Image that illustrates Machine operator, ice cream manufacturing

Machine operator, ice cream manufacturing

35 000 kr

Machine operators, dairy

34 700 - 38 600 kr / month

Women earn 104% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Machine operator, ice cream manufacturing

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 34 700 kr
Females 36 000 kr

What does a machine operator in ice cream manufacturing do? – Tasks and working environment

A machine operator in ice cream manufacturing is responsible for monitoring and maintaining machines used in the production of ice cream and similar products. Tasks include starting and setting up machines, overseeing the manufacturing process, inspecting product quality, and fixing minor technical faults. The working environment is often industrial and can involve shift work, where noise levels and temperatures may vary depending on the production phase. Teamwork and communication are crucial for smooth operations.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine operators in ice cream manufacturing has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, rising to 35 000 in 2023 and maintaining the same level in 2024. This development corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 9.7% between 2022 and 2023, indicating increased demand for the profession, likely due to a growing food industry and increased focus on automation and technical skills. After the significant rise, salaries have stabilized, possibly reflecting a market equilibrium and employers valuing experience and specialized technical knowledge more highly.

Machine operator in ice cream manufacturing salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (men), 36,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (men), 36,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 104% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data varies depending on workplace and region

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a machine operator in ice cream manufacturing often involves vocational upper secondary programs, especially in industry, technology, or food production. Practical experience and technical interest are important factors, and some employers offer internal training or trainee programs. Formal requirements may vary, but a relevant upper secondary education is often a prerequisite for employment.

  • Vocational upper secondary education: Industry, technology, or food production programs (3 years)
  • Internship: Practical training or apprenticeship during studies is highly recommended
  • Certifications: Additional courses in machine safety and maintenance can be advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and good physics skills
  • Further education: Opportunities for specialization via workplace training or industry courses

Ice cream manufacturing combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced automation, meaning today's machine operators often need both technical skills and understanding of food hygiene. This makes the profession particularly dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy practical work but also want to stay updated with technological developments.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Machine operators in ice cream manufacturing are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness allowances. Shift premiums and overtime pay are common, especially for work during inconvenient hours. Many workplaces also provide work clothing, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for further training within the company.

Competition and challenges

The job market for machine operators in ice cream manufacturing is relatively stable, with good demand for technically skilled personnel with process industry experience. Competition may increase in regions with limited employers or where automation replaces simpler tasks. A major challenge is staying updated on new technology and safety procedures, as the industry evolves rapidly. The profession also requires precision and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially during breakdowns or production errors. For those willing to adapt and continue their education, long-term employment prospects are good.

Tips for aspiring machine operators in ice cream manufacturing

To succeed as a machine operator in ice cream manufacturing, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Attention to detail is crucial to ensure quality and safety, so always double-check settings and routines. Good teamwork skills facilitate working in groups and contribute to a smooth workday. Flexibility and willingness to learn new things make it easier to adapt to changes in production technology and methods. Being resilient under stress is also an advantage, especially when the pace is high and unexpected problems arise. Finally, a sense of responsibility is valued by employers, as safe handling of machines and raw materials is central to the profession.

Key facts about machine operators in ice cream manufacturing

  • Educational level: Vocational upper secondary education recommended
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often in teams
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
  • Special skills: Machinery technology and food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a machine operator in ice cream manufacturing can advance to supervisor, process manager, or technical specialist. There are also opportunities for further education in automation, production technology, or quality assurance to move into more qualified roles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook is good, with continued demand for technically skilled personnel in the food industry. Increasing automation creates new roles for those interested in control and optimization of production processes. The demand is particularly high in regions with a strong food industry, and employment opportunities are expected to remain stable in the future.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators in ice cream manufacturing

  • What does a machine operator in ice cream manufacturing earn?
    - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience and workplace.
  • How does one become a machine operator in ice cream manufacturing?
    - Usually, a vocational upper secondary education in industry, technology, or food production plus practical experience is required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 104% of what men do in this profession.
  • What is the job market like?
    - Demand is good with 1,437 job openings according to current statistics.
  • What are the working hours for machine operators?
    - Shift work is common, involving day and evening shifts and sometimes weekends.
  • What education is recommended?
    - Vocational upper secondary education in industry, technology, or food production is strongly recommended.
  • What are the most common job tasks?
    - Monitoring machines, performing quality checks, and fixing minor technical issues.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, ice cream manufacturing is 38600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine operator, ice cream manufacturing is 34700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29200 kr 34200 kr
25-34 30600 kr 34200 kr
35-44 30900 kr 33900 kr
45-54 32400 kr 35700 kr
55-64 33200 kr 37400 kr
Snitt 104% 31300 kr 35000 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, ice cream manufacturing has the SSYK code 8162, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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