Image that illustrates Soft drink processor

Soft drink processor

32 000 kr

Other machine operators, food industry etc.

29 700 - 34 700 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Soft drink processor

Average salary 32 000 kr
Males 32 700 kr
Females 31 100 kr

What does a soft drink preparer do? – Tasks and work environment

A soft drink preparer is responsible for monitoring and controlling the production of carbonated beverages, from mixing raw materials to bottling and quality control. Tasks include handling machinery, sampling, cleaning equipment, and documenting production data. The work is often carried out in larger food industry facilities where the pace can be high, and precision is important to ensure both quality and safety. The work environment is typically industrial, with some shift work involved, requiring technical understanding and good teamwork skills.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, soft drink preparers have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 31 900 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 32 000 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 5.6% over the period. This slow but steady rise can partly be explained by continued high demand for food products and increased focus on quality and safety standards in the industry. The gender pay gap persists, with women earning slightly less on average than men. Overall, the trend indicates a stable salary development without dramatic changes, reflecting the stable job market for machine operators in the food industry.

Soft drink preparer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men earn 32 700 SEK/month, women 31 100 SEK/month (women earn 95% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, especially for men

Education and qualifications

To work as a soft drink preparer, a high school education with a focus on food production or process industry is generally required. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed the food program or equivalent technical training, but there are also opportunities to learn the profession through internal training. Practical experience and a good understanding of machinery and hygiene routines are particularly advantageous.

  • Formal education: High school diploma, preferably food program or process operator
  • Certifications: Hygiene training and machine safety courses
  • Internship: Work placement during or after high school is common
  • Prerequisites: Interest in technology, accuracy, and teamwork skills
  • Further training: Courses in quality control or automation can be advantageous

An unexpected aspect of working as a soft drink preparer is the close connection to product development. Many get the opportunity to collaborate with development teams to test new flavors and improve production processes, adding a creative dimension to the profession beyond the technical work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Soft drink preparers often have access to benefits such as overtime pay for shift work, wellness allowances, employee discounts, and sometimes bonuses linked to production targets. Some employers also offer training support and opportunities for further education within the company.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a soft drink preparer is generally moderate but can vary depending on region and economic conditions. One of the main challenges is staying updated on new production methods and automated systems. Stricter requirements for hygiene and food safety demand high accuracy and responsibility. Shift work and sometimes monotonous tasks can also be challenging for some. At the same time, the demand for qualified machine operators remains stable, especially as older staff retire and new technology is introduced.

Tips for those who want to become a soft drink preparer

To succeed as a soft drink preparer, it is good to combine technical interest with the ability to work carefully and systematically. Showing responsibility and following safety routines are crucial to avoid mistakes in production. Engagement in teamwork and a communicative approach facilitate collaboration with colleagues and managers. Flexibility is an important trait, especially since the work often involves shift work and varying tasks. Being curious and willing to learn new machinery systems provides good opportunities for development within the profession. Additionally, patience and perseverance are valuable, as some tasks can be repetitive. Finally, initiative in solving problems and suggesting improvements in production are appreciated.

Key facts about soft drink preparers

  • Education level: High school diploma, often in food or process industry
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often permanent employment
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in the occupational group according to latest data
  • Special skills: Machinery handling and hygiene routines

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a soft drink preparer, there are opportunities to advance to senior machine operator, supervisor, or production technician. Some choose to specialize in quality control or automation, while others move into roles in product development or process optimization. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for machine operators in the food industry, with good employment opportunities for those with the right education and experience. Digitalization and increased automation may change the nature of the profession, but the need for practical knowledge and technical understanding will persist.

Common questions about soft drink preparers

  • What does a soft drink preparer earn?
    - The average salary is 32 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a soft drink preparer?
    - High school education in food production or process industry is recommended, often with practical components.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's wages?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for a soft drink preparer?
    - The work takes place in an industrial environment, often with shift work and safety/hygiene requirements.
  • What career opportunities are available within the profession?
    - After a few years, one can advance to supervisor, production technician, or specialize in quality control.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand remains stable with many job openings and good chances for permanent employment.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Soft drink processor is 34700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Soft drink processor is 29700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 28100 kr 31600 kr
25-34 96% 29800 kr 33300 kr
35-44 84% 28900 kr 31200 kr
45-54 93% 30700 kr 33100 kr
55-64 28500 kr 30600 kr
Snitt 95% 29300 kr 32000 kr
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 Soft drink processor has the SSYK code 8169, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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