Salary progression Machine rollers

Average salary 40 000 kr
Males 40 000 kr
Females 39 800 kr

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

A machine operator primarily works in the industry monitoring and controlling rolling machines that shape metal products into desired forms and dimensions. Tasks include setting up, starting, and monitoring machines, inspecting the quality of the produced material, and performing simple maintenance and adjustments. The job requires good technical understanding, precision, and the ability to quickly solve problems. The work environment is often noisy and physically demanding, as it takes place in production facilities where safety routines are central. Machine operators usually work in shifts, which means working hours can vary between day, evening, and night shifts.

Salary development over time

The salary for machine operators has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, rising the following year to 38 700 – an increase of approximately 3.6%. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 40 000, which is about 3.2% higher than the previous year. This positive salary trend reflects high demand for skilled workers in the industry and a general trend toward higher wages in technical professions. The sector’s need for specialized skills and technical understanding has helped keep salary levels stable and competitive.

Machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 233 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 100% of men's salary (women: 38,500 SEK, men: 40 000 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data varies depending on region and employer, but larger industrial regions tend to have slightly higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator, a high school education in industrial technology or equivalent technical specialization is usually required. Many employers also seek experience from similar machine operation roles and the ability to handle advanced equipment. Practical training and on-the-job learning are common to ensure employees can operate machines safely and efficiently.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs (3 years)
  • Post-secondary courses: Shorter technical courses can be advantageous
  • Internships: Practical experience in the industry is highly meritorious
  • Certifications: Occupational safety and security training may be required
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of technology and mathematics is recommended

Machine operators often have the opportunity to work with the very latest technology in metalworking. Many workplaces offer further training on-site, allowing rapid specialization in new processes and machine types.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Machine operators are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, extra vacation days, wellness contributions, and occupational pension. Other common compensations include overtime pay, work clothing, and sometimes performance bonuses depending on production goals. Benefits vary between employers and regions but are generally well adapted to the job’s demands and working hours.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a machine operator is characterized by competition for the most attractive positions, especially in regions with few industrial companies. At the same time, the industry is continuously evolving with technological advancements, which requires ongoing skills development. Challenges include quickly handling technical faults, working efficiently under time pressure, and maintaining high safety standards in often demanding environments. Increased automation may reduce the need for traditional operators over time, while the demand for technically skilled specialists increases. The physical work environment and shift work can also be strenuous, making endurance and adaptability important qualities.

Tips for those wishing to become a machine operator

To succeed as a machine operator, it’s good to be technically curious and precise, as the work requires accuracy in both setting and monitoring machines. A strong safety mindset is crucial, given the handling of heavy machines and materials. Being flexible and adaptable to shift work makes everyday life easier, and good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration. Practical problem-solving skills are valuable when unexpected situations arise, and a willingness to constantly learn new techniques and processes offers good development opportunities. Showing engagement and responsibility is appreciated by employers and can lead to greater responsibility or specialization over time.

Key facts about machine operators

  • Education level: High school diploma in industrial technology recommended
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work
  • Typical employment: Full-time, shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in spring 2024
  • Special skills: Technical understanding and machine knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a machine operator, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as senior operator, production supervisor, or technical instructor. Further training in automation, maintenance, or production technology often opens new career paths within the industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for machine operators, but the large number of job openings indicates good employment prospects. The industry’s technological development and investments in automation mean that demand for skills may change, but individuals with technical education and experience generally have strong career prospects.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators

  • What does a machine operator earn?
    - The average salary for a machine operator is 40 000 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a machine operator?
    - High school education in industrial technology or equivalent technical specialization is recommended.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 100% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for machine operators?
    - There are 1,437 job openings in spring 2024.
  • What personal qualities are important for a machine operator?
    - Technical understanding, precision, and problem-solving skills are especially important.
  • What are the working hours like?
    - Work often occurs in shifts, which can include day, evening, and night shifts.
  • Can I further my education within the profession?
    - Yes, there are good opportunities for further training and specialization within the industry.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine rollers is 40500 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 39800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine rollers is 39300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 39400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 102% 31500 kr 37600 kr
25-34 102% 33800 kr 40300 kr
35-44 100% 34600 kr 39900 kr
45-54 99% 35300 kr 40700 kr
55-64 97% 35400 kr 40200 kr
Snitt 100% 34400 kr 40000 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 rollers has the SSYK code 8122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations

Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.

  • Read more about working as Photocopier

    Average salary: 42 600 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning

    Compare with Machine rollers

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 02:20
  • Read more about working as Authors

    Average salary: 35 300 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning

    Compare with Machine rollers

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 04:47
  • Read more about working as Planers, wood

    Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning

    Compare with Machine rollers

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 01:35
  • Read more about working as Joint cutter, plastic

    Average salary: 34 200 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning

    Compare with Machine rollers

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 22:42
  • Read more about working as Caramel molds

    Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning

    Compare with Machine rollers

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 12:52
  • Read more about working as Spring spinner

    Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month • Industriell tillverkning

    Compare with Machine rollers

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 04:15
Latest posts
  • Promocode - Discount code for Smartphoto
    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 12:00
  • Public Opinion - Novus Opinion Poll 2026-06-17 – Social Democrats Lose
    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 09:35
  • National Debt - National Debt – Level, GDP Share, and Development to 2026
    Mon, 8 Jun 2026 - 09:59
  • Inflation - Inflation May 2026 – KPIF Rises to 1.5 Percent
    Thu, 4 Jun 2026 - 08:30
  • Tips - Create a Professional Website with AI - That's Why I Built Deffe.com
    Tue, 19 May 2026 - 22:28
  • Municipality -
    Tue, 19 May 2026 - 00:35
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2026 taxes