54 96% 47500 kr 49200 kr
55-64 94% 47000 kr 48100 kr
65-68 50200 kr 51100 kr
Snitt 93% 44100 kr 45600 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 developer has the SSYK code 3119, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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* Updated with 2025 taxes