Image that illustrates Paper counter

Paper counter

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 Paper counter

Average salary 41 000 kr
Males 41 500 kr
Females 39 100 kr

What does a Pappersräknare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Pappersräknare primarily works within the paper and pulp industry and is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the processes in paper production. Tasks include checking machines and production lines, analyzing product quality, and performing simple maintenance. The role also requires quickly identifying and addressing deviations to ensure smooth production. The work environment is often industrial, meaning much of the work is done near machines and sometimes involves shift work, with high demands on safety and precision.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Pappersräknare has developed positively in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase during this period amounts to over 6.7%, with the largest raise occurring between 2022 and 2023. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for experienced process operators in the paper industry, as well as a greater focus on technical skills and automation. Inflation and new collective agreements have also influenced salary levels. Despite the positive trend, noticeable differences still exist between regions and genders within the profession.

An interesting aspect of the Pappersräknare profession is that it often requires a combination of technical insight and practical skills. Many employers value operators who can troubleshoot and optimize processes directly on site, making the profession appealing to those who enjoy working close to machinery and those who thrive on analytical challenges.

– statsskuld.se

Pappersräknare salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men 41 500 SEK, women 39 100 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest salary for men in the Regional sector (42,200 SEK/month), lowest salary for women in various sectors (37,600 SEK/month)

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Pappersräknare usually involves a high school education focused on process or industrial technology, supplemented with internal training at the workplace. Many employers prefer candidates with some experience from industrial environments or process work, but there are also opportunities to learn the profession through internships or trainee programs. Success requires good technical understanding, precision, and the ability to work independently and in teams.

  • High school education: Industry, process, or similar (2–3 years)
  • Internal training: Often provided at the workplace
  • Internship/Trainee: Common for new hires
  • Technical understanding: Important for handling machines and processes
  • Experience from industry: Meritorious but not always required

Common benefits and compensations

Pappersräknare are often offered benefits such as shift and overtime allowances, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to production targets. Collective agreement-based insurances, occupational pensions, and opportunities for further training within the company are also common. Employers may also offer staff discounts and subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Pappersräknare can vary depending on region and economic climate. In some areas, there are many job openings, while competition may be tougher in smaller regions with fewer paper mills. One of the biggest challenges in the profession is staying updated on new technology and digitalization within the industry, which requires continuous skills development. Shift work and physically demanding tasks can also be challenging for some. Despite this, demand remains stable, and there are often good employment opportunities for those with the right qualifications.

Tips for those who want to become a Pappersräknare

To succeed as a Pappersräknare, it is good to be analytical and have a technical interest, as the work often involves understanding and optimizing complex processes. Precision is a crucial trait, as small errors can cause major production disruptions. Flexibility and the ability to work in shifts are often required, so having good adaptability is helpful. Teamwork skills are also important since many tasks are done in teams and require good communication. Showing initiative and a willingness to learn new things is appreciated by employers, especially with the introduction of new technology. Experience in industry can be advantageous, but engagement and a desire to develop are highly valued. Lastly, being resilient under stress is beneficial, as the pace can sometimes be high and quick decisions are needed.

Key facts about Pappersräknare

  • Educational level: High school education, often supplemented with internal training
  • Work environment: Industrial environment, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in spring 2024
  • Gender distribution: Predominantly men, but the proportion of women is steadily increasing
  • Special skills: Process monitoring, technical troubleshooting

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to senior roles such as process manager or shift supervisor, especially for those demonstrating leadership skills and taking initiative for further education. Some choose to specialize in maintenance or quality assurance, while others move on to training or supervisory roles. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast, there is no precise estimate for Pappersräknare due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates continued stable demand. However, digitalization and increased automation may influence skill requirements in the future, making ongoing training in technology and IT increasingly important.

Frequently asked questions about Pappersräknare

  • What is the average salary of a Pappersräknare?
    - The average salary for a Pappersräknare is 41 000 SEK per month.
  • How large is the salary difference between women and men?
    - Women earn 94% of what men do, which corresponds to 39 100 SEK compared to men's 41 500 SEK on average.
  • What education is required to become a Pappersräknare?
    - High school education with a focus on industry or process technology is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
  • What does the work environment look like for a Pappersräknare?
    - The work takes place in an industrial environment, often with shift work and near machinery.
  • Are there good job opportunities?
    - Yes, there are many available positions; in spring 2024, there were 1,437 job openings.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 42,200 SEK (male, regional sector), and the lowest is 37,600 SEK (female, various sectors).
  • How does digitalization affect the profession?
    - Digitalization increases the demand for technical skills and can lead to new tasks in process monitoring.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Paper counter 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 Paper counter 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
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 Paper counter has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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