- Salary statistics
- Machine operator, hardcover
Machine operator, hardcover
32 400 - 38 300 kr / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine operator, hardcover
What does a machine operator within hardband do? – Tasks and work environment
A machine operator within hardband primarily works with monitoring, controlling, and maintaining machines used for manufacturing or processing hardband, often within bookbinding or printing industries. Tasks include setting up and adjusting machines, feeding materials, checking product quality, and performing simple repairs and maintenance. The work is typically carried out in production facilities where speed and precision are important, often in shifts to meet 24/7 production needs. The work environment is characterized by machine noise, handling heavy materials, and a clear focus on safety and ergonomics.
Wage development over time
The salary for machine operators within hardband has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average was 30,500 SEK per month, rising to 32 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 300 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of about 9% over the period. The wage increase can largely be explained by continued high demand for skilled operators, technological advancements within the industry, and an increased need for specialized skills to handle modern machines. The labor market has also been affected by retirements and a general need to attract younger workers, contributing to the positive salary trend.
Many machine operators within hardband quickly take responsibility for entire production lines, which provides broad technical skills and opportunities for further development within the industry. Practical experience from the shop floor is highly valued even in other technical professions.
Machine operator, hardband salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 33 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month (man, high school education 3 years)
- Highest salary: 38,300 SEK/month (woman, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour
- Women’s salary as percentage of men’s: 99%
- Women: 32,900 SEK/month
- Men: 33 400 SEK/month
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator within hardband, a high school education in industry, technology, or similar is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience from manufacturing industries, and there are often opportunities to supplement with internal training or shorter courses. The technical development of the profession makes some computer skills and understanding of automated processes advantageous. Below are key educational paths and qualifications:
- High school: Industrial technology programs (3 years) recommended
- Post-secondary education: YH-education in production technology or automation
- Certifications: Machine safety, forklift license, hot work permits are often advantageous
- Practical training: On-the-job learning during education provides valuable experience
- Prerequisites: Technical interest and good knowledge of Swedish language
Common benefits and compensations
Machine operators within hardband are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation, wellness allowance, and opportunities for shift or overtime pay. Some employers also offer work clothes, subsidized lunches, and internal training for further development. Bonuses and performance-based compensations may occur at larger industries.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a machine operator within hardband is moderate and influenced by technological developments in the industry. One of the biggest challenges is quickly adapting to new machines and automated production processes. The profession requires accuracy, resilience under stress, and the ability to troubleshoot technical problems under pressure. Physically demanding work in noisy environments can also be a burden, especially during shifts. Despite this, demand for experienced operators remains stable, especially due to a generational shift where many older workers are leaving the labor market.
Tips for those who want to become a machine operator within hardband
To succeed as a machine operator within hardband, it’s good to have a genuine interest in technology and machines, as tasks often require problem-solving skills and technical understanding. Being meticulous is an important trait since small errors in the process can affect the entire production. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate the introduction of new machines or work tasks. Good teamwork skills are also central, as work is often performed in teams where communication and responsibility are needed. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new tasks is appreciated by employers and can open doors to more advanced roles. Finally, resilience under stress is a valuable trait, especially during intensive production periods where focus and efficiency are required.
Key facts about a machine operator within hardband
- Education level: Usually high school (industrial technology program)
- Work environment: Industrial facility, often shift work
- Typical employment: Full-time, collective agreement employment
- Demand: 1437 job openings in the current profession
- Special skills: Machine handling and production technology
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a machine operator within hardband, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, production technicians, or specialists in machine maintenance. Some choose to further their education in automation or production planning, which can lead to roles such as team leader or process developer. The Employment Service’s forecasts indicate continued stable demand within the profession, especially in larger manufacturing sites where automation and technological development drive the need for qualified staff. The large number of job openings suggests good chances of employment for those with the right skills and education.
Common questions about machine operator, hardband
- What does a machine operator, hardband earn?
- The average salary is 33 300 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 200 SEK. - Is there a pay gap between women and men?
- Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession, with women’s average salary at 32,900 SEK and men’s at 33 400 SEK. - What education is required to become a machine operator within hardband?
- Usually, a high school education in industry or technology is required, preferably supplemented with certificates and practical training. - What does the work environment look like?
- The work takes place in industrial facilities with machine noise, often in shifts, with a focus on safety. - Are there good future prospects?
- Yes, there are many available jobs and continued demand according to the Employment Service. - What is the highest salary for a machine operator, hardband?
- The highest reported salary is 38,300 SEK per month for a woman with post-secondary education. - What is the lowest salary for a machine operator, hardband?
- The lowest reported salary is 32,400 SEK per month for a man with high school education.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 32400 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32300 kr | 33800 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 31800 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 33900 kr | 33900 kr |
| 35-44 | 118% | 37000 kr | 37100 kr |
| 45-54 | 37300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 105% | 36100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Snitt | 110% | 36500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 33900 kr | 33900 kr |
| 35-44 | 118% | 37000 kr | 37100 kr |
| 45-54 | 37300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 105% | 36100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Snitt | 110% | 36500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 32300 kr | 33800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32000 kr | 33600 kr | |
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 32300 kr | 33800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32000 kr | 33600 kr | |
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 32600 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 31700 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 32500 kr | 32500 kr |
| 35-44 | 118% | 32200 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 35000 kr | 35000 kr |
| Snitt | 110% | 34200 kr | 34200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 32500 kr | 32500 kr |
| 35-44 | 118% | 32200 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 35000 kr | 35000 kr |
| Snitt | 110% | 34200 kr | 34200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 99% | 31900 kr | 32900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 35700 kr | 35700 kr |
| 35-44 | 118% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 45-54 | 36800 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 105% | 37000 kr | 37000 kr |
| Snitt | 110% | 37500 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 110% | 35700 kr | 35700 kr |
| 35-44 | 118% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 45-54 | 36800 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 105% | 37000 kr | 37000 kr |
| Snitt | 110% | 37500 kr | 37500 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, hardcover has the SSYK code 7323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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