Machine operator

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

A machine knitter works in the textile industry, monitoring and managing knitting and knitting machines for the production of various textile materials. Tasks include starting, setting up, and monitoring the machines, troubleshooting simple technical problems, and checking that the production meets quality standards. The work is often performed in production facilities where the pace can be high, and precision is crucial to avoid downtime and quality issues. The environment is characterized by noise, machine sounds, and sometimes shift work, which requires endurance and good work discipline.

Wage development over time

Machine knitters have experienced steady wage growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, increasing to 29 600 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 shows a further increase to 30 400 SEK, which corresponds to a total increase of about 10% over three years. The wage increase can be explained by a combination of rising demand for skilled labor, some shortage of experienced machine operators, and general industry wage adjustments. Despite the positive trend, some differences between genders remain, where women earn on average 95% of men's wages. Regional variations occur, especially between larger industrial cities and smaller towns with limited textile production.

Machine knitter salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 29 700 SEK/month, men earn 31 200 SEK/month (95% of men's wages)
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, while the lowest are among private sector employees

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine knitter, a high school education in industrial technology, textiles, or production technology is usually required. Practical experience from the industry is often advantageous, and some employers also require specific certifications or completed internal training. Flexibility and the ability to quickly learn new machines and work tasks are important qualities for those establishing themselves in the profession.

• High school education: Industrial technology or textile program, 3 years
• Internal training: Introductory training often offered at the workplace
• Internship: Workplace-based learning during education is recommended
• Certifications: May be required for certain machines or processes
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and basic technical understanding

Common benefits and compensation

Machine knitters are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime pay for shift work, and wellness allowances. Some employers also provide work clothing, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skills development. Compensation for overtime and access to occupational health services are other common benefits within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a machine knitter varies between regions and is influenced by industry development. Digitalization and automation have increased the requirements for technical skills, while the number of available positions can fluctuate with the economic cycle in the textile and manufacturing industries. Limited training places and retirements may, however, create good opportunities for newcomers. A challenge is to stay updated on new technology and to quickly adapt to changing work routines. Many employers value flexibility and a willingness to learn, which can be advantageous for engaged and solution-oriented individuals.

Tips for those who want to become a machine knitter

To succeed as a machine knitter, it is important to be precise and have a strong sense of responsibility. An interest in technology facilitates learning new machines and work tasks quickly, and problem-solving skills are crucial for handling production stoppages or quality deviations. Endurance and the ability to handle physically demanding environments are often necessary, especially during shift work. Good teamwork and communication skills with colleagues and management make daily work smoother. Those who are flexible and open to change find it easier to adapt to new tasks. Showing engagement and a desire to develop can lead to faster advancement and greater responsibility at the workplace.

Key facts about machine knitters

• Educational level: High school education, often industrial or textile
• Work form: Shift work common in industry
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in spring 2024
• Gender distribution: Both men and women, but some salary differences
• Special skills: Troubleshooting and machine maintenance are highly valued

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as supervisor, production technician, or trainer within the textile industry. Some machine knitters choose to further their education in automation or production technology to broaden their skills and move into new areas. The employment agency's forecasts for the profession currently do not provide an exact assessment of the labor market due to limited data, but with 1,437 available jobs, demand appears stable. The future for machine knitters depends on industry development and technological transformation, where new machine types and digitalization can create both challenges and opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about machine knitters

• What does a machine knitter earn?
  - The average salary for a machine knitter is 30 400 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a machine knitter?
  - High school education in industrial technology or textiles is recommended, often with practical training.
• What is the job market like for machine knitters?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the profession, indicating stable demand.
• What are the most common occupational hazards?
  - Noise, heavy lifting, and working with machines are common risks that require protective equipment and caution.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for machine knitters?
  - The highest salary is 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector), the lowest is 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee).
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are important qualities.