Image that illustrates Cheese master

Cheese master

43 600 kr

Engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering

31 900 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cheese master

Average salary 43 600 kr
Males 44 000 kr
Females 43 300 kr

What does an Ostmästare do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Ostmästare is responsible for the entire cheese-making process, from selecting raw materials to storage and quality control. The profession combines advanced knowledge in chemistry and food technology with craftsmanship and a sense of taste and texture. The work is often performed in dairies or specialized cheese factories, where the work environment includes both manual tasks and technically advanced equipment. The Ostmästare supervises the manufacturing process, develops new cheese varieties, and ensures that products meet the highest quality standards according to current food regulations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Ostmästare has seen a steady increase in salary. In 2022, the average salary was 40,200 SEK per month, which increased to 42 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 600 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.5% over three years. The salary growth reflects increased demand for specialized skills in food production and a general trend of higher wages within technical professions. Particularly, technological development and quality control requirements have contributed to strengthening the profession’s attractiveness and salary levels.

Ostmästare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 262 SEK
  • Women: 43,300 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men: 44 000 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as an Ostmästare, a post-secondary education in food technology, chemistry, or related fields is usually required. Practical experience from dairy or food industry is highly valuable, often combined with specialized courses in cheese-making. Many employers also require certifications or documented knowledge of food safety and quality management.

  • Post-secondary education: Chemistry, food technology, 2–3 years
  • Certifications: Food safety, HACCP
  • Practical experience: From dairy or cheese production
  • Prerequisites: Science-oriented high school or equivalent
  • Courses: Specialization in cheese-making and sensory analysis

An Ostmästare often plays a key role in developing new flavors and variants, working closely with marketing and product development teams. Those who are innovative and have a sense for trends can influence the entire company's product portfolio.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ostmästare are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and access to occupational health services. Some employers also offer bonus programs, skills development, and opportunities for study trips to follow trends and innovations within the food industry.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an Ostmästare is moderate, but specialized roles can be difficult to obtain without the right education and experience. A challenge is that technical requirements and quality standards are constantly evolving, requiring ongoing skills development. The market is also influenced by changes in consumer behavior, demand for organic products, and increased automation in the industry. The ability to adapt to new production methods and work cross-functionally is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for those wishing to become an Ostmästare

To succeed as an Ostmästare, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills to interpret and improve production processes. Precision is an invaluable trait since quality requirements are high and small deviations can affect the final product. A genuine interest in both technology and flavor development makes it easier to test new cheese varieties and follow trends. Initiative is important for driving improvements and proposing new solutions. Good communication skills are also necessary, as the Ostmästare often collaborates with other departments and sometimes trains new staff. Flexibility and a willingness to continue learning are essential to meet the technological and market changes shaping the industry.

Key facts about Ostmästare

  • Salary range: 31,900–45,100 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Education level: Post-secondary education, 2–3 years
  • Occupational group: Engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering
  • Job openings: 564 within the occupational group

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Ostmästare can move into more specialized roles, such as product developer or quality manager within the food industry. Some choose to start their own business or become consultants in cheese production. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, there are no specific assessments for Ostmästare, but within the occupational group of engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering, there are 564 job openings, indicating a relatively stable job market. Technological development and increased demand for specialized products provide good opportunities for those willing to further their education and broaden their skills.

Frequently asked questions about Ostmästare

  • What is the average salary of an Ostmästare?
    - The average salary is 43 600 SEK per month.
  • How do gender differences look for Ostmästare salaries?
    - Women earn 43,300 SEK, which is 98% of men's salary (44 000 SEK).
  • What education is required to become an Ostmästare?
    - Post-secondary education in food technology or chemistry, often 2–3 years, plus practical experience.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for an Ostmästare?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK, and the lowest is 31,900 SEK.
  • How is the demand for Ostmästare?
    - There are 564 job openings in the profession, but no specific forecast available.
  • What work environments are common for Ostmästare?
    - Dairies and food industry with both manual and technical tasks.
  • Are there regional differences in Ostmästare salaries?
    - No clear information about regional salary differences is available.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cheese master is 45100 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 43300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cheese master is 31900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 100% 38800 kr 39500 kr
35-44 107% 43500 kr 44300 kr
45-54 104% 48700 kr 49600 kr
55-64 91% 46000 kr 47200 kr
Snitt 98% 42800 kr 43600 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 Cheese master has the SSYK code 3115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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