How much does a Paperworkers make

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Image that illustrates Paperworkers

Paperworkers

41 000 kr

Process operators, paper

37 600 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Paperworkers

Average salary 41 000 kr
Males 41 500 kr
Females 39 100 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 5 Vacant jobs ->

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

Paper workers, or process operators in the paper industry, are responsible for operating machines and processes in the pulp and paper industry. The work involves monitoring and controlling production, troubleshooting and fixing technical problems, as well as conducting quality checks of the finished paper. The work environment is often industrial and can be noisy, with shift work and demands for precision and technical knowledge. Safety is an important part of the profession, as handling large machines and chemicals occurs regularly.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for paper workers has shown a stable and positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 41 000 SEK, which is approximately a 6.7% increase over the period. Factors driving this development include increased demand for paper products and a greater focus on technical skills in the profession. Automation and efficiency improvements in production processes have also contributed to raising skill requirements and salary levels. Gender differences remain, but the trend indicates a slow convergence.

Paper workers are often experts at quickly identifying and solving operational disruptions, which makes them crucial for the entire factory flow. Many develop a deep understanding of both machines and materials over time, and thus serve as important knowledge carriers in the workplace.

– statsskuld.se

Paper worker salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (female), 40,700 SEK/month (male)
  • Highest salary: 42,000 SEK/month (female), 42,200 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage: 246 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94 % of what men do (39 100 SEK/month versus 41 500 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in regional sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a paper worker, a high school vocational education with a focus on process or industrial engineering is usually required. Many employers also offer internal training and introductory programs for new employees. Practical experience in an industrial environment is often an advantage, and technical interest is a significant benefit. The development of more advanced production systems means continuous further training may be necessary.

  • High school education: Industrial or process engineering, 3 years
  • Certifications: Occupational safety training and safety courses are often required
  • Internships: Common as part of education or during introduction
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest, preferably previous industrial experience
  • Tips: Choose education with lots of practical training and opportunities for summer jobs at mills

Common benefits and compensations

Paper workers often have access to benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pension, shift and overtime compensation, wellness grants, and subsidized lunch or staff canteen. Many employers also offer further training, extra vacation days, and sometimes bonuses linked to production results.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a paper worker is characterized by competition for the most attractive positions, especially in large mills and facilities with high-tech equipment. Automation and digitalization have increased the requirements for technical competence and flexibility. A challenge is that the work environment can be physically demanding and involve shift work, which requires endurance and adaptability. At the same time, the sector is undergoing generational change, opening opportunities for new employees. Limited regional data means the job market can vary.

Tips for those who want to become a paper worker

To succeed as a paper worker, it’s good to be thorough and have a genuine interest in technology and machinery. Demonstrating responsibility and being able to follow safety routines are crucial, especially in an environment where large machines and chemicals are handled. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are appreciated by employers, as production stoppages can be costly. Being communicative and able to collaborate with colleagues during shift work is also important for team functioning. Those with patience and willingness to learn new things have good opportunities to develop within the profession. Practical experience, such as summer jobs or internships, provides an advantage when applying for jobs. Finally, employers value loyalty and a positive attitude towards changes in production.

Key facts about paper workers

  • Education level: High school vocational training, 3 years
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work
  • Available jobs: 1,437 in Sweden (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the proportion of women is increasing
  • Special skills: Process monitoring and troubleshooting

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession as a paper worker, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as shift supervisor, process specialist, or maintenance technician. Further education in automation, quality assurance, or work management can open new doors, both within production and in administrative roles. The Employment Service’s forecasts do not provide a specific assessment for the profession due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs indicates continued demand in the industry. Digitalization and technological development are expected to drive the need for highly skilled paper workers. Regional variation occurs, but overall, the outlook is good for those who are flexible and willing to develop with the profession.

Frequently asked questions about paper workers

  • What does a paper worker earn?
    - The average salary for a paper worker is 41 000 SEK per month.
  • What are the salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn an average of 41 500 SEK, women 39 100 SEK, which corresponds to 94 % of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a paper worker?
    - High school vocational training in industrial or process engineering is most common.
  • What is the hourly wage for a paper worker?
    - The hourly wage is on average 246 SEK.
  • Are there good job opportunities?
    - Yes, there are 1,437 available jobs within the profession in Sweden.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Monitoring production, troubleshooting, quality control, and machine maintenance.
  • What career paths are available after a few years?
    - Shift supervisor, process specialist, maintenance technician, or further education in automation.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 08:21:03

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Paperworkers is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Paperworkers is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 29600 kr 37000 kr
25-34 98% 32100 kr 40300 kr
35-44 100% 33400 kr 41500 kr
45-54 92% 34000 kr 42100 kr
55-64 91% 33800 kr 41600 kr
Snitt 94% 33000 kr 41000 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 Paperworkers has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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