Kafferostare

What does a Coffee Roaster do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Coffee Roaster is responsible for transforming raw coffee beans into finished coffee through a carefully monitored roasting process. Tasks include setting and overseeing roasting machines, assessing bean quality before and after roasting, documenting results, and adjusting processes to ensure flavor and quality. The work environment is often technically oriented and can be small-scale artisanal roasteries or larger industrial facilities. The environment is characterized by heat, strong aromas, and sometimes monotonous tasks, but also demands precision and sensory skills.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary for Coffee Roasters has shown a steady, albeit slow, increase. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK, which increased to 31 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 32 000 SEK. This development represents a total salary increase of approximately 5.6% over the period, indicating stable but moderate wage growth. The increase can be linked to rising demand for specialty coffee and higher quality standards in the food industry, alongside increased competition for skilled workers. However, the market has not seen significant wage jumps, reflecting the profession’s position within the segment of machine operators and food workers.

Coffee Roaster Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 3-year high school diploma)
• Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year high school diploma)
• Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour
• Women: 31 100 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 32 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, lower in the private sector

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Coffee Roaster, a high school diploma with a focus on food or industry is usually required, sometimes supplemented with specialized training or internships. Many employers value experience from similar work, but there are also opportunities to learn the profession through internal training and mentorship. Practical skills, technical interest, and a sense of taste and quality are key qualities for success.

• Formal education: High school diploma, preferably food program or industrial focus (2–3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in coffee roasting or food handling
• Internship: Common to have internships or trainee periods at established roasteries
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and some experience with machinery
• Self-study/online: Possible to take online courses in coffee, sensory evaluation, and roasting processes

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for Coffee Roasters include wellness allowances, opportunities for training in coffee and sensory analysis, as well as staff coffee and discounts on company products. In some cases, shift or overtime allowances, extra vacation days, and pension contributions may also be offered depending on the employer and collective agreement.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of Coffee Roaster is characterized by a relatively small labor market, where competition for positions can be high, especially in smaller specialty roasteries. Demands include technical precision, good work environment awareness, and the ability to handle monotonous tasks without compromising quality. Challenges also include the physical work environment with heat and dust, as well as the need for continuous skills development as new coffee varieties and roasting methods are introduced. Automation affects some tasks, but there remains demand for craftsmanship and sensory expertise. Staying updated on trends within specialty coffee and sustainability is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for Aspiring Coffee Roasters

To succeed as a Coffee Roaster, it’s good to combine technical precision with a genuine interest in flavors and raw materials. Curiosity and a learning mindset are advantageous when new roasting methods or machines are introduced, while patience is essential as the process requires accuracy and repetition. Developing a sense for details helps in quality assessment of beans and finished coffee. Social skills are also valuable, especially in smaller roasteries where collaboration and communication are important. Finally, flexibility and a willingness to take initiative are helpful since tasks can vary depending on season and production volume.

Key Facts About Coffee Roasters

• Education level: High school diploma, often in food or industrial programs
• Work environment: Industrial or artisanal, often physically demanding
• Work pattern: Shift work occurs, especially in larger roasteries
• Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession according to current statistics
• Special skills: Sensory analysis, machinery handling, and quality assurance

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a Coffee Roaster, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as production manager or quality manager within the roastery. Some choose to specialize in purchasing, sensory analysis, or training new employees. Employment agency statistics show continued stable demand for Coffee Roasters within the food industry, with 1,437 job openings in the profession. The prognosis is positive due to growing interest in specialty coffee and increased demands for quality and traceability in production. International experience and further education in sensory analysis or food technology can open additional career paths.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Roasters

• What does a Coffee Roaster earn?
  - A Coffee Roaster has an average salary of 32 000 SEK/month. The salary varies depending on experience, workplace, and region.
• What education is required to become a Coffee Roaster?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with a focus on food or industry, along with internships or internal training.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession of Coffee Roaster.
• Is the profession physically demanding?
  - Yes, the work often involves heavy lifting, high temperatures, and monotonous tasks.
• What are the future prospects for Coffee Roasters?
  - The outlook is positive with continued demand, especially in specialty coffee and quality-focused roasteries.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, patience, sensory ability, and technical interest are key qualities for Coffee Roasters.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, there are courses and certifications in coffee roasting, sensory analysis, and food safety.