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What does a Kemigraf do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Kemigraf primarily works with producing printing plates and other printing media for graphic production, often in close collaboration with printers and prepress technicians. Tasks include image and text processing, color separation, quality control, and adapting original materials for various printing processes. The profession requires a combination of technical precision, accuracy, and a good sense for color and form. The work environment is often laboratory- or workshop-based, utilizing advanced equipment and digital tools daily. Collaboration with other roles in printing and production is common, and workload can vary depending on project scope and deadlines.

Salary development over time

Salaries for Kemigrafs have shown a relatively stable trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month. The following year, the average salary increased slightly to 34 800 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 5.5%. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 34 700 SEK. This development reflects some stagnation after an earlier rise, possibly due to a combination of low demand in the printing industry and limited opportunities for salary negotiations. Differences in education level and technical specialization may also influence salary levels within the profession. Despite a relatively consistent salary pattern, disparities between genders and regions continue to pose structural challenges within the industry.

Kemigraf salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 209 SEK
• Women: 31 900 SEK/month
• Men: 37 700 SEK/month
• Women's share of men's salary: 85%
• Regional differences: Data on variations between regions is not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Kemigraf often involves a high school education in graphic technology or equivalent vocational programs, followed by further training or specialized courses in prepress and printing technology. Practical skills and technical understanding are essential for success, and many employers prefer candidates with experience in graphic production or related fields. Opportunities for further education exist through vocational colleges and industry-specific courses. Admission requirements vary, but a basic technical competence and interest in graphic production are important factors.

• High school education: Graphic technology or equivalent vocational program (3 years)
• Vocational training/VET: Prepress, printing technology, or digital production (1–2 years)
• Internship: Common during training
• Certifications: Industry-specific software certificates are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and computer skills

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, Kemigrafs are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development. In some cases, subsidized lunch, work clothing, and insurance may also be included, depending on the employer and collective agreement. Overtime pay and access to modern work equipment are also common within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Kemigraf has increased as the industry has digitalized and the number of traditional printing houses has decreased. At the same time, demands for technical skills and experience with digital tools have become more pronounced, giving candidates with broad technical knowledge and familiarity with new working methods an advantage. The profession is also affected by economic fluctuations and changes in demand for printed materials, which can lead to a volatile job market. Limited data makes it difficult to assess the exact recruitment situation, but the number of job openings suggests opportunities for qualified candidates.

Tips for aspiring Kemigraf

To succeed as a Kemigraf, it’s beneficial to combine technical curiosity with an eye for detail. Being precise during production minimizes errors and improves the quality of the final product, while analytical skills help solve problems quickly when they arise. Good teamwork skills are crucial, as work often involves collaboration with printers and designers. Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques facilitate adaptation to the industry’s rapid development. Keeping up-to-date with new software and production methods provides a clear advantage when job searching. Finally, patience and stress resilience are important, especially when managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Key facts about Kemigraf

• Educational level: High school or vocational education in graphic technology
• Occupational group: Prepress technician
• Work environment: Workshop, laboratory, or production setting
• Job openings in the group: 1,437
• Gender differences: Women earn 85% of men’s salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kemigraf, opportunities may open for roles such as production manager, quality supervisor, or specialist in digital prepress. With industry experience, there are also possibilities to advance into technical support, training colleagues, or project management within larger graphic companies. The employment agency’s forecasts for prepress technicians and printers indicate a lack of detailed data, but demand is suggested by the 1,437 job openings. Future prospects are strongly influenced by technological shifts and digitalization, meaning those who continuously develop their skills have good chances of finding new career opportunities within or outside the graphic industry.

Frequently asked questions about Kemigraf

• What does a Kemigraf earn?
  - The average salary for a Kemigraf is 34 700 SEK per month, with variation depending on gender and experience.
• What education is required to become a Kemigraf?
  - High school education in graphic technology or equivalent, preferably supplemented with vocational training in prepress.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 85% of what men do within the profession Kemigraf.
• What is the job market like for Kemigrafs?
  - There are 1437 job openings in the occupational group, but detailed future forecasts are unavailable.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Kemigraf?
  - The highest salary is 37,800 SEK/month and the lowest is 31,800 SEK/month.
• What personal qualities are important for a Kemigraf?
  - Accuracy, technical understanding, teamwork skills, and flexibility are especially important.
• What related professions are there?
  - Prepress technician, printer, and graphic designer are related careers.