Laminator, plastic

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

A laminator in the plastics industry works with manufacturing and processing products by bonding plastic materials in multiple layers. Tasks often include preparing materials, monitoring lamination machines, quality control, and post-processing such as sanding or trimming. The work is performed both manually and with the help of automated machines, requiring good technical understanding and precision. The work environment is typically industrial, focusing on safety, ergonomics, and teamwork in production. Protective equipment is regularly used to minimize exposure to chemicals and dust.

Salary development over time

Salaries for laminators in the plastics industry have shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK/month, increasing to 32 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 200 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of about 7.5% over the three-year period. The trend can be linked to continued demand for labor within the profession, despite long-term expectations that technological development and automation will reduce the need. The salary increase also reflects employers' need to attract and retain skilled staff in a competitive industry where recruitment difficulties are common.

Laminate, plastic salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education max 2 years)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK
• Women: 31 800 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men: 33 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Lowest salaries are found in the regional sector, highest in the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a laminator in the plastics industry, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or production is usually required. Many employers also prefer applicants to have completed specialized courses in plastics technology or machine handling. Practical experience in an industrial environment is often advantageous, and introductory training at the workplace is common. For some roles, certifications or longer post-secondary education can be beneficial.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
• Specialized courses: Plastics technology, machine handling
• Internships: Often required or part of trainee programs
• Certifications: Possible in safety or quality control
• Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and precision

Common benefits and compensations

Laminators in the plastics industry are often offered benefits such as shift bonuses, wellness allowances, opportunities for further training, and sometimes bonuses linked to production or quality. Other common compensations include collective agreement-based insurances, occupational pensions, and workwear.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a laminator in the plastics industry is currently relatively low, as demand for labor remains high and many leave the profession. A challenge, however, is that technological development and automation are expected to reduce the need for manual work in the long term. This requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to new working methods. Other challenges include work environment risks related to chemicals and monotonous tasks, as well as the need for continuous skills development to meet new production requirements.

Tips for those who want to become a laminator in the plastics industry

To succeed as a laminator in the plastics industry, it is good to have a technical interest and a willingness to learn new machines and methods. Precision is crucial since the quality of the finished material often depends on small details in the process. Being flexible and adaptable makes it easier when production lines or materials change. Teamwork skills are important because the work is often performed in teams, and coordination between roles is essential for an efficient workflow. It is also advantageous to be resilient, as the work can be physically demanding and sometimes monotonous – but it also offers opportunities to develop both professional skills and problem-solving abilities over time.

Key facts about laminators in the plastics industry

• Education level: High school diploma, industrial technology focus
• Work environment: Industrial production, often shift work
• Demand: Still high but expected to decline over the next five years
• Typical employment: Full-time, collective agreement
• Special skills: Machine handling and material knowledge

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a laminator in the plastics industry, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, quality inspector, or production technician. Some choose to further educate themselves in automation or process technology to work with maintenance or development of production lines. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are expected to be strong nationally, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years due to increased automation and technological development. Despite this, there are currently 1437 job openings in the profession, indicating a continued strong short-term labor market. Those investing in further education and technical skills have good chances to strengthen their position for future changes.

Frequently asked questions about laminators in the plastics industry

• What does a laminator in the plastics industry earn?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK/month, with an hourly wage of approximately 200 SEK.
• What are the educational requirements to become a laminator?
  - High school education with a focus on industry, sometimes specialized courses or internships are required.
• What is the work environment like for laminators?
  - The work environment is industrial and can involve shift work, use of protective equipment, and working with machinery.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The job market is strong today, but demand is expected to decline over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for laminators?
  - The highest salary is 35,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education), the lowest 31,500 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education max 2 years).
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include becoming a team leader, quality inspector, or further education in technology and automation.