Laminate press, plastic

What does a laminator press operator do in the plastics industry? – Tasks and work environment

A laminator press operator in the plastics industry mainly works with pressing and shaping plastic materials into various components and products. Tasks include preparing materials, monitoring and adjusting press machines, inspecting the quality of finished products, and performing basic maintenance on machinery. The work often takes place in industrial environments where safety and precision are critical. Shift work is common, and the work environment can be noisy and require protective gear. Collaboration with colleagues and the ability to quickly fix potential production issues are important parts of daily work.

Wage development over time

The salary of a laminator press operator in plastics has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month, which increased to 32 000 SEK in 2023 and reached 33 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 7.4% over the period, indicating a somewhat stronger wage development than the industry average. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for technically skilled machine operators and a growing need for specialized competence in plastic processing. At the same time, factors like automation and technological development influence future wage trends and demand for the profession.

Complete overview of laminator press operator wages in plastics

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, regional sector, up to 2 years high school education)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, 3 or more years post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours per month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 33 900 SEK/month, women 31 800 SEK/month – women earn 94% of men's wages
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on employer sector and education level

Education and qualifications

To work as a laminator press operator in plastics, a high school education with a focus on technology or industry is generally required, often supplemented with practical training specific to the profession. Employers may also require experience in machine handling and production technology. Some workplaces offer internal training or trainee programs to ensure employees have the right skills.

• High school education: Industry or technical program, 3 years
• Practical training: Vocational internship or trainee program at the workplace
• Certifications: Industry-specific courses in machine safety and plastic processing
• Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and familiarity with machinery
• Tips for choosing: Interest in technology and precision facilitates learning and development in the profession

Common benefits and compensation

Common benefits for laminator press operators in plastics include shift and overtime allowances, wellness contributions, and sometimes extra vacation days and staff discounts. Some employers also offer opportunities for skills development and further training within the company. Occupational pension and insurance are often standard parts of employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a laminator press operator in plastics is currently relatively limited, as there is high demand for workers in the profession. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by many leaving the profession, which can create temporary shortages of experienced staff. In the longer term, demand is expected to decrease due to technological development and increased automation. This means new skill requirements may arise, such as knowledge of robotics and digital control systems. For those wishing to develop in the profession, it is therefore important to continuously update their technical skills.

Tips for those who want to become a laminator press operator in plastics

To succeed as a laminator press operator, it is good to have strong problem-solving skills, as daily challenges often require quick and creative solutions. Precision is an important trait, especially when monitoring machines and ensuring product quality. Technical interest makes it easier to learn new machines and understand production processes. Flexibility and the ability to work shifts are valuable, as working hours often vary in the industry. Collaboration skills are needed to work well in teams and handle shared tasks. Finally, a willingness to constantly develop oneself makes it easier to adopt new technology and training, which is central in a profession where automation is increasing.

Key facts about laminator press operators in plastics

• Education level: High school in technology or industry
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and noisy
• Demand: High currently, but expected to decrease over 5 years
• Job openings: 1,437 available positions in the occupational group
• Special skills: Machine handling and automation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a laminator press operator in plastics, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, process technician, or production engineer. Some choose to further educate themselves in automation or quality assurance, opening doors to more specialized positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities in the plastics machine operation sector remain strong in the short term, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to automation and technological development. To secure a future in the profession, further training in digital control systems and robotics is recommended.

Common questions about laminator press operators in plastics

• What does a laminator press operator earn?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there differences in wages between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 33 900 SEK and women 31 800 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's wages.
• What education is required to become a laminator press operator?
  - A high school education in technology or industry is most common, often supplemented with practical training and internal courses.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is high in the short term but expected to decline due to automation in the longer term.
• What are the highest and lowest wages for a laminator press operator?
  - The highest salary is 35,700 SEK and the lowest is 31,500 SEK, depending on education, sector, and gender.
• Are there many job openings in the field?
  - Yes, there are 1,437 available positions in the plastics machine operation sector.
• What occupational hazards exist?
  - Noise, heavy lifting, and working with machinery require protective equipment and safety routines.