Image that illustrates Industrial robot operator

Industrial robot operator

40 800 kr

Other operations technicians and process supervisors

37 800 - 45 700 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Industrial robot operator

Average salary 40 800 kr
Males 40 900 kr
Females 40 400 kr

What does an industrial robot operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An industrial robot operator is responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining automated production systems within the industry. Tasks often include starting and stopping robot cells, loading materials, performing basic programming, and identifying and fixing operational issues. The work is usually carried out in production environments where automation is central, and safety and precision are of utmost importance. Industrial robot operators work closely with technicians, engineers, and other production staff to ensure an efficient and error-free manufacturing process.

Salary development over time

The salary of an industrial robot operator has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,700 SEK per month, which increased to 39 200 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further risen to 40,800 SEK per month. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 14% over three years. The salary increase can largely be explained by increased demand for automation and technical skills within the industry, where advanced robotic solutions are becoming more common. Increased complexity in tasks and the need for further training have also contributed to rising salary levels. Although the profession is part of a broader occupational group with diverse tasks, robot expertise has become particularly sought after, further boosting salary growth.

Industrial robot operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,800 SEK/month (men), 40,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 45,700 SEK/month (men), 40,800 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 245 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data missing

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an industrial robot operator typically involves technical high school programs or vocational higher education with specializations in automation, mechatronics, or industrial production. Many employers require practical experience in robotics and programming, as well as basic knowledge of control systems and safety. Further training and certifications in specific robot systems can be advantageous and sometimes necessary depending on the employer's requirements.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, automation (3 years)
  • Higher education: Post-secondary courses in automation/robotics (1–2 years)
  • Certifications: Courses and certificates in industrial robot programming (e.g., ABB, KUKA, FANUC)
  • Internships: Apprenticeships or practical training are common
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics, technology, and computer skills

Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing robot cells is highly valued by employers. The ability to read and interpret technical drawings and understand production flows provides significant advantages in problem-solving and improvement work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Industrial robot operators are often offered shift and overtime pay, especially for work during inconvenient hours. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension, and opportunities for skills development and further training. Some employers also provide work clothing and subsidized meals.

Competition and challenges

The job market for industrial robot operators is characterized by high demand for technical skills but also increasing requirements for flexibility and adaptability. The industry is rapidly evolving technologically, meaning operators must continuously update their knowledge. Competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in regions with high concentrations of advanced industry. Challenges include shift work and high demands for safety and accuracy. Additionally, since the profession is often part of broader occupational groups, it can be harder to differentiate oneself and establish a clear profile with employers.

Tips for those who want to become an industrial robot operator

To succeed as an industrial robot operator, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and an analytical mindset, which facilitates troubleshooting and problem-solving in production. Being precise and safety-conscious helps minimize risks and ensure stable operations. Flexibility is a valuable trait, as shift work and rapid changes in production are common. Good communication and teamwork skills are also important because the work is performed in teams where information must be shared quickly. Finally, investing in continuous skills development, such as taking courses in robot programming and automation, is wise to stay competitive on the job market.

Key facts about Industrial Robot Operator

  • Educational level: High school or post-secondary technical education
  • Work environment: Industrial production environment with high safety requirements
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work
  • Demand: 481 available jobs in the field
  • Special skills: Robot programming and troubleshooting

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an industrial robot operator can advance to roles such as senior operator, team leader, or technical specialist in automation. There are also opportunities to further qualify as a process engineer or maintenance technician focused on robotic systems. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no exact forecast for the profession due to limited data, but the overall trend in installation, operation, and maintenance indicates continued good prospects, especially with increased automation. The large number of available jobs suggests a sustained need for qualified operators.

Frequently asked questions about Industrial Robot Operator

  • What is the average salary of an industrial robot operator?
    - An industrial robot operator has an average monthly salary of 40,800 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an industrial robot operator?
    - Typically, a high school education in technology or industry, and sometimes post-secondary courses in automation or robotics.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 99% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for industrial robot operators?
    - There are 481 available jobs, indicating a strong demand.
  • What tasks does an industrial robot operator perform?
    - Tasks include monitoring, controlling, and some programming of industrial robots, as well as troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Can I pursue further education in this profession?
    - Yes, there are good opportunities for further training and specialization in robotics and automation.
  • How has the salary development looked over time?
    - Salary growth has been positive, with an increase of about 14% over three years.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Industrial robot operator is 45700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 40800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Industrial robot operator is 37800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 40400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 106% 33600 kr 39800 kr
25-34 96% 35800 kr 39900 kr
35-44 38100 kr 41600 kr
45-54 37900 kr 41700 kr
55-64 37700 kr 41200 kr
Snitt 99% 36800 kr 40800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Industrial robot operator has the SSYK code 8199, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes