How much does a Cheese maker make

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  2. Cheese maker
Image that illustrates Cheese maker

Cheese maker

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 Cheese maker

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

What does an cheese maker do? – Tasks and work environment

A cheese maker works with producing various types of cheese by processing milk and other raw materials in a dairy environment. Tasks include pasteurization, adding rennet and bacterial cultures, monitoring fermentation processes, and maintaining machinery and hygiene routines. The work is often team-based and requires great precision to ensure quality and food safety. The environment is usually temperature-controlled and can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting and repetitive movements.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for cheese makers has shown a clear increase, especially between 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, rising to 35 000 in both 2023 and 2024. This approximately 10% increase from 2022 to 2023 can be linked to increased demand for skilled dairy workers and general wage adjustments in the food industry. After 2023, salary growth seems to have plateaued, indicating the market has adjusted to a new normal. Ongoing labor shortages and high competition for experienced cheese makers may, however, lead to further salary increases in the future.

The cheese making profession combines traditional craftsmanship with modern dairy techniques. Many cheese makers develop their own recipes and specialties, making the profession creative and offering great opportunities for personal development within the food industry.

– statsskuld.se

Cheese maker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male), 36,000 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (male), 36,000 SEK/month (female)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 104% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions depending on demand and the size of local dairies

Education and qualifications

To work as a cheese maker, a high school education in food or dairy is usually required, often supplemented with practical experience in the dairy industry. Some employers offer internal trainee programs or further training to ensure the right skill level. Industry-specific certifications and knowledge of hygiene regulations are highly meritorious.

  • High school education: Food program with dairy specialization (3 years)
  • Internship: Workplace-based learning during education
  • Further training: Courses in food hygiene and machinery handling
  • Certifications: Industry-specific certificates in dairy technology
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry and hygiene

Common benefits and compensations

Cheese makers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonus systems linked to production or quality. Shift work can provide additional pay, and some employers also offer skills development and further education in dairy technology.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a cheese maker is characterized by relatively low competition, thanks largely to growing interest in Swedish dairy products and increased exports. The shortage of trained personnel makes experienced cheese makers highly sought after. At the same time, technological development and high demands for food safety mean the role is constantly evolving. Challenges can also include physically demanding tasks and the need to quickly adapt to new production methods and machinery. For those wishing to advance, further education and an active interest in industry development are often necessary.

Tips for aspiring cheese makers

To succeed as a cheese maker, a genuine interest in food and meticulousness are essential, as quality and hygiene are crucial. Being resilient and physically fit makes heavy tasks and long shifts easier. Curiosity and willingness to learn new techniques are valued, especially as the dairy industry develops rapidly. Teamwork skills are important since work often takes place in teams, and problem-solving ability helps with machinery maintenance and production issues. Flexibility is also valuable, as tasks and working hours can vary depending on the season and production needs.

Key facts about Cheese makers

  • Education level: High school education with dairy specialization
  • Work environment: Temperature-controlled dairies, often physically demanding
  • Demand: High, with 1,433 job openings in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women have higher average salaries than men
  • Work form: Shift work is common

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, cheese makers can advance to supervisory roles such as dairy manager or production planner. There are also opportunities to specialize in quality control, product development, or training new employees. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate good future prospects within the profession, with continued high demand driven by increased consumption of Swedish dairy products and export opportunities. Digitalization and automation of production also open new career paths within dairy technology and process development.

Common questions about Cheese makers

  • What does a cheese maker earn?
    - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and region.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 104% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a cheese maker?
    - High school education with a focus on food or dairy is most common.
  • How is the job market for cheese makers?
    - Demand is high with over 1400 job openings within the profession.
  • What does the work environment look like for cheese makers?
    - Work takes place in a dairy environment with a focus on hygiene and quality, often in shifts.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for cheese makers?
    - Highest salary is 38,600 SEK (male), 36,000 SEK (female); lowest is 34,700 SEK (male), 36,000 SEK (female).
  • Which personal qualities are appreciated in the profession?
    - Attention to detail, teamwork skills, and endurance are especially valued.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-09-18 14:12:39

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cheese maker 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 Cheese maker 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 Cheese maker has the SSYK code 8162, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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