Food workers, meat and fish preparation

What does a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation do? – Tasks and work environment

A food processing worker in meat and fish preparation is responsible for refining and processing meat and fish products on an industrial scale. Common tasks include handling raw materials, machine deboning, packaging, quality control, and supervising production lines. The work is often performed in cool and humid environments where high standards of hygiene, precision, and accuracy are required. Many tasks are physically demanding and can involve repetitive movements, but modern production facilities increasingly utilize automation to facilitate daily work.

Salary development over time

Salaries for food processing workers in meat and fish preparation have shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,500 SEK per month, increasing to 29 800 in 2023 and further to 30 800 in 2024. This corresponds to an average salary increase of about 8% over three years. The increase can largely be explained by the industry's adaptation to higher living costs and ongoing technological development, which has raised skill requirements for many tasks. At the same time, demand for specialized labor has decreased somewhat, which may influence salary trends in the future. Despite this, the profession has maintained a positive trend, especially for women, where salary development has been stronger than for men.

Food processing worker in meat and fish preparation salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,500 SEK (men), 31,400 SEK (women)
• Highest salary: 33,300 SEK (men), 32,700 SEK (women)
• Hourly wage: 185 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 106% of men's salary
• Regional differences: Highest and lowest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation, upper secondary education is usually required, often with a focus on food production, industry, or similar. Many employers value practical experience or vocational training through internships. Internal training and certifications, especially in hygiene and machinery handling, are also common at workplaces. The profession is open to both new and experienced job seekers, but accuracy and responsibility are important qualities.

• Education: Upper secondary education, often the food program (3 years)
• Certifications: Hygiene training and machinery licenses may be required
• Internships: Workplace-based internships or trainee positions are common
• Prerequisites: Basic Swedish and mathematics skills
• Tips for choosing: Interest in technology and food helps

Common benefits and compensations

Food processing workers in meat and fish preparation are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and night shifts, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunch. Collective agreements provide security regarding overtime compensation, insurance, and pension contributions, contributing to a stable financial foundation for employees.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation is currently balanced, with moderate employment opportunities. However, demand is expected to decline in the long term, mainly due to increased automation and technological development in the industry. This means tasks will change, and higher technical understanding and adaptability will be required. Another challenge can be the physically demanding work and strict hygiene standards that must be followed carefully. Those willing to further educate themselves and learn new machinery have better chances to remain competitive.

Tips for aspiring food processing workers in meat and fish preparation

To succeed as a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation, it is good to be detail-oriented and attentive to quality and hygiene, which are always prioritized. Endurance and good physical condition facilitate monotonous and sometimes heavy tasks, while flexibility makes it easier to adapt when tasks or technology change. Resilience helps during fast production flows, and good teamwork skills are valued since work is often performed in teams. Finally, showing interest in learning new machines and processes, and taking initiative for further training or specialization, increases chances for advancement.

Key facts about food processing workers in meat and fish preparation

• Education level: Upper secondary education, often the food program
• Work environment: Industrial, cool and humid with high hygiene standards
• Typical work pattern: Shift work and teamwork
• Demand: Moderate now, expected to decrease over five years
• Special skills: Machinery handling and food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or machine manager within production. Some choose to specialize in quality control or further train as a process operator or production planner. According to the Swedish Employment Agency, the outlook over five years is somewhat dampened, as demand is expected to decline due to technological development and automation. Nevertheless, there are still good job opportunities within the profession, with 1,437 job openings registered nationwide. Flexibility and further education increase the chances of meeting the changing demands of the job market.

Frequently asked questions about food processing workers in meat and fish preparation

• What does a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation earn?
  - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and region.
• How has the salary development been for food processing workers in meat and fish preparation?
  - Salaries have increased from 28,500 SEK in 2022 to 30 800 in 2024, an increase of about 8% over three years.
• What education is required to become a food processing worker in meat and fish preparation?
  - Upper secondary education, often the food program, as well as internships or internal training are recommended.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 106% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for food processing workers in meat and fish preparation?
  - There is currently a balance, but demand is expected to decrease over time.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Overtime pay, wellness allowance, work clothing, and collective insurance are common benefits.
• What are the most common career paths after a few years?
  - Team leader, supervisor, machine manager, or further training as a process operator are typical next steps.