Fitter, plastic products

What does a Plastic Products Assembler do? – Tasks and work environment

A Plastic Products Assembler primarily works on assembling and mounting components made of plastic. Tasks include both manual and machine work, where precision and accuracy are crucial to ensure the final product meets quality standards. Typical duties may involve assembling parts, quality inspections, using hand tools, and sometimes operating simpler machinery. The work environment is often industrial, with work in production facilities that require safety awareness and teamwork. Many shifts are common, including day and evening shifts.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Plastic Products Assembler has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 30 600 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows an average salary of 32 700 SEK, representing a total increase of about 10.5% over the period. This positive trend can partly be explained by the growing demand for skilled assemblers in industry, as well as general salary adjustments due to inflation and collective agreements. The salary increase has been somewhat stronger in the last year, indicating higher demand or difficulty in recruiting the right skills. Despite this, the salary level remains moderate compared to other industrial occupations, and gender pay gaps persist.

Plastic Products Assembler salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 700 SEK per month
• Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK per month
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK per month
• Hourly wage: 196 SEK
• Men's average salary: 33 100 SEK
• Women's average salary: 31 100 SEK
• Women earn: 94% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Not specified, but the highest salaries are found in regional sectors

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Plastic Products Assembler often involves practical training rather than formal university studies. Many employers prefer a high school education in industry, technology, or similar fields, but recruitment of individuals with pre-secondary education and relevant experience also occurs. On-the-job training and internal apprenticeship programs are common, and some employers offer internal training to ensure the right skills. Success in the role requires good work ethic, technical understanding, and the ability to follow instructions.

• Type of education: High school education in industry or technology (3 years)
• Prerequisites: Pre-secondary education can suffice with relevant experience
• Certifications/courses: Workplace-specific certificates and safety training
• Internship: Common with internships or trainee programs
• Tips: Choose education with focus on industrial production or plastics technology

Common benefits and compensations

Plastic Products Assemblers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime pay, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits include work clothing, subsidized meals, and opportunities for on-site training. In some cases, bonus programs linked to production targets or attendance are also available.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a Plastic Products Assembler is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment within the occupational group. Demand for assemblers is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, which means competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in regions with many applicants. Challenges often include staying updated on new materials and production methods, as well as working under time pressure and in shifts. To strengthen their position in the labor market, it is important to continuously develop technical and personal skills.

Tips for those wanting to become a Plastic Products Assembler

To succeed as a Plastic Products Assembler, it helps to have an eye for detail and be precise in every task, as small errors can affect the entire production chain. Flexibility and adaptability to different tasks are advantageous, especially since workflow can vary daily. Good teamwork skills are important because work often occurs in teams and requires smooth communication with colleagues. Showing initiative, such as taking responsibility for quality assurance or proposing improvements, is appreciated by employers and can lead to greater responsibilities over time. Resilience under stress is also valuable when the pace is high and production must run continuously. Finally, a willingness to learn new things and be open to internal training or new tasks is crucial for development and advancement in the profession.

Key facts about Plastic Products Assemblers

• Occupational group: Assemblers, metal, rubber, and plastic products
• Education level: High school education in industry or technology
• Work environment: Industrial setting, often shift work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 1,437 available jobs nationwide
• Salary differences: Women earn 94% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Plastic Products Assembler, opportunities often open to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or quality manager within production. Some choose further training towards technician or machine operator roles, while others specialize in areas like plastic welding or process optimization. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate strong job prospects nationally, although demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. Recruitment challenges are common, meaning individuals with the right skills and experience have good chances of employment and career development within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Plastic Products Assemblers

• What does a Plastic Products Assembler earn?
  - The average salary is 32 700 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 33 100 SEK and women 31 100 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Plastic Products Assembler?
  - A high school education in industry or technology is recommended, but pre-secondary education with relevant experience can suffice.
• What is the job market like for Plastic Products Assemblers?
  - The job market is good with 1,437 available jobs nationwide and ample opportunities for employment.
• What are the typical tasks for a Plastic Products Assembler?
  - Assembly work, quality inspections, use of hand tools, and teamwork are common tasks.
• How has the salary developed?
  - Salaries have increased from 29,600 SEK in 2022 to 32 700 SEK in 2024, a rise of about 10.5% over three years.
• What career opportunities are there?
  - Common paths include team leader, quality manager, or further training towards technician or operator roles.