Image that illustrates Machine operator, sugar industry

Machine operator, sugar industry

32 000 kr

Other machine operators, food industry etc.

29 700 - 34 700 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Machine operator, sugar industry

Average salary 32 000 kr
Males 32 700 kr
Females 31 100 kr

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

A machine operator in the sugar industry is responsible for monitoring and controlling machines used in the processing and packaging of sugar products. Tasks include starting, stopping, and adjusting machines, ensuring production meets quality standards, and performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting. Work is often done in shifts and may involve both day and night shifts, as production in the sugar industry is often continuous. The work environment is characterized by noise, high temperatures, and demands for safety and accuracy, as handling machinery and raw materials requires high technical and hygienic standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine operators in the sugar industry has shown a stable and cautious increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 31 900 in 2023. In 2024, the salary continued upward to 32 000, representing a total increase of approximately 5.6% over the period. This trend reflects a general pattern within the food industry where demand for skilled machine operators remains relatively stable, but wage increases are kept in check by industry competition and cost conditions. Salary development is also influenced by factors such as experience, shift work, and regional labor supply differences, but has been generally weakly positive in recent years.

Machine operator, sugar industry salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour (average)
  • Gender differences: Men earn 32 700 SEK/month, women 31 100 SEK/month (women earn 95% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, lower wages among private sector employees

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in the sugar industry, a high school education in technology, industry, or food technology is usually required. Practical experience from the industry is advantageous, and many employers offer internal training to learn specific machines and processes. Some employers may also require safety or machine operation certificates.

  • High school education: Industry or food technology programs, 3 years
  • Internal training: Common at larger employers
  • Internship: Practical experience from industrial production is advantageous
  • Certificates: Some employers require safety or machine operation certificates
  • Prerequisites: Technical understanding and good Swedish language skills in speech and writing

Many machine operators in the sugar industry develop a deep understanding of the entire production chain, enabling advancement to roles such as team leader or process operator. The ability to quickly read and interpret production data is a skill often demanded by employers.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Machine operators in the sugar industry are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes work clothing and subsidized meals. Other common compensations include work clothing, subsidized lunch, and insurance. Extra pay according to collective agreement often applies during inconvenient working hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a machine operator in the sugar industry is moderate, with relatively stable demand for labor. However, there is some competition for the most attractive jobs, especially in regions with many food industries. Challenges in the profession often involve quickly learning to handle new machines and adapting to changing production methods. Shift work and physically demanding environments can be strenuous, and high demands are placed on accuracy to maintain food safety and quality. Digitalization of the industry increases the importance of technical skills.

Tips for those wishing to become a machine operator in the sugar industry

To succeed as a machine operator in the sugar industry, it is good to be meticulous, technically interested, and flexible. Showing curiosity about new machines and production processes facilitates learning and can make you more attractive to employers. Good teamwork skills are important, as work often occurs in teams, where clear communication contributes to safe and efficient production. Being resilient helps you handle production peaks and unexpected breakdowns, while problem-solving skills are crucial for quickly fixing machine failures. An interest in food safety and quality is also an advantage, as these aspects permeate the work in the sugar industry.

Key facts about machine operators in the sugar industry

  • Educational level: High school education in industry or food technology (3 years)
  • Typical work form: Shift work, often full-time
  • Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the proportion of women is increasing
  • Job vacancies: 1,437 positions in the profession according to latest statistics
  • Special skills: Machine handling and food safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a machine operator in the sugar industry, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as senior machine operator, team leader, or process operator. Some choose to further educate themselves as production managers or technicians within the food industry. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate stable demand for machine operators in the food industry, with 1,437 job openings. Digitalization and automation increase the need for technically skilled operators, promising good future prospects for those willing to develop their skills.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators in the sugar industry

  • What does a machine operator earn in the sugar industry?
    - The average salary is 32 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's wages?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a machine operator?
    - High school education in industry or food technology is recommended, often supplemented with internal training.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - Work is often performed in shifts, with noise and high temperatures, requiring safety and accuracy.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The outlook is stable with continued demand, especially for technically skilled operators.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes work clothing and subsidized meals.
  • Are there regional wage differences?
    - Yes, the highest wages are found in the regional sector, while lower wages are more common among private sector employees.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, sugar industry is 34700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine operator, sugar industry is 29700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 28100 kr 31600 kr
25-34 96% 29800 kr 33300 kr
35-44 84% 28900 kr 31200 kr
45-54 93% 30700 kr 33100 kr
55-64 28500 kr 30600 kr
Snitt 95% 29300 kr 32000 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, sugar industry has the SSYK code 8169, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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