- Salary statistics
- Machine operator, printing company
Machine operator, printing company
32 000 - 37 000 kr / month
Women earn 89% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine operator, printing company
What does a printing press machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A printing press machine operator is responsible for handling and monitoring printing presses and other machinery used to produce printed materials such as newspapers, brochures, and packaging. The tasks include setting up machines, loading materials, supervising production, performing quality control, and handling minor technical issues. The work requires accuracy, technical skills, and the ability to work in a often fast-paced environment. The work environment can be noisy and sometimes dusty, with both day and shift work depending on the printing company's operations.
Salary development over time
Salaries for printing press machine operators have shown some increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,100 SEK per month, followed by a slight decrease to 32 500 SEK in 2023, which is about a 1.8% reduction. In 2024, the salary recovered and rose to 35 000 SEK, an increase of over 7.7% compared to the previous year. This variation can be attributed to multiple factors such as changing demand for printing services, collective bargaining negotiations, and technological changes within the industry. The recent salary increase reflects a higher demand for qualified machine operators and a greater focus on technical competence in the profession.
Printing press machine operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 32,000 SEK/month (female), 34,000 SEK/month (male)
- Highest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (male), 32,300 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men earn 35 800 SEK, women 32,000 SEK (89% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on region and the size of the printing company
Education and qualifications
To work as a printing press machine operator, a high school education in technology, industry, or graphic production is generally required. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers offer internal training and introduction to specific machines. Additional courses in machine technology or graphic production can be advantageous, as well as certifications for operating printing presses.
- High school education: Technology, industry, or graphic orientation (3 years)
- Certifications: Courses in machine safety and graphic production
- Internship: Internships or trainee programs are often offered by employers
- Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and good Swedish language skills
- Further education: Opportunities for specialization through courses or online studies
The printing industry has quickly adapted to digitalization, meaning that machine operators often work with both traditional printing presses and advanced digital printing machines. The ability to handle different technologies and be flexible is therefore highly valuable.
Common benefits and compensations
Machine operators in printing often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized lunch or work clothing. Employers may also offer skills development and further training opportunities within technology and safety.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a printing press machine operator varies depending on region and economic conditions. Despite digitalization, there remains a steady need for printed materials, especially within the packaging industry. Challenges in the profession include requirements for technical skills, quick problem-solving, and adaptation to new machines and work methods. Physical work and shift work can also impact workload. To remain competitive, continuous updating of technical knowledge and willingness to further educate oneself are essential.
Tips for those wanting to become a printing press machine operator
To succeed as a printing press machine operator, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and to be precise in your work, as machines often need to be set up exactly and production monitored continuously. Flexibility is a great asset since the machinery can vary and tasks change quickly. Being stress-resistant helps when production is high or when quick repairs are needed. Good communication skills are important for collaborating with colleagues and reporting deviations. Finally, a willingness to learn new techniques and machines provides greater opportunities for development and job security.
Key facts about printing press machine operators
- Education level: High school education with a technical or graphic focus
- Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work
- Demand: 1,437 available jobs according to current statistics
- Special skills: Machinery knowledge and digital printing technology
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience, a printing press machine operator can advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or quality manager within the printing industry. There are also opportunities to specialize in digital printing or machinery maintenance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook for the profession is stable, with ongoing demand for skilled operators due to printers’ adaptation to new technologies and increasing demand for packaging printing. Those furthering their education in automation or digital production can broaden their career opportunities even further.
Frequently asked questions about printing press machine operators
- What does a printing press machine operator earn?
- The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and region. - How to become a printing press machine operator?
- Most commonly, a high school education in technology or graphic production, supplemented with practical training or internal apprenticeship. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn an average of 35 800 SEK, while women earn 32,000 SEK, which is about 89% of men's salary. - What are the job tasks of a printing press machine operator?
- Handling and monitoring printing presses, supervising production, quality control, and minor machine repairs. - What is the job market like for printing press machine operators?
- The demand is stable, with 1,437 available jobs according to current statistics. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
- The highest salary for a man is 37,000 SEK, and for a woman 32,300 SEK. The lowest salary is 32,000 SEK for women and 34,000 SEK for men. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Attention to detail, technical interest, flexibility, and stress resistance are especially valued qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 30800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 30500 kr | 32600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33700 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36900 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34000 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 89% | 33300 kr | 35000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 30800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 30500 kr | 32600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33700 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36900 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34000 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 89% | 33300 kr | 35000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 30800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 30500 kr | 32600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33700 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36900 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34000 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 89% | 33300 kr | 35000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27700 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34600 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 38000 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34300 kr | 35200 kr | |
| Snitt | 89% | 34100 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27700 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34600 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 38000 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34300 kr | 35300 kr | |
| Snitt | 89% | 34100 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27700 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34600 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 38000 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34300 kr | 35300 kr | |
| Snitt | 89% | 34100 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 89% | 30100 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 89% | 30100 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 89% | 30100 kr | 32000 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, printing company has the SSYK code 7322, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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