Machine operator, brewery

What does a machine operator in a brewery do? – Tasks and work environment

A machine operator in a brewery is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the machinery used in the production of beer, soda, and other beverages. The work involves daily checks of machinery function, handling raw materials, supervising the production process, and taking action in case of stoppages or technical issues. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, shift work, and strict hygiene requirements to ensure quality and food safety standards. Machine operators work closely with colleagues in production, warehousing, and quality assurance, which requires good communication skills and flexibility.

Salary development over time

The salary for a machine operator in a brewery has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased slightly to 31 900 SEK, and in 2024 the average salary has now reached 32 000 SEK. The total increase over three years is approximately 5.6%. The salary rise can largely be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the food industry, where automation and technological development demand higher competence from operators. The shortage of experienced machine operators and increased competition for labor have also contributed to rising wages in the profession.

Machine operator, brewery salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (women), 30,400 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (women), 34,700 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 32 700 SEK, women: 31 100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in regional sectors; private sector employees generally have lower wages

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in a brewery, a high school education in industry, food, or technology is usually required. Many employers also value experience from similar production or relevant internships, and it is common to supplement with internal training or certifications in safety and machine handling. Technical interest and the ability to quickly learn new processes are highly valued.

• High school education: Industry, technology, or food programs, 2–3 years
• Certifications/courses: Hygiene and safety training, machine-specific certificates
• Internship/traineeship: Internships in food production are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written
• Tips for choosing: Combine theoretical studies with practical experience for the best chances of employment

Common benefits and compensations

Machine operators in breweries are often offered shift allowances for inconvenient working hours, wellness subsidies, work clothing, and sometimes employee discounts on the company's products. Other benefits may include extra vacation days, pension contributions, and insurance, depending on the employer and collective agreement.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a machine operator in a brewery is moderate, but requirements have increased as technology advances and production processes become more automated. Challenges in the role often involve quickly solving technical problems, maintaining high hygiene standards, and managing varying work pace. Shift work and physically demanding tasks can be strenuous, especially during longer production runs or peak seasons. Cooperation skills, stress resilience, and technical knowledge are therefore crucial qualities for success and job satisfaction.

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

To succeed as a machine operator in a brewery, it is important to be meticulous and have good problem-solving skills, as work often requires quickly fixing technical faults without stopping production. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different tasks and shifts are essential, especially when the pace varies between periods. A genuine technical interest facilitates learning new machines and processes, while teamwork skills are vital in daily collaboration with colleagues. Initiative is appreciated by employers, particularly when suggestions for improvements or efficiency gains are requested. Staying updated on new technology and production methods can provide advantages for internal recruitment and advancement. Finally, a sense of responsibility and a focus on safety and quality are central to ensuring the final product maintains high standards.

Key facts about a machine operator in a brewery

• Education level: High school, industry/technology/food (2–3 years)
• Work environment: Shift work, production environment, high hygiene standards
• Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes seasonal or hourly employment
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs nationwide in the profession
• Special skills: Machinery operation, basic troubleshooting, food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a machine operator in a brewery, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, foreman, or process manager within production. Some choose to further their education in automation or quality assurance and move into technical specialist or production planner roles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, future prospects are stable, with continued demand for qualified machine operators in the food industry. Increasing automation creates a need for personnel with technical understanding and initiative, strengthening long-term career possibilities in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators in breweries

• What does a machine operator in a brewery earn?
  - The average salary is 32 000 SEK/month, with variation depending on gender, sector, and experience.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn 95% of what men do, corresponding to 31 100 SEK/month compared to 32 700 SEK/month for men.
• What education is required?
  - High school education in industry, technology, or food, along with practical experience and certifications in machine handling.
• Are there good future prospects?
  - Yes, there are over 1,400 available jobs in the profession, and demand is expected to remain stable.
• What is the work environment like?
  - Work is performed in a production environment with shifts, high hygiene standards, and sometimes physically demanding tasks.
• What career paths are available?
  - Opportunities for advancement include roles like supervisor, process manager, or technical specialist after a few years.
• How high can the salary become?
  - The highest reported salary is 34,700 SEK/month for men and 33,100 SEK/month for women in the profession.