Image that illustrates Machine washer

Machine washer

27 800 kr

Machine operators, bleaching, dyeing and washing

23 400 - 30 000 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Machine washer

Average salary 27 800 kr
Males 27 700 kr
Females 27 900 kr

What does a machine washer do? – Tasks and work environment

Machine washers work with supervising and managing industrial washing machines in environments such as laundries, textile industries, or dry cleaners. Tasks often include sorting and preparing textiles, loading and unloading machines, selecting and dosing detergents, and monitoring the washing process to ensure quality standards are met. The work also involves checking machine functionality, performing basic maintenance, and sometimes handling minor repairs. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, noise, humidity, and demands for accuracy and following instructions to ensure safety and quality.

Salary development over time

The salary development for machine washers has shown a stable, but slightly positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, while it marginally decreased in 2023 to 26 500. In 2024, the salary has increased more significantly to 27 800, corresponding to an increase of just over 4.9% compared to the previous year. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for labor in the industry and general collective bargaining activities in the labor market. The profession has traditionally had a consistent salary structure, with very small gender pay gaps, and education level rarely influences salary levels significantly. Despite some regional variations, salary levels are relatively similar across the country.

Many machine washers work in teams where cooperation and communication are crucial for smooth production. It is common that workplaces offer opportunities for internal training, which can open doors to more advanced roles within the production.

– statsskuld.se

Machine washer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 167 SEK/hour
  • Women's average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
  • Men's average salary: 27 700 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn the same as men within the profession

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine washer, a high school diploma is usually required, often within industry, technology, or similar fields. No formal university education is necessary, but introduction and internal training at the workplace are common. Practical experience and the ability to handle machines are valued qualifications. Employers also appreciate interest in technology and precision in work tasks.

  • Education: High school education with a focus on industry, technology, or similar (2–3 years)
  • Certifications: Internal training and certifications are often provided at the workplace
  • Internship: Workplace internships during or after high school are common
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical knowledge and familiarity with machines facilitate employment
  • Tips: Showing interest in machine technology and production can improve chances of employment

Common benefits and compensation

Machine washers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening or shift work, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized work clothing or workplace bonuses. The work may also include access to staff canteens and opportunities for skills development through internal courses or further training at the workplace.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a machine washer varies depending on the region and demand within the industry. The sector is affected by economic fluctuations and automation, which can change skill requirements. A challenge is the physically demanding nature of the work and the monotony of tasks, which may lead to strain injuries over time. Machine washers also need to be prepared for shift work and handling stressful situations. Despite this, there are good opportunities for those who are flexible and willing to continuously develop their skills.

Tips for those who want to become a machine washer

To succeed as a machine washer, it is good to have a technical interest and a careful attitude towards work tasks. Being resilient and enjoying physical work makes it easier, especially since the work is often monotonous and requires good physical condition. Flexibility is an important trait, as shift work and quick adjustments in production occur. Those who are cooperative and communicate well with colleagues often have smoother workdays, especially in team-intensive environments. The ability to quickly learn new routines and machines is appreciated by employers, as is an eye for detail to ensure high quality in the final product. Demonstrating responsibility and punctuality are also valuable qualities to build trust and reliability at the workplace.

Key facts about Machine Washers

  • Education level: High school diploma (2–3 years)
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with high pace and shift work
  • Work form: Usually full-time, often shift and team work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Equal pay between women and men

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, machine washers can advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or technician within production, especially if further training or internal courses are completed. The industry also offers opportunities to specialize in maintenance, quality control, or training new employees. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is currently no precise assessment of future prospects for machine washers, but the large number of job openings suggests stable demand. However, automation and technological development may influence work tasks and skill requirements in the future, making continuous skills development advantageous.

Frequently asked questions about Machine Washers

  • What is the average salary of a machine washer?
    - A machine washer has an average salary of 27 800 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Women and men earn approximately the same within the profession of machine washer.
  • How has the salary development looked for machine washers?
    - Salaries have increased from 26,600 SEK in 2022 to 27 800 in 2024, showing a stable, slightly upward trend.
  • What education is required to become a machine washer?
    - High school education with a focus on industry or technology is recommended, but introduction and internal training are often provided at the workplace.
  • How many job openings are available in the profession?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings within the profession.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a machine washer?
    - The highest salary is 30,000 SEK per month, and the lowest is 23,400 SEK per month.
  • What is the work environment like for machine washers?
    - The work takes place in an industrial environment with a high pace, noise, and often in teams.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine washer is 30000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 28600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine washer is 23400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 25200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 23800 kr 25600 kr
25-34 98% 26700 kr 28200 kr
35-44 99% 25900 kr 27400 kr
45-54 101% 26900 kr 28100 kr
55-64 97% 28100 kr 28900 kr
Snitt 100% 26500 kr 27800 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 washer has the SSYK code 8151, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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