- Salary statistics
- Machine operator, picker
Machine operator, picker
31 600 - 33 600 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine operator, picker
What does a machine operator within staining do? – Duties and work environment
A machine operator within staining works with treating wood surfaces to give them desired color, texture, and durability. Tasks include preparing and monitoring machines that apply stain, inspecting the quality of treated surfaces, and handling raw materials and finished products. The work often takes place in industrial environments with high demands on accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Maintenance of machines and following safety routines to minimize risks when handling chemicals and equipment are also common responsibilities.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for machine operators, stainers has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 33 400 SEK, which is approximately a 4.7% increase. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise and is now at 33 600 SEK per month. This positive trend can be partly explained by the continued strong demand for qualified operators in the wood industry’s finishing sector, as well as employers needing to compete for labor in a relatively specialized niche. Salary increases also reflect an increased focus on work environment and competence in machine handling and quality assurance.
Machine operator, stainers salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 202 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men 33 400 SEK/month, women – not available
- Regional differences: Not specified
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator within staining, a high school education with a focus on industry, wood, or similar technical programs is usually required. Practical experience and good machine handling skills are strong merits, and some employers offer internal training to ensure the right competence. Specific certifications or courses in surface treatment and chemical handling can increase employment opportunities and career development within the field.
- High school education: Industrial or wood technology program (3 years)
- Internship: Internships or apprenticeship periods are often included during or after education
- Certifications: Courses in chemical handling or occupational safety are advantageous
- Prerequisites: Basic technical skills, precision, and teamwork ability
- Internal training: Common at larger employers
Working as a machine operator within staining often involves following a production flow from raw material to finished product, providing a clear connection between your work and the final result. The direct impact on product quality makes the profession both challenging and rewarding for those who enjoy seeing tangible results of their work.
Common benefits and compensations
Machine operators within staining are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. Other common compensations include overtime pay for shift work, work clothing, and opportunities for skill development through internal courses or further training. Some workplaces also offer subsidized lunch and employee discounts.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a machine operator, stainers, is characterized by some competition, especially in larger industries where automatic machine handling and high pace are common. Technological developments require constantly updated knowledge and the ability to handle new machine systems. At the same time, the work environment can be physically demanding, with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals. The shortage of trained personnel in certain regions can make it easier to find work but also means employers seek individuals with the right technical understanding and good work ethic. Increased automation means that tasks are changing and require higher problem-solving skills and flexibility.
Tips for those wanting to become a machine operator within staining
To succeed as a machine operator, stainer, it’s good to combine technical interest with a careful and responsible attitude. Attention to detail and following instructions carefully are important, especially when handling machines and chemicals. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues in production, while the ability to quickly solve problems is crucial when machines need adjustment or faults occur. Flexibility and willingness to learn new tasks are also valuable qualities, especially as technology develops rapidly. Finally, an interest in quality assurance and improvement work benefits those looking to develop further in the profession.
Key facts about machine operator, stainer
- Education level: High school education in industry or wood technology
- Work environment: Industrial environment with a focus on safety
- Common work form: Shift work is common
- Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession according to current data
- Special skills: Machine handling and surface treatment techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a machine operator within staining can progress to supervisor, production technician, or quality coordinator within the wood industry. Some choose to further educate themselves in industrial automation or process technology to move into more advanced roles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand remains strong, with over 1,400 job openings within the profession. Digitalization and automation mean that those with good technical understanding and a willingness to learn new skills have particularly good opportunities for development and job security.
Frequently asked questions about machine operator, stainer
- What does a machine operator, stainer earn?
- The average salary is 33 600 SEK per month according to current statistics. - What education is required to become a machine operator within staining?
- High school education with a focus on industry or wood technology is most common. - What is the work environment like for machine operators, stainers?
- The work takes place in industrial environments with a focus on safety and precision. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- For men, the average salary is 33 400 SEK/month, data on women is unavailable. - What benefits are offered in the profession?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and overtime pay. - What are the future prospects like?
- Demand is good with over 1,400 job openings within the profession. - What qualities are important for the profession?
- Attention to detail, technical interest, and problem-solving skills are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31600 kr | 33600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31600 kr | 33600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31600 kr | 33600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33400 kr |
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, picker has the SSYK code 8174, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Machine Operator Wanted at OnePartnerGroup in Jönköping
Machine operators in surface treatment, wood
Wed, 26 Nov 2025 - 06:07 -
Production Worker Wanted for Stable Employer in Bålsta
Machine operators in surface treatment, wood
Wed, 1 Oct 2025 - 05:19 -
Job Advertisement: Production Technician for Global Company in Åstorp
Machine operators in surface treatment, wood
Sat, 13 Sep 2025 - 01:04 -
Operator for Premium Wooden Floor Manufacturing
Machine operators in surface treatment, wood
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 - 12:12
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00