Image that illustrates Cardboard worker

Cardboard worker

35 700 kr

Machine operators, paper goods industry

32 800 - 37 000 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cardboard worker

Average salary 35 700 kr
Males 36 300 kr
Females 33 700 kr

What does a cardboard worker do? – Tasks and work environment

Cardboard workers primarily work within the paper product industry and are mainly responsible for managing the production of cardboard products. This includes monitoring and operating machines that form, cut, and fold cardboard into packaging, containers, and other items. The work environment is usually industrial, where safety, precision, and efficiency are central factors. The job may involve shift work and requires both technical knowledge and good physical condition, as heavy lifting and repetitive movements may occur.

Salary development over time

The salary for cardboard workers has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,100 SEK per month, which increased to 34 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 700 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 4.7% during the period. The increase can partly be explained by continued demand for packaging materials, especially with the growth of e-commerce, as well as inflation adjustments and the industry's need to retain skilled personnel. Despite this, some salary differences between genders and regions still exist, affecting the overall salary structure.

An unusual aspect of the work as a cardboard worker is the rapid technological development within the packaging industry. Automation and digital control systems are becoming increasingly common, which means that the role is gradually changing and technical interest is now a clear advantage.

– statsskuld.se

Cardboard worker salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,800 SEK/month (women), 34,500 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 34,300 SEK/month (women), 37,000 SEK/month (men)
  • Hourly wage: 215 SEK/hour (average, hourly workers)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 93% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on region and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a cardboard worker, a high school education is usually required, often with a focus on industry, technology, or similar fields. Practical experience from the paper or packaging industry is advantageous, and onboarding with supervision is common. Further training in machine handling and safety can provide advantages and facilitate career development.

  • High school education: Industry or technology programs, 2–3 years
  • Practical training: Workplace-based internships are common
  • Certifications: Courses in machine safety and industrial automation can be advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Often basic mathematics and technical interest
  • Tips for choosing: Practical experience and engagement in work environment issues are highly valued

Common benefits and compensations

Cardboard workers are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to holiday pay, overtime pay for unsociable hours, and sometimes bonuses linked to production targets. Benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development are common in many cases.

Competition and challenges

Within the profession, there is some competition, especially in regions where industry presence is strong. Automation and technological development mean that tasks are changing and demand for technical skills is increasing. There are still good opportunities for employment, but employers often seek individuals with practical experience and the ability to handle machines. Challenges include physically demanding tasks and the need to adapt to new technological solutions. The lack of detailed future statistics makes it difficult to provide an exact prognosis for the competitive situation moving forward.

Tips for those who want to become a cardboard worker

To succeed as a cardboard worker, it is good to be thorough, as the work requires constant attention to machine functions and product quality. An interest in technology makes it easier when new machines and processes are introduced, so staying updated on industry developments is wise. Good physical endurance is an advantage since the work environment can be demanding and involve heavy tasks. Flexibility and the ability to collaborate with colleagues are important, as production flow often depends on teamwork. Taking initiative and showing responsibility is appreciated by employers and can open doors to further training at the workplace. Seeking internships or summer jobs in the industry provides valuable experience. Finally, having an interest in work environment issues is an advantage, as safety awareness is central to the role.

Key facts about Cardboard Workers

  • Educational level: High school, industry/technology (2–3 years)
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift-based
  • Typical employment: Full-time with possibility of hourly employment
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the occupation group
  • Special skills: Machine handling and technical understanding

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a cardboard worker can advance to roles such as team leader, machine operator responsible for advanced equipment, or trainer for new employees. Some choose to further their education to become maintenance technicians or production planners within the packaging industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are a large number of vacancies in the occupation group, but no precise forecast for future demand for cardboard workers is available due to limited data. The technological development and increasing automation requirements mean that those investing in further training and technical skills will be stronger in the job market.

Frequently asked questions about Cardboard Workers

  • What does a Cardboard Worker earn?
    - A cardboard worker has an average salary of 35 700 SEK per month.
  • What do salary differences between men and women look like?
    - Men earn an average of 36 300 SEK while women earn 33 700 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a cardboard worker?
    - A high school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training.
  • Are there good job opportunities for cardboard workers?
    - Yes, there are 1,437 available jobs within the occupation group of machine operators in the paper product industry.
  • What is the work environment like for a cardboard worker?
    - The work environment is industrial, with shift work and demands for technical skills and safety awareness.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a cardboard worker?
    - The highest salary is 37,000 SEK (male), 34,300 SEK (female). The lowest salary is 34,500 SEK (male), 32,800 SEK (female).
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries can vary between different regions and sectors within the paper product industry.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cardboard worker is 37000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cardboard worker is 32800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 27800 kr 32600 kr
25-34 30200 kr 34800 kr
35-44 31600 kr 36200 kr
45-54 89% 32000 kr 37200 kr
55-64 91% 32200 kr 37200 kr
Snitt 93% 30900 kr 35700 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Cardboard worker has the SSYK code 8143, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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