- Salary statistics
- Machine operator, polisher
Machine operator, polisher
31 600 - 33 600 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine operator, polisher
What does a machine operator, polisher do? – Tasks and work environment
A machine operator, polisher primarily works with processing and refining surfaces on wood products through sanding, polishing, and other surface treatments. Tasks include setting up and monitoring machines, inspecting final results, and maintaining equipment. The environment is often industrial with some noise and dust, requiring accuracy and safety awareness. Collaboration with other operators and technicians is common to ensure quality and efficiency in production.
Salary development over time
The salary for a machine operator, polisher has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, rising to 33 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 600 SEK in 2024. The total increase over this three-year period is approximately 5.3%. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for skilled machine operators in the wood and surface treatment industries, as well as some salary adjustments to meet inflation and skill shortages. Despite the moderate increase, the profession remains competitive within its segment, especially given the high employment rate and many advertised positions.
Machine operator, polisher salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: No specific statistics available
- Hourly wage: 202 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men earn 33 400 SEK/month, no statistics for women
- Regional differences: No detailed statistics available
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator, polisher, a high school education in the industrial program is usually required, preferably with a focus on wood technology or production. Practical experience and familiarity with machines are highly meritorious, and some employers also offer internal training or trainee programs for new employees. Certifications in workplace safety and machine safety may also be in demand.
- High school education: Industrial program, 3 years
- Internship: Common during training
- Internal training: Often offered by the employer
- Certifications: Machine safety, workplace safety
- Prerequisites: Technical interest and precision
Attention to detail is a key factor for machine operators, polishers – small deviations in processing can affect the entire final result and require a sharp eye for quality throughout the workday.
Common benefits and compensations
For machine operators, polishers, benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothes, subsidized lunch, and opportunities for overtime pay and shift premiums are common. Some employers also offer skills development and internal training.
Competition and challenges
Demand for machine operators, polishers is stable with many available positions. Competition varies depending on region and employer requirements for experience. Challenges include the need for continuous updates on machine technology and safety procedures, as well as physically demanding tasks in environments with noise and dust. A high level of accuracy and efficiency is required to meet production quality standards. Work may also involve shift work, requiring flexibility and endurance.
Tips for those who want to become a machine operator, polisher
To succeed as a machine operator, polisher, it’s good to have a genuine interest in technology and machines, which facilitates learning new tasks. Precision is crucial to ensure high quality in the finished work, so practice paying attention to small details. Responsibility helps you follow safety routines and maintain production flow, especially in environments where the pace can be high. Good teamwork skills are important since the work is often done in teams and requires communication with colleagues and technicians. Flexibility and endurance help with shift work and periods of high workload, while a willingness to continuously develop skills allows quick adaptation to new methods and technological changes.
Key facts about Machine operator, polisher
- Education level: High school, industrial/technical
- Work environment: Industrial, sometimes noisy and dusty
- Hourly wage: 202 SEK (average)
- Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a machine operator, polisher, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or production technician within the wood and surface treatment industry. Further education in automation or production can open doors to more specialized tasks and higher responsibility. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook is good, with continued strong demand for skilled operators and good employment opportunities in the long term. However, digitalization and technological development may change the work content, making ongoing skills development important for long-term career growth.
Frequently asked questions about Machine operator, polisher
- What does a machine operator, polisher earn?
- The average salary is 33 600 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a machine operator, polisher?
- High school education in industry or technology is most common, often with practical training. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 33 400 SEK, but there is no available statistics for women. - What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is industrial, often noisy and dusty, with requirements for protective equipment. - What are the future prospects?
- Demand is stable with 1,437 available jobs within the profession. - What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothes, overtime pay, and opportunities for skills development. - Is there an opportunity for further education?
- Yes, many employers offer internal training and there are opportunities for further education within production or automation.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31600 kr | 33600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31600 kr | 33600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31600 kr | 33600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31400 kr | 33400 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, polisher has the SSYK code 8174, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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