How much does a Dairy workers make

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  2. Dairy workers
Image that illustrates Dairy workers

Dairy workers

35 000 kr

Machine operators, dairy

34 700 - 38 600 kr / month

Women earn 104% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dairy workers

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 34 700 kr
Females 36 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a dairy worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A dairy worker is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining machines and equipment involved in the production of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cream. Tasks often include receiving and inspecting raw materials, sampling, quality control, as well as packaging and labeling finished products. The work environment is characterized by high hygiene standards, as production occurs in food-grade facilities, and often requires working in cool environments to ensure product shelf life and quality. Working hours may vary, and shift work is common in the industry.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for dairy workers has shown a clear increase, especially between 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, while from 2023 it stabilized at 35 000 SEK per month, corresponding to an increase of approximately 9.7%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary level has remained at 35 000 SEK, indicating a slowdown in wage growth after a significant increase the previous year. This development may be due to increased demand for dairy products, modernization of production processes, and a growing need for technical expertise. The industry's stability, combined with some competition for qualified labor, has contributed to maintaining relatively high wages compared to similar industrial occupations.

Dairy worker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (men), 36,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (men), 36,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 104% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

Most dairy workers have a high school education with a focus on food, industry, or technology, but it is also possible to enter the profession via internal training or apprenticeship programs. Practical experience is highly valued, and some employers offer introductory training on-site for new hires. For advanced machine operator roles, in-depth knowledge of automation and process technology can be advantageous.

  • High school education: Food program or Industrial technology program (3 years)
  • Internship: Common during and after high school
  • Internal training: Often offered by larger employers
  • Prerequisites: Basic Swedish and mathematics skills
  • Courses in hygiene and food safety: Meritorious

Many dairy workers develop a deep understanding of the entire production chain, from raw material to finished product. This broad knowledge enables work in various roles within the food industry and can also open doors to quality control or product development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, shift allowances, overtime pay for unsociable hours, wellness contributions, and sometimes subsidized meals or work clothing are often offered. Collective agreements are common, providing extra security regarding insurance and pension contributions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for dairy workers is relatively stable, with a continuous need for staff as the food industry grows and modernizes. However, competition exists for the most attractive positions, especially in larger cities or modern dairy facilities that require technical skills. Automation and digitalization demand higher machine literacy and adaptability. Availability of trained labor may vary regionally, affecting the competitive landscape. Physical workload and working in cool environments can also pose challenges for some.

Tips for aspiring dairy workers

To succeed as a dairy worker, being meticulous and detail-oriented is beneficial, as quality control and hygiene routines are central to the work. An interest in technology and willingness to learn new machines and processes facilitate both introduction and development within the profession. Flexibility is a valuable trait, given that shift work and varied tasks are common. Teamwork and communication skills are important for working efficiently and handling rapid changes in production. Lastly, initiative and responsibility, especially in preventing and addressing deviations in production, are appreciated.

Key facts about Dairy Workers

  • Educational level: High school, food or technology
  • Work environment: Hygiene demanding, often cool and shift-based
  • Work form: Usually permanent employment and shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in Sweden (2024)
  • Special skills: Machine handling and food safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a dairy worker can advance to roles such as shift supervisor, process operator, or quality inspector. Some choose to further educate themselves in automation or process technology to move into technician or maintenance roles. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, future prospects are good, with continued demand for both experienced and newly trained dairy workers. Technological developments in the food industry open up more specialized positions, and opportunities for further education and career change are favorable.

Frequently asked questions about Dairy Workers

  • What does a dairy worker earn?
    - Average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and gender.
  • What are the gender differences in dairy worker salaries?
    - Women earn on average 104% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a dairy worker?
    - High school education in food or technology is most common, sometimes supplemented with internal training.
  • Are there good future prospects for dairy workers?
    - Yes, there are over 1,400 job openings and continued demand according to the Employment Service.
  • What are the most common tasks for a dairy worker?
    - Monitoring machines, quality control, packaging, and handling raw materials.
  • What are the working hours like?
    - Shift work is common, often including evenings and weekends.
  • Are there opportunities for further education within the profession?
    - Yes, further education in process technology or automation is possible career paths.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-10-23 10:02:40

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dairy workers is 38600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Dairy workers is 34700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29200 kr 34200 kr
25-34 30600 kr 34200 kr
35-44 30900 kr 33900 kr
45-54 32400 kr 35700 kr
55-64 33200 kr 37400 kr
Snitt 104% 31300 kr 35000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Dairy workers has the SSYK code 8162, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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