Image that illustrates Cardboard machine operator

Cardboard machine operator

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 machine operator

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

What does a carton machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

Carton machine operators are responsible for monitoring and controlling machines that produce carton packaging and other paper-based products. The work involves starting, setting up, and adjusting machines to ensure production maintains the correct quality and efficiency. Tasks also include troubleshooting and fixing minor technical issues, performing basic maintenance, and reporting deviations to management. The work environment is often production-oriented, meaning shift work, noise, and sometimes handling heavy materials and chemicals, always with high safety and accuracy requirements.

Salary development over time

The salary for carton machine operators has experienced steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 34 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.3%. By 2024, the average salary further rose to 35 700 SEK, an increase of an additional 2.3% from the previous year. This salary trend reflects continued demand for skills in production and industry, as well as general wage improvements within the Swedish industrial sector. Differences between years can also be explained by inflation, collective bargaining negotiations, and an increased need for technical knowledge in the role. The trend indicates a secure and stable salary development for the profession.

Carton Machine Operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,800 SEK
  • Highest salary: 37,000 SEK
  • Hourly wage: 215 SEK
  • Women: 33 700 SEK
  • Men: 36 300 SEK
  • Women earn: 93% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a carton machine operator, a high school education in industry, technology, or similar fields is usually required. Practical experience and technical understanding are important, and many employers prefer candidates with some experience in industrial production. Internal training at the workplace is often offered, but there are also relevant certifications and courses that can enhance skills.

  • High school education: Industry, technology, or similar (2–3 years)
  • Internship: Common within education or as a trainee at the workplace
  • Internal training: Often tailored onboarding of machines is provided
  • Certifications: Courses in machine safety and maintenance can be advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and accuracy

Experienced carton machine operators often bear significant responsibility for production flows and can be key personnel during production adjustments. The ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly is highly valued by employers.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

For carton machine operators, common benefits include shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to production or safety. Other benefits include meal subsidies, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for training and skills development through the employer.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a carton machine operator is characterized by relatively stable demand, but competition for the most attractive positions can be significant, especially in certain regions. The industry is influenced by technological development, which increases the requirements for technical skills and adaptability. Quickly learning new machine systems and production processes is a challenge for many. Additionally, the work environment can be physically demanding and involve shift work, demanding endurance and flexibility. Regional differences exist, with some areas offering more job opportunities than others.

Tips for those wanting to become a carton machine operator

To succeed as a carton machine operator, combining technical interest with precision and a sense of responsibility is beneficial. Being solution-oriented helps when unexpected problems with machines or production arise, while good teamwork facilitates communication with colleagues and management. A structured working style is essential to follow routines and safety regulations, and a genuine interest in technology and production makes it easier to learn new machines quickly. Flexibility and readiness for shift work are also important, especially in an industry where production often runs around the clock. Showing engagement and willingness to further educate oneself can also open doors to more advanced roles within the industry.

Key facts about Carton Machine Operators

  • Education level: High school education in industry/technology
  • Work environment: Production facility, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 93% of men's salary
  • Occupation group: Machine operators, paper product industry

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a carton machine operator can advance to leadership roles such as team leader, production coordinator, or technical specialist within production. There are also opportunities for further education as maintenance technicians or production planners. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, there is currently no specific assessment for the profession due to limited data, but the total number of job openings is 1,437. The industry is considered stable, but technological development and automation may impact future recruitment needs and skill requirements. Regional variations exist, and job availability can depend on location and industry presence.

Common questions about Carton Machine Operators

  • What does a Carton Machine Operator earn?
    - The average salary is 35 700 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 36 300 SEK and women 33 700 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salary.
  • What education is needed to become a carton machine operator?
    - A high school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training or internal onboarding.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work is performed in production facilities, often with shift work and requirements for safety and technical skills.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings, but no specific forecast has been made by the Employment Service.
  • What other benefits can be received?
    - Common benefits include shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and opportunities for training.
  • How has the salary developed?
    - The salary has been stable, increasing from 34,100 SEK (2022) to 35 700 SEK (2024).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cardboard machine operator 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 machine operator 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 machine operator has the SSYK code 8143, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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