- Salary statistics
- Machine operator, brickyard
Machine operator, brickyard
35 400 - 39 000 kr / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Machine operator, brickyard
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 33 700 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 37 100 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: 37 100 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: 37 400 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.
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 37 100 SEK per month. - What are the salary differences between women and men?
- Women earn 35,700 SEK, which is 95% of men's salary (37 400 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30000 kr | 34600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31400 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33100 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33100 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 37800 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 32500 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30000 kr | 34600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31400 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33100 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33100 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 37800 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 32500 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30000 kr | 34600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31400 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33100 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33100 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 37800 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 32500 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29700 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31600 kr | 37000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33500 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33300 kr | 37700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34300 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 32700 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29700 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31600 kr | 37000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33500 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33300 kr | 37700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34300 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 32700 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29700 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31600 kr | 37000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33500 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33300 kr | 37700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34300 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 32700 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 31400 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 31400 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 31400 kr | 35700 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, 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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