Salary progression Machine operator, brickyard

Average salary 36 900 kr
Males 37 300 kr
Females 35 600 kr

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

A machine operator in a brickworks is responsible for operating machines that shape, fire, and handle brick products. The work includes monitoring the production line, adjusting machine settings, troubleshooting, and performing simple repairs during operational disruptions. Quality control of finished bricks is often part of the duties, as well as handling raw materials and maintaining safety routines. The working environment is characterized by factory or industrial premises with machine noise, dust, and sometimes high temperatures, requiring accuracy, endurance, and good physical health.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine operators in brickworks has shown a steady but positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,400 SEK per month, which increased to 37 100 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 36 900 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 10% from 2023 to 2024. This wage increase can partly be explained by increased demand for process operators in the industry, while the supply of qualified labor is limited. Inflation adjustments and union negotiations have also contributed to raising salary levels in the profession.

Machine operator in brickworks salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 223 SEK
  • Women: 35,700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
  • Men: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Vary depending on demand and location of industry

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in a brickworks, a vocational upper secondary education in industry, technology, or process operation is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience from similar industrial work, and additional training in mechanical engineering or automation can be advantageous. Practical experience is often valued highly, and some workplaces offer internal trainee programs for new employees.

  • Vocational upper secondary education: Industry or technology program (3 years)
  • Internal training: Common at workplaces
  • Certifications: Meritorious in process or machine safety
  • Internships: Common during education
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical interest

Many machine operators in brickworks have opportunities to work with continuous improvements and technological innovations in production. The technological development within the brick industry means that the role often combines traditional craftsmanship with modern automation and digital monitoring.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for machine operators in brickworks include shift allowances for working unsocial hours, wellness contributions, protective clothing, and work-related insurances. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training and skills development, as well as access to staff cafeterias or subsidized lunch.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a machine operator in brickworks varies depending on region and industry demand. Since the profession requires both technical competence and good physical ability, it can be challenging to find suitable candidates, especially in areas where the industry is a dominant employer. The limited number of trained process operators means employers sometimes need to invest in internal training. At the same time, technological shifts and digitalization mean that skill requirements change rapidly, which can demand continuous learning for those who want to remain attractive in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a machine operator in a brickworks

To succeed as a machine operator in a brickworks, it is good to combine technical curiosity with accuracy and a problem-solving mindset. Showing initiative by actively wanting to learn how machines work is a big advantage, as is patience for handling monotonous tasks with high precision. Good physical endurance helps to manage the practical aspects of the job, while teamwork and clear communication facilitate collaboration with colleagues and management. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to new work methods or machines is also highly valued, especially as production technology develops. Finally, an interest in quality and safety provides a natural edge in an environment where these aspects are central.

Key facts about machine operators in brickworks

  • Education level: Vocational upper secondary education (industry/technology)
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with high safety requirements
  • Typical work form: Shift work or daytime
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Men dominate, but women are increasing in number

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a machine operator in brickworks, there are opportunities to develop into team leaders, production planners, or technical specialists within the industry. Further education in automation, maintenance, or production technology can open doors to new roles, such as process operator in other sectors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but the broader profession has good demand with a total of 1,437 available jobs. Technological development and increased automation are expected to continue shaping the role, which places higher demands on technical skills and flexibility.

Common questions about machine operators in brickworks

  • What does a machine operator in brickworks earn?
    - The average salary is 36 900 SEK per month.
  • What are the salary differences between women and men?
    - Women earn 35,700 SEK, which is 95% of men's salary (37 300 SEK).
  • What education is required to become a machine operator in brickworks?
    - Vocational upper secondary education in industry or technology is most common.
  • Are there many job openings for machine operators in brickworks?
    - There are a total of 1,437 available jobs within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - No specific forecast, but demand is generally good within process and machine operation.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, technical interest, and good teamwork skills are important.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 39,000 SEK, and the lowest is 35,400 SEK.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, brickyard is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 35600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine operator, brickyard is 35200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 37200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30300 kr 35200 kr
25-34 32000 kr 36100 kr
35-44 33100 kr 37300 kr
45-54 33600 kr 37400 kr
55-64 34300 kr 38100 kr
Snitt 95% 32900 kr 36900 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, brickyard has the SSYK code 8189, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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