Canned workers, meat and fish

What does a canning worker in meat and fish do? – Tasks and work environment

A canning worker in meat and fish primarily works with preparing, packaging, and preserving animal-based foods for longer shelf life and safe distribution. Tasks include inspecting raw materials, operating machinery or manually handling meat and fish, monitoring the canning processes, and performing quality checks on finished products. The work is often carried out in production facilities with strict hygiene standards, where temperature and cleanliness are carefully regulated. Physical activity is involved, as well as working on assembly lines and with machines, requiring precision and endurance.

Wage development over time

Over the past three years, wages for canning workers in meat and fish have shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 28,500 SEK, rising to 29 800 SEK in 2023 and reaching 30 800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a wage increase of approximately 8% over the period, which is higher than the inflation rate for the same years. The wage growth can be explained by increased demand for food safety, stricter quality requirements, and a shortage of experienced personnel in the field. At the same time, automation has increased, which may slow down wage development in the future if the need for labor decreases. Despite this, the profession has so far maintained a positive trend, especially for women who currently have a higher salary level than men in the profession.

Canning worker in meat and fish salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,500 SEK/month (men), 31,400 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (men), 32,700 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 185 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 106% of men's salary
• Regional differences: Highest and lowest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a canning worker in meat and fish, a high school education with a focus on food production or industry is generally required. Practical experience is highly valued, especially from working with machinery and food preparation. Many employers offer internal training or introductory programs for new employees, while some roles may require additional certifications in food hygiene. The prerequisites are often relatively low, but accuracy and responsibility are essential to meet the job's demands.

• High school education: Food program, 3 years
• Certifications: Training in food hygiene and safety
• Internship: Work-based learning (APL) during education
• Internal training: Common at larger employers
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and precision

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for canning workers in meat and fish include overtime pay for shift work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and meal allowances when working on-site. Several employers also offer collective agreements with occupational pensions and insurance coverage. Training and skill development are common, especially in larger companies.

Competition and challenges

The profession of canning worker in meat and fish is characterized by a balanced labor market, where the number of job openings and job seekers are evenly distributed. However, demand is expected to decrease over five years mainly due to increased automation and technological development in the food industry. The industry is sensitive to economic fluctuations and is affected by changes in consumption patterns and food demand. At the same time, high standards for hygiene and quality can lead to increased workload during certain periods. For those aiming for long-term establishment in the profession, flexibility regarding changes and willingness to pursue further education as technology advances are important.

Tips for those who want to become a canning worker in meat and fish

To succeed as a canning worker in meat and fish, it is good to have good physical health, as the work can be physically demanding and involve many hours of standing. Accuracy is crucial, especially during quality control and handling machinery and raw materials. Being flexible and prepared for shift work facilitates adaptation to different working hours. An interest in technology is an advantage, as many tasks are machine-based and require understanding of production techniques. Teamwork skills are important because the work is often performed in teams, and responsibility is valued by employers who prioritize safety and quality. Those who are proactive and eager to learn new tasks have good opportunities to develop and take on more qualified responsibilities.

Key facts about canning workers in meat and fish

• Education level: High school, food program
• Work environment: Production facilities with high hygiene standards
• Typical work form: Shift work and teamwork
• Demand: Moderate, but decreasing over five years
• Special skills: Machinery handling and food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a canning worker in meat and fish, those showing engagement and initiative can advance to roles such as team leader, production manager, or quality inspector. Some choose to further their education in production technology or food safety to broaden their opportunities in the food industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities in the profession are moderate, but demand is expected to decline over the long term due to increased automation. Despite this, the industry remains important and offers many job opportunities, especially for those who are flexible and willing to develop their skills. Currently, there are 1437 job openings in the food machinery operator sector, indicating ongoing demand for labor.

Frequently asked questions about canning workers in meat and fish

• What does a canning worker in meat and fish earn?
  - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 185 SEK.
• Are there wage differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 106% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a canning worker in meat and fish?
  - Usually, a high school education from the food program and introductory training at the workplace are required.
• What is the work environment like?
  - Work takes place in production facilities with strict hygiene standards and often involves shift work.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is considered moderate today but is expected to decline over five years due to automation.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries in the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 28,500 SEK (men), 31,400 SEK (women); the highest salary is 33,300 SEK (men), 32,700 SEK (women).
• What benefits are common for canning workers?
  - Overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and occupational pension are common benefits.