Calender, rubber

What does a calender operator in the rubber industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A calender operator in the rubber industry is responsible for monitoring and controlling calender machines used to process and shape rubber materials into various products, such as hoses, mats, or coatings. The work involves adjusting machine settings, supervising production, and ensuring that the final product meets quality and thickness standards. The work environment is often factory-like, with elements of noise, heat, and working close to heavy machinery, which requires precision, safety awareness, and good physical condition. The work is typically performed in shifts, and high demands are placed on teamwork and the ability to quickly resolve technical problems that may arise during production.

Wage development over time

The salary for a calender operator in the rubber industry has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,200 SEK per month, which increased to 31 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 32 600 SEK, representing a total increase of about 8% over three years. This positive trend is linked to increased focus on industrial production and specialized skills within the rubber industry, where demand for experienced machine operators remains high. The salary increase also reflects a general wage trend in the industry, but is influenced by collective bargaining and the shortage of qualified labor in certain regions. Despite the increase, a gender gap persists, with women earning slightly less on average than their male colleagues.

Calender operator, rubber salary – full overview

• Average salary: 32 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 33,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 196 SEK
• Women: 32,000 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 32 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a calender operator in the rubber industry, a high school diploma with a focus on industry, engineering, or production is usually required. Many employers also value experience in machine operation or specific courses in rubber and plastics technology. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs is highly meritorious, and internal training opportunities may be available directly through the employer. Success in the profession also requires good technical understanding, accuracy, and the ability to work independently.

• High school education: Industry or engineering program, 3 years
• Internal training: Available with employers
• Internship/Trainee: Practical experience highly valued
• Courses: Rubber and plastics technology, machine safety
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and accuracy

Common benefits and compensations

Calender operators in the rubber industry are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime pay, and shift allowances. Many workplaces also provide work clothing, wellness contributions, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Other common compensations include insurance and opportunities for skills development through internal or external training.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a calender operator in the rubber industry is considered moderate, but some employers experience difficulties finding individuals with the right technical skills and experience. Challenges in the profession often include high safety demands, quick problem-solving, and managing complex machinery. The work environment can be physically demanding, and there is a risk of monotony with repetitive tasks. At the same time, technological development in the industry requires ongoing skills upgrading. As the profession is part of a broader occupational group, the job market depends on the overall demand within the industry, where the number of available jobs can vary between regions and economic conditions.

Tips for aspiring calender operators in the rubber industry

To succeed as a calender operator in the rubber industry, it is helpful to have a genuine technical interest and curiosity about machines, as this facilitates learning new tasks. Precision is a crucial trait, as small deviations in settings can affect product quality. Good teamwork and communication skills are important, since the work often occurs in teams and in close contact with maintenance personnel. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing production requirements are appreciated by employers. Initiative is also valuable, especially when troubleshooting and improving production processes. Finally, a sense of responsibility and safety awareness are essential for working efficiently and safely in an industrial environment.

Key facts about Calender operators in rubber

• Education level: High school, industry/engineering (3 years)
• Work environment: Factory setting with shift work
• Typical employment: Full-time, collective agreement
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the occupational group
• Special skills: Machine handling and quality control

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a calender operator in the rubber industry, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or technician in maintenance and quality control. Further education in production technology or automation can also open doors to more specialized positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment of future prospects for this profession is made due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs indicates stable demand, especially for individuals with technical skills and experience in industrial production. The industry’s move towards more automated and digitalized processes also means that competence in these areas will become increasingly important for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about Calender operators in rubber

• What does a calender operator in rubber earn?
  - The average salary is 32 600 SEK per month, with the highest at 33,100 SEK and the lowest at 31,200 SEK.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 32 800 SEK and women 32,000 SEK, which corresponds to 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required?
  - High school education in industry or engineering is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
• What is the state of the job market?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs within the occupation group of machine operators in the rubber industry, indicating good demand.
• What does a calender operator do?
  - The work involves controlling and supervising machines that process rubber material into finished products.
• What personal qualities are needed?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, responsibility, and good teamwork skills are important qualities.
• What benefits are common?
  - Collective agreements, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and work clothing are often offered.