- Salary statistics
- Machine operator, textile industry, other
Machine operator, textile industry, other
29 400 - 32 200 kr / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine operator, textile industry, other
What does a machine operator in the textile industry do? – Tasks and work environment
A machine operator in the textile industry monitors, controls, and maintains machines used for producing textile products. Tasks include starting and stopping machines, adjusting settings, refilling raw materials, and ensuring smooth production flow. It also involves quality checks and fixing minor faults or stops. The work environment often features noise, repetitive movements, and shift work, requiring good attention and the ability to work independently and in teams.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for textile industry machine operators have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 29 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 400 SEK, representing an approximate 9.7% increase over three years. This salary growth can be partly explained by increased demand for production staff, technological upgrades of machinery, and the need for specialized skills in automation. Although the profession remains relatively stable, there is upward pressure on wages due to competition for labor and general inflation adjustments.
Machine operator, textile industry, other salaries – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 3-year vocational education)
- Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year vocational education)
- Hourly wage: 183 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn an average of 31 200 SEK, women 29 700 SEK (women earn 95% of men's wages)
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator in the textile industry, a vocational education in industry, technology, or production is generally required. Some employers also seek experience from similar work, but new hires often receive internal training on site. Practical understanding of machines, precision, and ability to handle technical equipment are key qualities.
- Vocational upper secondary education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
- Internal training: Introduction and practical training on the job
- Experience requirements: Preferable but not always necessary
- Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and precision
- Further education: Opportunities for specialization through courses or certificates
Machine operators in the textile industry can often influence the final product by early detection of quality issues and proposing process improvements. It is common for operators with strong technical interest to participate in development work on new materials or production methods.
Common benefits and compensations
Machine operators in the textile industry are often covered by collective agreements offering benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, shift allowances, wellness contributions, and opportunities for skill development through internal or external training.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a textile machine operator is characterized by steady demand, but developments in automation and global competition influence the job market. Many companies strive for increased efficiency, requiring operators to quickly adapt to new technical solutions. Tasks can be monotonous and physically demanding, demanding endurance and accuracy. The future of the industry is also affected by economic fluctuations and changes in domestic textile demand. Limited statistical data makes precise future predictions difficult, but there remains a continued need for skilled personnel.
Tips for those wishing to become a machine operator in the textile industry
To succeed as a machine operator in the textile industry, being precise and having good problem-solving skills is important, as the work often involves quickly identifying and fixing production issues. Technical interest helps when new machines or processes are introduced, and a willingness to learn new things is crucial to stay updated. Resilience to stress is helpful during busy periods or unexpected situations, and teamwork skills are essential since work is often performed in teams. Finally, initiative and responsibility are valued, especially during quality control and improvement work.
Key facts about machine operators in the textile industry
- Education level: Vocational upper secondary education, often industrial technology program
- Work environment: Shift work, noise, and repetitive movements
- Available jobs: 1437 positions within the profession (May 2024)
- Gender distribution: Women earn on average 95% of men's wages
- Special skills: Technical handling and quality control
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a machine operator in the textile industry can advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or production technician. Specialization within maintenance, quality control, or process optimization is also possible. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no exact assessment for this specific profession due to limited statistical data, but the number of available jobs indicates some demand. Technical competence and willingness to further educate oneself increase career development opportunities, especially in companies investing in automation and digitalization of production.
Frequently asked questions about machine operators in the textile industry
- What does a machine operator in the textile industry earn?
- The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector. - Are there differences between male and female wages?
- Yes, women earn an average of 29 700 SEK and men 31 200 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's wages. - What education is required to become a machine operator in the textile industry?
- Vocational upper secondary education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with internal training. - What is the job market like for machine operators in the textile industry?
- There are 1437 available jobs according to the latest data. - What benefits are common in this profession?
- Occupational pension, insurance, shift allowances, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training are typical. - How much does an hourly-paid machine operator earn?
- The hourly wage is 183 SEK. - Is there room for advancement?
- Yes, experienced operators can advance to team leaders, production technicians, or specialists in process and maintenance.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25600 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27400 kr | 29500 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28700 kr | 29900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 29400 kr | 31200 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 29900 kr | 31300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28800 kr | 30400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25600 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27400 kr | 29500 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28700 kr | 29900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 29400 kr | 31200 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 29900 kr | 31300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28800 kr | 30400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25600 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27400 kr | 29500 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28700 kr | 29900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 29400 kr | 31200 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 29900 kr | 31300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28800 kr | 30400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 27700 kr | 30200 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28800 kr | 30800 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 30200 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 30100 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28900 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 27700 kr | 30200 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28800 kr | 30800 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 30200 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 30100 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28900 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 27700 kr | 30200 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28800 kr | 30800 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 30200 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 30100 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28900 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 26900 kr | 28400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28600 kr | 29200 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 28700 kr | 30000 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 29800 kr | 30600 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28700 kr | 29700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 26900 kr | 28400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28600 kr | 29200 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 28700 kr | 30000 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 29800 kr | 30600 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28700 kr | 29700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 26900 kr | 28400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 28600 kr | 29200 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 28700 kr | 30000 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 29800 kr | 30600 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 28700 kr | 29700 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, textile industry, other has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Experienced Industrial Seamstress Wanted for AB Germa in Kristianstad
Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry
Wed, 26 Nov 2025 - 14:07 -
Machine Operator Wanted in Halmstad
Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry
Tue, 25 Nov 2025 - 13:27 -
Embroidery Operators Wanted in Örebro
Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry
Sat, 25 Oct 2025 - 16:44 -
Embroidery Operators Wanted in Örebro
Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry
Tue, 21 Oct 2025 - 19:22 -
Knitter/Technician Wanted at Bola AB in Grönahög
Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry
Thu, 9 Oct 2025 - 20:33
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00