How much does a Column workers make

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  2. Column workers
Image that illustrates Column workers

Column workers

32 000 kr

Other machine operators, food industry etc.

29 700 - 34 700 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Column workers

Average salary 32 000 kr
Males 32 700 kr
Females 31 100 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 18 Vacant jobs ->

What does a column worker do? – Tasks and working environment

A column worker primarily works within the food industry and other manufacturing sectors where raw materials are processed by machinery. Tasks include monitoring and controlling machines and production lines, performing basic maintenance, and ensuring that production meets quality standards. The work requires good attention to detail and the ability to quickly address operational disruptions. The working environment is often industrial, involving noise, shift work, and sometimes heavy lifting. Safety regulations are strictly followed to minimize risks.

Salary development over time

Column workers have experienced stable salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 31 900 in 2023 and then to 32 000 in 2024. The total increase between 2022 and 2024 amounts to approximately 5.6%. This trend reflects steady demand for the profession in the industry, especially as automation increases the need for technically skilled operators. Salary levels are also influenced by collective agreements and the overall labor market development for machine operators. Despite the slow growth, the trend indicates that the profession remains attractive, particularly in regions with a strong food industry.

Column worker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK
  • Women earn: 31 100 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 32 700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in regional sectors, lowest in private sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a column worker usually involves a vocational upper secondary education, preferably in industry, technology, or food production. Practical experience and technical interest are important factors, as the work requires familiarity with machinery and understanding of production processes. Some employers may also require specific certifications or internal training depending on the type of production.

  • Vocational education: Industry or food program, 2–3 years
  • Certifications: Machine operator licenses or internal safety courses
  • Internship: Often through vocational training or summer jobs in industry
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physical condition
  • Tips: Extra courses in automation or process technology can be advantageous

Column workers often have the opportunity to work in teams where collaboration and communication are crucial for smooth production. It is a profession where you quickly see the results of your work, and changes in the production flow constantly require adaptation and problem-solving.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Column workers are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as extra vacation, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and access to wellness allowances. Other common benefits include pension contributions, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized meals. Shift work may also entail higher salary supplements depending on the workplace and agreement.

Challenges and competition

Demand for column workers remains stable, but competition can vary depending on the region and industry development. Automation and new technology introduce increased requirements for technical skills and adaptability. A challenge is that the work environment can sometimes be physically demanding and involve monotonous tasks, which require endurance and precision. Larger employers often seek experienced candidates, while smaller companies may be more open to beginners. To stand out in the job market, specialized knowledge in process technology or automation is advantageous.

Tips for those who want to become a column worker

To succeed as a column worker, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and a willingness to learn new machines and processes. Good teamwork skills facilitate a safe and efficient production environment. Problem-solving abilities are valuable since operational disruptions can occur and require quick action. Precision is important because product quality often depends on attention to detail. Flexibility and adaptability help handle changes in tasks or working hours, especially during shift work. Being physically active is also wise, as some tasks can be heavy. Finally, initiative and willingness to take responsibility can make you more attractive to employers.

Key facts about column workers

  • Education level: Vocational upper secondary education recommended
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings according to latest data
  • Gender distribution: Men have higher average salaries than women (32 700 SEK vs 31 100 SEK)
  • Special skills: Machinery operation and process technology are in demand

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a column worker, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as supervisor, shift manager, or process operator. Further education in automation or production technology opens doors to technical services and specialist roles within the industry. Labor market forecasts indicate continued good demand, especially in regions with strong food and manufacturing industries. Automation may change tasks over time, but the need for skilled operators remains, as monitoring and maintenance of machines are central tasks. Opportunities for further training and internal career development are good for those wishing to stay within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about column workers

  • What is the average salary of a column worker?
    - The average salary for a column worker is 32 000 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a column worker?
    - The highest salary is 34,700 SEK and the lowest is 29,700 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 32 700 SEK and women 31 100 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
  • What is the working environment like for column workers?
    - The working environment is industrial, often involving shift work, noise, and sometimes heavy lifting.
  • What education is required to become a column worker?
    - A vocational upper secondary education in industry or technology is usually sufficient.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand remains strong with over 1400 job openings in the profession.
  • What career opportunities exist after a few years?
    - Opportunities include advancement to supervisor, process operator, or further education for technical roles.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 01:57:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Column workers is 34700 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 33100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Column workers is 29700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 28100 kr 31600 kr
25-34 96% 29800 kr 33300 kr
35-44 84% 28900 kr 31200 kr
45-54 93% 30700 kr 33100 kr
55-64 28500 kr 30600 kr
Snitt 95% 29300 kr 32000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Column workers has the SSYK code 8169, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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