Contact lens manufacturer

What does a contact lens manufacturer do? – Tasks and work environment

A contact lens manufacturer works with the production of contact lenses, where precision and accuracy are crucial at every stage. Tasks include handling specialized machinery, monitoring manufacturing processes, and performing quality control to ensure that the lenses meet high medical standards. The work often takes place in clean environments, known as cleanrooms, to minimize contamination risks. Contact lens manufacturers typically collaborate with engineers, technicians, and quality managers to maintain production standards and follow strict industry routines.

Salary development over time

The salary for contact lens manufacturers has increased significantly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,400 SEK per month, which then slightly decreased to 33 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary rose sharply to 37 100 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 10% compared to the previous year. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized medical-technical personnel and technological innovations within the industry. There is also a trend towards higher educational and skill requirements, driving salary development. The salary increase for contact lens manufacturers is thus somewhat higher than for many other process and machine operators in the industry.

Contact lens manufacturer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 37 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 223 SEK
• Women: 35,700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 37 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Not specified

Education and qualifications

To work as a contact lens manufacturer, a high school education in technology or science is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in production technology or medical technology. Practical experience in industrial manufacturing is a significant advantage, as is understanding quality work and thorough documentation. The industry also values certifications and training in cleanroom technology.

• High school education: Technology or science programs, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Production technology/medical technology, < 3 years
• Certifications: Cleanroom technology and quality assurance
• Internship: Industrial production or medical-technical manufacturing
• Prerequisites: Basic understanding of technology and mathematics

Common benefits and compensations

Contact lens manufacturers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and access to occupational health services. It is also common to have insurance and pension contributions beyond collective agreements. In some cases, bonus systems linked to production targets or quality work are also included.

Competition and challenges

The profession of contact lens manufacturer belongs to a smaller, specialized niche within the industry, which makes competition for available positions relatively limited but also requires specific skills. Since the tasks are technically advanced and demand high precision and hygiene standards, it can be challenging to quickly find suitable candidates for new hires. The industry is also affected by technological progress, which requires continuous skills development. Automation and digitalization of production can lead to changes in work roles and increased efficiency but may also result in fewer available positions in the long term.

Tips for those who want to become a contact lens manufacturer

To succeed as a contact lens manufacturer, it is good to have an analytical mindset and an eye for detail, as precision is crucial at every step of production. Being structured and meticulous helps in working in cleanroom environments where the smallest mistake can affect product quality. A technical interest is advantageous when handling advanced machinery and processes, while good teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues across different parts of production. Flexibility is also important, as tasks may vary depending on production needs and technological developments. Being open to learning new methods and following updated routines is key to success in the profession. Finally, initiative and the ability to work independently under responsibility are highly valued.

Key facts about contact lens manufacturers

• Education level: High school or shorter post-secondary education
• Work environment: Cleanrooms and high-tech industry
• Typical work pattern: Shift work within production
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Quality assurance and machine handling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a contact lens manufacturer, opportunities open to advance to roles such as team leader, process manager, or quality inspector within production. There is also the possibility to further specialize in medical technology or production technology to take on more advanced tasks. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for the profession due to limited data, but the broader group of process and machine operators shows stable demand with 1,437 available jobs in Sweden. Technological development and increased automation may influence future tasks, but the need for qualified personnel for supervision and quality control is expected to remain.

Frequently asked questions about contact lens manufacturers

• What does a contact lens manufacturer earn?
  - A contact lens manufacturer has an average salary of 37 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
• What are the gender differences within the profession?
  - Women earn an average of 35,700 SEK per month, which corresponds to 95% of men's salary at 37 400 SEK.
• What education is required to become a contact lens manufacturer?
  - Typically, a high school education in technology or science is required, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses in production technology or medical technology.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Regional salary differences are not specified for contact lens manufacturers but may occur depending on the workplace and experience.
• What are the future prospects for contact lens manufacturers?
  - The prognosis is uncertain due to limited data, but there is strong demand within the profession with 1,437 available jobs.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits are wellness allowances, extra vacation days, occupational health services, as well as insurance and pension contributions.
• How wide is the salary range within the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 35,400 SEK and the highest is 39,000 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and employer.