How much does a Machine operator, food industry, mill make

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  2. Machine operator, food industry, mill
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Machine operator, food industry, mill

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, mill

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

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

A machine operator in the food industry and mill is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining machines used in the production and processing of food, grains, and mill products. The work involves starting and stopping machines, adjusting settings, checking product quality, and identifying and fixing minor faults. Often, work is performed in shifts, and the work environment is typically industrial, with high demands on hygiene and safety. Operators work closely with production and have a significant responsibility to ensure processes run smoothly and products meet high standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine operators in the food industry and mill has shown some fluctuations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased notably to 34 100 SEK, corresponding to an increase of just over 6%. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward to 32 500 SEK, a decrease of approximately 4.7% from the previous year. This trend can partly be explained by changes in demand, negotiations between labor market parties, and economic fluctuations within the food industry. Despite this temporary decline, the profession remains in demand, with good opportunities for employment and salary growth in the long term.

Machine operator, food industry, mill salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,500 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (both men and women, different sectors)
  • Hourly wage: 195 SEK (average, hourly paid)
  • Women earn: 34,600 SEK/month (108% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 32 100 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but salaries are generally higher in metropolitan areas

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a machine operator in the food industry and mill often goes through the industrial technology program in high school, but adult education and in-company trainee programs are also common. Practical experience is highly valued, especially for specialized machines or advanced production lines. For some employers, shorter post-secondary courses or certificates in process and food technology may be advantageous.

  • High school program: Industrial technology, 3 years
  • Adult vocational training: 1–2 years, often with internships
  • In-company training/trainee: Common when hiring new employees
  • Certificates: For example, in food handling or machinery safety
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics, technology, and good Swedish language skills

Many machine operators in the food industry have the opportunity to work with the latest automation and process technology. Digitalization and smart systems have rapidly transformed the work tasks in recent years, making the profession appealing to those with a technical interest and providing opportunities for development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Machine operators in the food industry are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime pay for evening and night shifts, and wellness grants. Other common benefits include work clothing, meal subsidies, and bonuses for achieving production targets. Training and professional development at the workplace are also frequently provided.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a machine operator in the food industry and mill is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions, especially in larger cities where salary levels are often higher. Automation and digitalization have increased demands on technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Employers also place high demands on flexibility, as work often involves shift work and periods of high tempo. Physical work, repetitive movements, and high hygiene and safety standards can also be challenging. However, for those wishing to advance, there are many opportunities for further education and specialization.

Tips for aspiring machine operators in the food industry and mill

To succeed as a machine operator in the food industry and mill, it is beneficial to be precise and stress-resistant, as the work requires close monitoring of machines and processes even at high speeds. An interest in technology facilitates learning new machines, and a problem-solving mindset helps handle operational issues quickly and efficiently. Flexibility and openness to shift work are often advantageous, as production can run around the clock. Good teamwork skills are necessary since the work is team-based, and communication skills are important for reporting deviations or suggesting improvements. Finally, a sense of responsibility is crucial for product quality and safety at the workplace.

Key facts about machine operators in the food industry and mill

  • Education level: High school (industrial technology) or vocational training
  • Work environment: Industrial, with high demands on hygiene and safety
  • Work form: Shift work is common
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings (latest measurement)
  • Gender differences: Women have, on average, higher salaries than men in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a machine operator in the food industry and mill, opportunities open up for roles such as team leader, operations technician, or production planner. Experience and further education can also lead to specialization in automation, quality control, or maintenance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook is good, with continued high demand and many job openings. Ongoing technological development in the industry is also expected to increase the need for skilled operators.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators in the food industry and mill

  • What does a machine operator earn in the food industry and mill?
    - The average salary is 32 500 SEK per month, with the highest at 34,600 SEK and the lowest at 30,500 SEK.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average 34,600 SEK, which corresponds to 108% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a machine operator?
    - The industrial technology program at high school or equivalent vocational training is recommended.
  • What does the work environment look like?
    - The work environment is industrial with high demands on hygiene, safety, and often shift work.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The outlook is good, with over 1,400 job openings in the profession.
  • What other roles can one develop into?
    - For example, team leader, operations technician, or roles within quality control and automation.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries are generally higher in metropolitan regions compared to the rest of the country.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 21:19:40

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, food industry, mill 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, mill 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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, mill has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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