- Salary statistics
- Helpers, paper industry
Helpers, paper industry
37 600 - 42 200 kr / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Helpers, paper industry
What does an assistant in the paper industry do? – Tasks and work environment
An assistant in the paper industry is a vital resource in the production of paper and paper products. Tasks often include machine supervision, material handling, quality control, and support to process operators during various stages of manufacturing. The environment features large facilities with both automated and manual processes, and safety routines are central. The work may involve shift work and sometimes physical labor, requiring attention to detail to maintain production quality and flow.
Wage development over time
The salary for an assistant in the paper industry has shown a steady increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, rising to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 41 000 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 6.8% over three years. The wage development reflects continued high demand for skills in process industry, where automation and technological advancements have increased requirements—and salaries—for employees. Gender differences remain, and regional variations may occur depending on the labor market and local conditions.
Assistant in the paper industry salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
- Women’s salary: 39 100 SEK/month
- Men’s salary: 41 500 SEK/month
- Women earn: 94% of what men do
- Regional differences: Highest salary observed within regional sector
Education and qualifications
To work as an assistant in the paper industry, a high school diploma is usually required, often with an industrial or technical focus. Practical experience from industrial environments or similar production is advantageous, and some employers may offer internal training. It is also common for new hires to shadow experienced colleagues to learn routines and safety regulations.
- High school education: Industrial, technical, or process technology, usually 3 years
- Internship or trainee period: Recommended for increased employability
- Internal training: Common on the workplace
- Experience: Previous work in industry is advantageous
- Safety training: Often mandatory upon employment
Working as an assistant in the paper industry provides a unique insight into how everyday products like paper and packaging are manufactured from scratch. Many who start in this role quickly gain a deeper understanding of industrial processes and can build valuable networks within the manufacturing sector.
Common benefits and compensations
Assistants in the paper industry are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. Shift work may entitle them to overtime pay and extra compensation for night or weekend work. Many employers also provide work clothing, opportunities for skill development, and sometimes bonus systems linked to production results.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as an assistant in the paper industry varies depending on region and economic climate. Automation has changed the nature of tasks and increased the demand for technical understanding and adaptability. Physical work and shift work can be challenging for some, and there is a certain gender wage gap and representation. Although the work environment is often safety-oriented, the profession requires precision and the ability to follow routines to minimize risks in production.
Tips for those wanting to become an assistant in the paper industry
To succeed as an assistant in the paper industry, it is good to have a strong sense of accuracy and follow instructions, as safety and quality are central to the work. Initiative is valuable for quickly taking on tasks and supporting colleagues when needed. Being cooperative and communicative facilitates teamwork where multiple parts of production work together. Flexibility is an important trait since shift work and varied tasks are common. An interest in technology makes it easier to understand and work with machines and processes, which can lead to development opportunities within the profession. Engagement and responsibility are also appreciated qualities, especially regarding safety routines and contributing to a positive work environment.
Key facts about Assistant in the paper industry
- Education level: High school education, often industrial or technical focus
- Work environment: Industrial production, often with shift work
- Typical employment: Permanent position, collective agreement
- Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
- Special skills: Machine handling and safety routines
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as an assistant in the paper industry, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as process operator, supervisor, or technician within production. Further training in automation or process technology can open doors to more qualified tasks. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no precise forecast is made for this specific profession due to limited data, but the broad occupational group has over 1,437 available positions, indicating ongoing demand. The industry’s development is influenced by technological progress and increased automation, where new skills are becoming increasingly important.
Frequently asked questions about Assistant in the paper industry
- What does an Assistant in the paper industry earn?
- The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, with variation between 37,600 and 42,200 SEK depending on experience, gender, and region. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do within the profession. - What education is required?
- Usually, high school education with an industrial or technical profile and an introduction at the workplace. - What is the work environment like?
- It takes place in industrial environments, often with shift work and a focus on safety. - Are there opportunities for development?
- Yes, it is possible to move into operator roles or further education in process technology and automation. - How high is the demand for this profession?
- The profession currently has 1437 job openings, indicating good employment prospects. - What benefits are usually offered?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, overtime pay, and wellness contributions.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29600 kr | 37000 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33400 kr | 41500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 34000 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 33800 kr | 41600 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29600 kr | 37000 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33400 kr | 41500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 34000 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 33800 kr | 41600 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29600 kr | 37000 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33400 kr | 41500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 34000 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 33800 kr | 41600 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29700 kr | 37400 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32200 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33500 kr | 41500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 34400 kr | 42700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 34200 kr | 42200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33400 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29700 kr | 37400 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32200 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33500 kr | 41500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 34400 kr | 42700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 34200 kr | 42200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33400 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29700 kr | 37400 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32200 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33500 kr | 41500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 34400 kr | 42700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 34200 kr | 42200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33400 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29400 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32000 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33200 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 32200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 31400 kr | 38200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 31700 kr | 39100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29400 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32000 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33200 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 32200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 31400 kr | 38200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 31700 kr | 39100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 29400 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 32000 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 33200 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 32200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 31400 kr | 38200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 31700 kr | 39100 kr |
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 Helpers, paper industry has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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