Image that illustrates Machine operator, food industry, bakery and confectionery

Machine operator, food industry, bakery and confectionery

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, food industry, bakery and confectionery

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

What does a machine operator in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery do? – Tasks and work environment

A machine operator in the food industry, bakeries, and confectionery manufacturing primarily oversees, controls, and maintains machines used in the production of various food products. Tasks include starting, adjusting, and inspecting machines, ensuring production meets quality assurance standards, and troubleshooting issues during operation. The role also involves basic maintenance, cleaning machines, and documenting production data. The work environment is often industrial, involving production facilities where high pace, noise, and hygiene routines are common.

Salary development over time

The salary development for machine operators in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery has fluctuated slightly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month, increasing in 2023 to 34 100, which is about a 6.2% increase. In 2024, the salary has slightly decreased to 32 500, a reduction of approximately 4.7% compared to the previous year. This decline may be due to changes in demand within the industry, increased automation, or collective agreement adjustments. Despite fluctuations, salary levels remain stable over time, and labor shortages in certain regions help maintain competitive wages.

Complete overview of salary for machine operators in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (man): 30,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (woman): 33,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 195 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 108% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and employer size

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in the food industry, a high school education in industry, food, or technology is usually required, but many employers also offer internal training. Practical experience in food production or similar environments is often advantageous, and opportunities for further training and certification may be available depending on the machinery and workplace requirements.

  • High school education: Industry, food, or technical focus (3 years)
  • Internal training: Commonly provided by employers
  • Certifications: Hygiene training and machine-specific courses
  • Internship: Internships or trainee positions are often advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic Swedish and mathematics skills

Machine operators in the food industry often work in shifts, which may start early in the morning or late in the evening. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different working hours are therefore crucial for job satisfaction and success in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

For machine operators in the food industry, collective agreements often provide benefits such as overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses for meeting production targets. Pension contributions and insurance are typically included in employment conditions, and some employers also offer subsidized lunches or staff discounts.

Competition and challenges

The job market for machine operators in the food industry is relatively stable, but competition can vary by region and season. Increased automation within the sector demands higher technical skills, which may lead to some tasks being eliminated or altered. At the same time, there is a high demand for qualified operators with experience in modern production systems. Challenges include staying updated with new technology and working efficiently under pressure, especially during peak production times or machine breakdowns.

Tips for those wishing to become a machine operator in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery

To succeed as a machine operator in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery, it is important to have a careful and responsible attitude to work, as machinery and food handling require precision and quality awareness. Flexibility and the ability to handle shift work facilitate adaptation to workplace needs. An interest in technology and the ability to quickly learn new machines and tasks are advantageous, especially in an industry where automation is increasing. Teamwork and communication skills are essential, as the work is often team-based, requiring mutual support to maintain production pace. Taking initiative and asking questions when in doubt contribute to a safer working environment, and good physical health makes handling machinery and materials easier. Lastly, an interest in food safety and hygiene is important to meet industry standards.

Key facts about Machine Operator in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery

  • Education level: High school education, often supplemented with internal training
  • Work environment: Industrial setting, often shift work
  • Typical employment type: Permanent, often covered by collective agreements
  • Demand: High, with 1,437 available jobs in the current occupation group
  • Special skills: Machine handling, hygiene routines, technical interest

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a machine operator in the food industry, opportunities open for advancement to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or process manager. Experience and further training can also lead to specialized positions in quality control or maintenance. According to the Employment Service and current job data, demand for machine operators remains high, with 1,437 available jobs in the field. The industry’s move towards increased automation makes technical skills and ongoing education increasingly important for securing long-term employment and career growth within the profession.

Common questions about Machine Operator in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery

  • What does a Machine Operator in the food industry, bakery, and confectionery earn?
    - A machine operator in the food industry has an average salary of 32 500 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender salary differences?
    - Women earn an average of 34,600 SEK and men 32 100, which means women earn 108% of men's salaries.
  • What are the minimum and maximum salaries for the profession?
    - The lowest salary for a man is 30,500 SEK and for a woman 33,400 SEK. The highest salary for both is 34,600 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a machine operator in the food industry?
    - High school education in industry, food, or technology is recommended, often supplemented with internal training.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - High demand with over 1,400 available jobs and good career development opportunities within the industry.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries may vary depending on location and employer, but overall salary levels are stable across the country.

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

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