Image that illustrates Machine operator, soft strap

Machine operator, soft strap

33 300 kr

Bookbinders etc.

32 400 - 38 300 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Machine operator, soft strap

Average salary 33 300 kr
Males 33 400 kr
Females 32 900 kr

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

A softband machine operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling machines that produce or process softbands, for example in bookbinding and packaging industries. Tasks include setting up, starting, and monitoring machines, checking the quality of the finished material, and performing simple maintenance and troubleshooting. The work requires precision and the ability to quickly identify and fix any errors that may occur during production. The work environment is usually industrial, which may involve noise, shift work, and physically demanding tasks. Safety regulations and ergonomics are important parts of daily work.

Salary development over time

Salaries for softband machine operators have shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, which increased to 32 500 in 2023 and reached 33 300 in 2024. The total increase over the period amounts to about 9.2%, which is slightly higher than the average for similar occupations in the industry. This positive salary development can be attributed to increased demand for skilled machine operators, technological advancements requiring greater responsibility and competence, and a generally strong labor market for the profession. The salary increase has been relatively evenly distributed between genders, reflected in small gender differences in salary statistics.

Softband machine operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 38,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 200 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 32,900 SEK (99% of men's salary), men earn 33 400 SEK
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on work location, with the largest variations between rural areas and big cities

Education and qualifications

To work as a softband machine operator, a high school education with a technical or industrial focus is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in machine production or similar industrial work, but there are also opportunities to learn the profession on the job through internships or trainee programs. Additional courses in mechanical engineering, safety, and production technology can be advantageous and contribute to faster career advancement.

  • High school education: Technical or industrial program (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: Meritorious, especially for higher salary
  • Certifications/courses: Machinery safety and production technology
  • Internship/trainee: Common at employment start
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical knowledge and good physical condition

Softband machine operators often have the opportunity to work in both small and large industries, providing broad experience of different production environments. Technological developments within automation also mean that many tasks change rapidly, which can contribute to a more varied and stimulating daily work life.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Softband machine operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pensions, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and insurance. Many employers also offer workwear, staff discounts, and opportunities for skills development. Shift work can provide additional pay, especially for night and weekend work.

Competition and challenges

The job market for softband machine operators is stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in metropolitan regions. Automation and digitalization increase the requirements for technical skills and the ability to quickly adapt to new machine systems. Physically demanding work and monotonous tasks can be challenging for some, requiring good endurance and precision. At the same time, there is a relatively high demand for labor within the profession, with over 1400 available jobs registered on the job market. For those looking to develop, there are opportunities for specialization or further education.

Tips for aspiring softband machine operators

To succeed as a softband machine operator, it is good to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Precision is crucial since small errors can have significant consequences in production, so training your attention to detail is important. Being flexible and adaptable makes it easier when new machines or work methods are introduced, while good physical endurance helps with monotonous or heavy tasks. It is also advantageous to show willingness to collaborate and communicate clearly with colleagues, especially during shift work. Finally, a commitment to continuous learning, such as taking extra courses in production technology, can make you more attractive on the job market.

Key facts about softband machine operators

  • Education level: High school, technical or industrial focus
  • Work environment: Industrial production, often shift work
  • Employment type: Permanent or hourly employment
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences between men and women

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a softband machine operator, further development can lead to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or quality coordinator. Those who choose to study further have opportunities to move into technical specialist roles or supervisory positions. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that demand for softband machine operators remains good, especially due to retirement and technological development. Digitalization and automation mean that those investing in skills development in these areas will be well-positioned for the future.

Frequently asked questions about softband machine operators

  • What does a softband machine operator earn?
    - The average salary is 33 300 SEK per month, with an average hourly wage of 200 SEK.
  • How has the salary development for softband machine operators progressed?
    - Salaries have increased from 30,500 SEK in 2022 to 33 300 SEK in 2024, an increase of about 9.2%.
  • What education is required to become a softband machine operator?
    - High school education with a technical or industrial focus is most common, often supplemented with internships or internal training programs.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Gender differences are small; women earn on average 32,900 SEK and men 33 400 SEK, which corresponds to 99.
  • What is the job market like for softband machine operators?
    - Demand is good with over 1,400 available jobs in the profession, especially in larger industrial regions.
  • What are the most common benefits for machine operators?
    - Collective agreements, occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and insurance are common.
  • What is the highest salary for a softband machine operator?
    - The highest salary is 38,300 SEK per month and belongs to a woman with post-secondary education of at least 3 years.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, soft strap is 38300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 35500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine operator, soft strap is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 32400 kr 34000 kr
55-64 32300 kr 33800 kr
Snitt 99% 31800 kr 33300 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, soft strap has the SSYK code 7323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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