Image that illustrates Machine operator, bakery

Machine operator, bakery

32 500 kr

Machine operators, mill, bakery and confectionery industry

30 500 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 108% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Machine operator, bakery

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr

What does a bakery machine operator do? – Tasks and working environment

A bakery machine operator supervises and manages automated machines used in bread and pastry production. Tasks include starting, setting up, and adjusting machines, refilling raw materials, monitoring production, and performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting. The work often takes place in fast-paced production environments with high hygiene standards and teamwork with other roles. Shift work and irregular hours may occur, especially in larger bakeries operating around the clock.

Salary development over time

The salary for bakery machine operators has varied over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has been adjusted to 32 500 SEK, representing a decrease of about 4.7% compared to the previous year but a slight increase compared to 2022. This change can be explained by temporary salary adjustments and market adaptations, where demand for labor and collective agreements play a role. Notably, gender pay gaps have equalized, with women now earning on average more than men in the profession. Overall, salary development can be described as relatively stable, but sensitive to changes in the labor market and production pace.

Bakery machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,500 SEK/month (man), 33,400 SEK/month (woman)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 195 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 108% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but salary can be influenced by location and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a bakery machine operator, a high school education in food production or equivalent work experience is generally required. Practical experience from bakeries or food industries is advantageous, and some employers offer internal training. Technical interest and understanding of machinery are crucial, and further education in machine operation or food hygiene can improve employment prospects.

  • High school education: Food program, bakery/confectionery (3 years)
  • Internal training: Common among larger employers
  • Certificates: Food hygiene and machine safety
  • Internships: During training or as trainees
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and attention to detail

Many bakery machine operators quickly take on significant responsibility for the production flow and often become experts on specific machines. Mastering multiple machines makes the role especially valuable and offers good opportunities for internal career advancement within the company.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Bakery machine operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pensions, wellness contributions, and overtime pay for evening, night, or weekend work. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for on-site further training. Some workplaces also offer employee discounts on the company's products.

Competition and challenges

The job market for bakery machine operators is stable, but competition may vary regionally and depending on employer size. Technological changes, automation, and high standards for food safety increase demands on the profession. A major challenge is the ability to quickly adapt to new machines and production methods, while maintaining high pace and quality standards. The working environment can be physically demanding, especially during shift work or heavy lifting. For those who are flexible and willing to continue their education, good opportunities exist to meet the competition.

Tips for aspiring bakery machine operators

To succeed as a bakery machine operator, having a technical interest and the ability to quickly learn new machines is beneficial, making it easier to adapt to production changes. Precision is important, as both machines and food products require work to be performed exactly according to routines and hygiene standards. Resilience to stress helps when the pace is high and production must run smoothly. Teamwork skills are crucial since the work is often collaborative, and communication with colleagues can be vital for a smooth workflow. Initiative and willingness to take responsibility are also advantages, as employers value employees who can identify and solve problems independently. Showing interest in further training and participating in internal courses can open doors to more responsibilities. Finally, flexibility is a strength, especially during shift work or when production needs to adapt to new products or seasonal variations.

Key facts about Bakery Machine Operators

  • Education level: High school diploma, often food program
  • Work environment: Production facilities with high pace and hygiene standards
  • Typical work form: Shift work and teamwork
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs in Sweden (2024)
  • Special skills: Machine operation and food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession as a bakery machine operator, there are often opportunities to advance to team leader, production planner, or specialized machine technician within the food industry. Further education in production technology, food safety, or automation can further strengthen career prospects. Employment agency forecasts indicate continued strong demand for bakery machine operators, especially as the food industry modernizes and production becomes more efficient. Technological development means the demand for skilled professionals with good machine knowledge and willingness to continue learning is expected to grow. Many employers also view internal career development positively.

Frequently asked questions about Bakery Machine Operators

  • What does a bakery machine operator earn?
    - The average salary is 32 500 SEK per month, but variations depend on experience and workplace.
  • What are the gender differences among bakery machine operators?
    - Women earn on average 108% of men's salaries in the profession.
  • What is the highest salary for a bakery machine operator?
    - The highest salary is 34,600 SEK per month for both genders.
  • What is the lowest salary for a bakery machine operator?
    - The lowest salary is 30,500 SEK per month for men and 33,400 SEK for women.
  • Is training required to become a bakery machine operator?
    - High school education in food production is most common, but experience and internal training can also suffice.
  • What is the job market like for bakery machine operators?
    - Demand is good, with 1437 available jobs during 2024.
  • What are the duties of a bakery machine operator?
    - Oversee and operate production machines, adjust settings, and ensure hygiene and quality.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, bakery is 34600 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same highest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine operator, bakery is 30500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 116% 29200 kr 30700 kr
35-44 97% 31600 kr 35500 kr
45-54 108% 29500 kr 32600 kr
55-64 107% 30400 kr 33100 kr
Snitt 108% 29300 kr 32500 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, bakery has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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