How much does a Mill operator make

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  2. Mill operator
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Mill operator

32 500 kr

Machine operators, mill, bakery and confectionery industry

30 500 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 108% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Mill operator

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a mill operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A mill operator primarily monitors, controls, and maintains machines that grind grains, sugar, cocoa, or other raw materials into flour and powder forms. Tasks include starting and stopping mills, supervising the production process, sampling and quality control, and basic maintenance of equipment. The work is often performed in larger industrial facilities where safety and hygiene are central requirements, and the environment can sometimes be noisy and dusty despite modern protective measures. Shift work is common, especially in larger plants, which requires flexibility and precision from staff.

Salary development over time

The salary for a mill operator has shown variations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward to 32 500 SEK. This represents an increase of about 3.7% between 2022 and 2023, but a decrease of just over 4.6% between 2023 and 2024. This trend can be explained by changes in demand on the market, where competition for labor and shifts in production volumes have affected salary setting. The salary structure in the profession is relatively stable but can be influenced in the short term by economic cycles and regional job availability.

Mill operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,500 SEK/month (men), 33,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (both men and women)
  • Hourly wage: 195 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 108% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data varies depending on workplace and facility

Education and qualifications

To work as a mill operator, a high school education with a focus on industry, food, or technology is usually required. Many employers offer in-house training or require specific courses in machine safety and food handling. Practical experience from an industrial environment is highly valued, and it’s an advantage to have completed internships or trainee programs during education. Some employers also view further training in process or automation technology positively.

  • High school education: Industry, technology, or food programs, 3 years
  • Certifications: Machine safety, food hygiene, forklift license
  • Internship: Strongly recommended, often through high school
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physical condition
  • Courses: Process and automation technology as electives

Many mill operators quickly become experts at detecting small changes in sounds, vibrations, and machine behavior – a skill that often makes a big difference in operational reliability and minimizes downtime in production.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Mill operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and extra compensation for shift work. Other common benefits include overtime premiums, meal subsidies, and opportunities for skills development through the employer. There are often insurance policies linked to the workplace and the possibility of bonuses for meeting production targets.

Competition and challenges

The job market for mill operators is stable, but competition may occur in regions with few larger mills. However, there is a relatively large number of vacancies within the profession, indicating good demand. Challenges in the role include automation and increased technological complexity of production processes, where operators are expected to handle more advanced equipment. The work environment can sometimes be strenuous due to noise, dust, and shift work, which require attention to health and flexibility. At the same time, access to qualified labor can influence salary levels and working conditions in the long term.

Tips for those who want to become a mill operator

To succeed as a mill operator, it’s good to combine accuracy with technical interest and a willingness to learn new skills. Being attentive to details reduces the risk of production stoppages and errors, and technical knowledge makes it easier to understand and operate machinery. Flexibility is important since working hours often vary and shift work is common. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues and supervisors at larger facilities. A structured approach and the ability to quickly adapt to changing routines are also valuable qualities. For those looking to develop further, it’s wise to show early interest in further education within automation or quality assurance.

Key facts about mill operators

  • Education level: High school diploma (industry, technology, or food)
  • Work environment: Industrial setting, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women have higher average salaries than men
  • Special skills: Machine safety and quality control

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many mill operators develop a deeper understanding of production processes and can take on more advanced tasks, such as operational responsibility, training new colleagues, or quality management. Some choose to further their education in automation technology or process management and can then advance to supervisory roles or production planners. According to the Swedish Employment Service, demand for machine operators in the milling, bakery, and confectionery industries remains stable, with good future prospects thanks to retirements and technological development. Opportunities also exist to work abroad within larger food corporations.

Common questions about mill operators

  • What does a mill operator earn?
    - The average salary is 32 500 SEK per month, but it can vary between 30,500 SEK and 34,600 SEK depending on experience and region.
  • What education is required to become a mill operator?
    - A high school education in industry, technology, or food science is recommended, preferably with practical training.
  • What is the work environment like for a mill operator?
    - The environment is industrial, often noisy and dusty, with high demands on safety and hygiene.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 108% of what men do within the profession.
  • What career opportunities are available for mill operators?
    - Opportunities include further education, supervisory roles, and specialization in quality or automation.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is stable with many available jobs and good employment opportunities.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, technical interest, and flexibility are particularly valued.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 14:49:42

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Mill operator is 34600 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same highest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Mill operator is 30500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 116% 29200 kr 30700 kr
35-44 97% 31600 kr 35500 kr
45-54 108% 29500 kr 32600 kr
55-64 107% 30400 kr 33100 kr
Snitt 108% 29300 kr 32500 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 Mill operator has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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