Machine operator, shoe industry

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

A machine operator in the shoe industry is responsible for monitoring and controlling machines used in the production of shoes and other leather products. Tasks include feeding materials into machines, overseeing production, adjusting settings, and performing basic maintenance. Quality control is an important part of the job, as well as identifying and resolving any faults that occur during production. The work environment is often characterized by a high pace and machine noise, and work is usually performed in production facilities with a clear safety focus. Physical work is common, and attention to detail and the ability to work systematically are required.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine operators in the shoe industry has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month. During 2023, this increased to 29 600 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 6.9%. In 2024, the average salary rose further to 30 400 SEK, an increase of approximately 2.7% compared to the previous year. This development reflects the industry’s slow but steady wage growth, influenced positively by factors such as inflation, collective agreements, and some increased demand for technically skilled operators. Despite being a smaller and more specialized sector, there is some upward pressure on wages, especially for those with experience and relevant education.

Machine operator, shoe industry salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, privately employed, 3-year upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year upper secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 29 700 SEK (95% of men's salary), men 31 200 SEK
• Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, lowest in private employment

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a machine operator in the shoe industry usually goes through the upper secondary industrial technology program, preferably with a focus on textiles or production. Practical experience from manufacturing is often advantageous, and some employers also offer internal trainee programs for new hires. Advanced knowledge in machine maintenance and quality assurance is highly valued, while specific industry courses can be beneficial for specialized roles.

• Upper secondary education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
• Internal training: Introductory courses are often offered upon employment
• Internships: Internships during education are common
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in compulsory school, technical interest
• Certifications: Industry-specific certificates exist but are rarely a requirement

Common benefits and compensations

Machine operators in the shoe industry are often covered by collective agreements that regulate salary, overtime pay, and vacation. Other common benefits include wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Some employers also offer additional pension contributions and opportunities for skill development through internal courses and training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for machine operators in the shoe industry is characterized by a relatively small and specialized sector. Since the profession is part of a broader group within the textile, leather, and shoe industries, there is some competition for positions, especially in regions where the industry is more concentrated. Technological development and increased automation mean that demands for technical skills are rising, which can make it harder for those without relevant education or experience to establish themselves. At the same time, the limited growth of the sector means that the number of new jobs does not increase significantly, which can lead to increased competition for available positions.

Tips for those who want to become a machine operator in the shoe industry

To succeed as a machine operator in the shoe industry, it is important to have a high level of accuracy, as quality requirements are often high and errors can be costly. An interest in technology and good problem-solving skills facilitate when machines need to be reconfigured or during operational disruptions. Patience and stress tolerance are important, as the work can sometimes be monotonous and the pace variable. Practical experience from similar production provides an advantage, and showing initiative in new tasks is appreciated by employers. Flexibility and teamwork skills are also highly valued, as work often occurs in teams and machine setups can change quickly. Continuing education, such as internal courses, contributes to increased job security and more career opportunities.

Key facts about a machine operator in the shoe industry

• Educational level: Upper secondary education, industrial technology program (3 years)
• Work environment: Industrial production, often noisy and physically demanding
• Work form: Shift work is common
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in spring 2024
• Gender distribution: Men earn on average 5% more than women

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a machine operator in the shoe industry, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as team leader or supervisor within production. Specialization in machine maintenance or quality assurance is also possible career paths. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no specific assessment for this profession, as the group is relatively small and specialized. However, statistics show that there were 1,437 available jobs in the profession in spring 2024, indicating some demand. Future prospects are influenced by technological development and automation, where individuals with updated skills have an advantage in the labor market.

Frequently asked questions about a machine operator in the shoe industry

• What does a machine operator earn in the shoe industry?
  - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What education is required to become a machine operator in the shoe industry?
  - The most common is the upper secondary industrial technology program, but internships and internal training are also important.
• What does the job market look like?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in spring 2024, but no future outlook is available.
• What are common tasks?
  - Monitoring machines, quality control, material handling, and basic maintenance.
• What benefits are common?
  - Collective agreements, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes pension contributions.
• Can one advance within the profession?
  - Yes, for example to team leader or with specialization in machine maintenance.