Freezer

What does an in-cryser do? – Tasks and work environment

An in-cryser primarily works within the food industry and is responsible for freezing meat, fish, or other food products efficiently and safely. The work involves managing and monitoring large freezing facilities, controlling temperatures, and ensuring that products are frozen in accordance with current quality and hygiene standards. The in-cryser may also need to perform basic maintenance on machines and handle logistics related to inbound and outbound deliveries. The work environment is characterized by low temperatures, physical activity, and often shift work, which requires both precision and endurance.

Salary development over time

In-cryser has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,500 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 29 800 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 4.5%. The latest figure from 2024 shows an average salary of 30 800 SEK, which is an additional increase of over 3.3%. The salary growth can partly be explained by increased demand for experienced machine operators in the food industry, as well as general wage negotiations within the industry. Although the core tasks have not fundamentally changed, technological development and new hygiene requirements have strengthened the skill demands of the profession, which may have positively impacted salary development.

In-cryser salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,500 SEK/month (men), 31,400 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (men), 32,700 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 106% of what men do (men: 30 400 SEK, women: 32 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, especially between larger industries and smaller facilities

Education and qualifications

To work as an in-cryser, a high school diploma with a focus on food, industry, or technology is usually required. Many employers also offer internal training at the workplace, especially regarding machine safety and hygiene regulations. Practical experience from the food industry is often advantageous and may sometimes weigh more than formal education.

• High school diploma: Food program or industrial technology program (3 years)
• Certifications: Hygiene training and machine safety courses
• Internship: Internships in the food industry are common and often a requirement
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, meticulousness, and understanding of safety routines
• Tips: Experience with shift work and working in cooled environments is an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

In-cryser employees often have access to benefits such as overtime pay for evening and night shifts, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes collective insurance policies or pension contributions. Some workplaces offer subsidized lunches, extra vacation days, or bonus systems linked to production efficiency. The work may also include collectively negotiated insurances and pension allocations.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for in-cryser is currently characterized by a balance between supply and demand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for machine operators in the food sector, job opportunities are medium-sized, but a decrease in demand is expected over the next five years. The main reason is increased automation and technological development within the food industry, which may reduce the need for manual labor. At the same time, there are still a large number of job openings within the profession, indicating some regional variation and ongoing demand for skilled in-cryser in certain parts of the country. Challenges may also arise from physically demanding environments and high hygiene standards.

Tips for those who want to become an in-cryser

To succeed as an in-cryser, it is good to be meticulous and have a strong sense of responsibility, especially since the work often involves handling food under strict hygiene requirements. Being resilient and having good physical fitness facilitates the physically demanding environment with low temperatures during most of the working day. Flexibility is an important trait since production planning can change quickly, and shift work is common. Good teamwork skills are also valuable, as work is often done in teams where quick communication can be crucial during technical challenges. An interest in technology and machinery is an advantage, as the role involves daily contact with equipment that requires some understanding of maintenance and troubleshooting. Being solution-oriented and able to act quickly during operational stops is appreciated by employers. Finally, openness to further training and continuous updates on new safety routines is beneficial.

Key facts about In-cryser

• Education level: High school diploma, preferably food program
• Work environment: Cold, physically demanding, often shift-based
• Demand: Moderate, with some decrease forecasted
• Job openings: 1,437 nationwide
• Special skills: Hygiene routines and machine handling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an in-cryser, opportunities may exist to advance to leadership roles such as team leader or supervisor within production, especially for those demonstrating technical skills and responsibility. Some choose to further their education to become machine technicians or production planners within the food industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for machine operators in the food sector, the job market is balanced, but demand is expected to decline over time due to increased automation. Nevertheless, there are still good opportunities for immediate employment and many job vacancies within the profession.

Frequently asked questions about In-cryser

• What is the average salary of an In-cryser?
  - The average monthly salary for an in-cryser is 30 800 SEK.
• Are there differences between men and women in the in-cryser profession?
  - Yes, women earn on average 32 300 SEK, which is 106% of what men earn (men: 30 400 SEK).
• What education is required to become an in-cryser?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with a focus on food or industry, along with internal training in hygiene and machine safety, is required.
• What does the future look like for in-cryser?
  - The demand is forecasted to be moderate, but it is expected to decrease over five years due to automation.
• What is the work environment like?
  - Work takes place in cold environments, often with shift work and high hygiene and safety standards.
• What benefits can an in-cryser receive?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and collectively negotiated insurances.
• How many job openings are available in the profession?
  - There are 1,437 job openings nationwide within the machine operators, meat and fish processing industry.