Image that illustrates Machine operator, bakery

Machine operator, bakery

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 Machine operator, bakery

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr

What does a machine operator in a bakery do? – Tasks and working environment

A machine operator in a bakery is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the machines used in the production of bread, pastries, and other bakery products. Tasks include starting and setting up machines, overseeing production, checking the quality of finished products, and performing simple maintenance work. It also often involves refilling raw materials, adjusting machine settings, and troubleshooting minor technical issues that may arise during production. The working environment is typically industrial and can be noisy and warm, especially during peak seasons and in larger bakeries where production runs in shifts.

Salary development over time

The salary for a machine operator in a bakery has fluctuated over recent years. In 2022, the average was 32 100 SEK per month, rising to 34 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has decreased slightly to 32 500 SEK. This development reflects an initial increase of just over 6% between 2022 and 2023, followed by a decline of about 5% in the past year. These fluctuations can be explained by changes in demand, labor market availability of skilled personnel, and external factors influencing the industry’s salary levels overall. Despite these variations, the profession remains stable within the industrial sector, with good demand for workers.

Machine operator, bakery salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,500 SEK/month (private sector male, post-secondary education <3 years)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (both men and women, various sectors)
  • Hourly wage: 195 SEK (average, hourly worker at 166 hours/month)
  • Women earn: 34,600 SEK/month (108% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 32 100 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in a bakery, a high school diploma with a focus on food production or industry is generally required. Many employers also offer internal training and onboarding on-site. Practical experience and technical interest are valued merits. In some cases, shorter post-secondary courses or certifications in food handling may be advantageous.

  • High school education: Food program, 3 years
  • Certifications: Food hygiene, machine safety
  • Internships: Common during education
  • Internal training: Introduction and supervision often offered on the job
  • Technical interest: Valuable for understanding and handling machines

Machine operators in bakeries often have the opportunity to influence product development by reporting improvement suggestions directly to production management. This contributes to making the work tasks more varied and stimulating than many might expect from an industrial profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Machine operators in bakeries often have access to benefits such as overtime pay for unsociable hours, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized meals. Other common compensations include overtime allowances, opportunities for skill development, and collective insurance agreements. The extent of benefits can vary depending on the employer and geographic area.

Competition and challenges

The job market for machine operators in bakeries is relatively stable but characterized by some competition, especially in metropolitan areas and larger bakeries. Challenges may arise from automation and technological development, which demand higher technical skills and flexibility. Physically demanding work and shift work are common, which can affect work-life balance. The industry also requires accuracy and the ability to quickly solve problems that may occur during production.

Tips for those who want to become a machine operator in a bakery

To succeed as a machine operator in a bakery, attention to detail is important, as quality control and machine settings require precision. An interest in technology makes it easier to adjust machines or quickly fix minor faults. Flexibility is an advantage, as tasks and working hours can vary, especially with shift work or high production rates. Good teamwork skills are also vital, since the work is often done in teams and involves communication with colleagues and management. Lastly, being able to handle stress is valuable, as the pace can be high and focus must be maintained even under pressure.

Key facts about Machine Operator, bakery

  • Education level: High school diploma, often with a focus on food or industry
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and high tempo
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs according to current matching
  • Gender distribution: Women have a higher average salary than men in the profession
  • Special skills: Technical handling and food management are advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a machine operator in a bakery, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or production planner. Some choose to further their education in automation, quality assurance, or food technology to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the outlook for the profession is stable, with continued good demand thanks to growth in the food industry. The technological development within bakery production is expected to increase demand for operators with good machine knowledge and flexibility in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions about Machine Operator, bakery

  • What does a machine operator in a bakery earn?
    - The average salary for a machine operator in a bakery is 32 500 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary difference between women and men look?
    - Women earn an average of 34,600 SEK, which is 108% of men's salary at 32 100 SEK.
  • What is the highest salary for a machine operator in a bakery?
    - The highest salary is 34,600 SEK per month, for both men and women in different sectors.
  • What education is required to become a machine operator in a bakery?
    - High school education with a focus on food or industry is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
  • Are there many jobs in the profession?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 available jobs in this occupation according to recent statistics.
  • What is the working environment like for machine operators in a bakery?
    - The working environment is industrial, often with shift work and high tempo.
  • What benefits are usually offered?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and collective insurance agreements.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, bakery 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 Machine operator, bakery 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
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 Machine operator, bakery has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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