- Salary statistics
- Paper dryer salary
Paper dryer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
39 400 - 43 900 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Related tools
Salary progression Paper dryer
What does a paper dryer do? – Tasks and working environment
A paper dryer primarily works within the paper industry and is responsible for monitoring and controlling the drying process of paper in production facilities. The job involves handling and adjusting large machines that dry paper through various stages, ensuring quality standards are met, and quickly addressing technical problems or disruptions in the process. The working environment often involves shift work, safety-conscious practices, and some physical strain due to heavy lifting and working in noisy environments. Paper dryers are also expected to follow strict routines to maintain production efficiency and safety.
Salary development over time
The salary for paper dryers has developed steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, which increased to 41 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 42 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 7% over three years, with the largest raise occurring between 2022 and 2023. This trend reflects an increased demand for skilled workers in the process industry, while skill requirements are rising and technological changes are driving up salary levels. The market for paper dryers is somewhat specialized and influenced by economic cycles and investments in the paper industry. Gender salary differences still exist but have decreased somewhat, indicating a greater focus on equality within the industry.
Paper dryer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 42 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
- Women: 40 400 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
- Men: 43 000 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, among men: 42,200 SEK. Lowest among women: 37,600 SEK.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a paper dryer typically goes through the upper secondary industrial technology program or equivalent education with a focus on process or paper manufacturing. Employers value practical experience in industrial processes, and employees often receive internal training related to specific machines and safety routines. For some positions, further education or certification in process technology can provide a competitive advantage.
- Upper secondary education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
- Certifications: Industry-specific courses in process technology
- Internship: Often via upper secondary school or trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Good physical health and technical interest
Many paper dryers work in shifts, which can provide opportunities for longer consecutive days off and flexible working hours. This makes the profession attractive for those who value variation in the workweek and enjoy physically demanding work in a technically advanced environment.
Common benefits and compensations
Paper dryers are often covered by collective agreements, which include benefits such as overtime pay, shift allowances, wellness contributions, and occupational pensions. Other common benefits include work clothing, subsidized lunches or staff discounts, and opportunities for further training and development discussions.
Competition and challenges
The job market for paper dryers is relatively specialized and depends on economic cycles and investments in the pulp and paper industry. Since production is often automated, high demands are placed on technical understanding and the ability to solve problems quickly. Competition for jobs can vary regionally, but there is a continuous need for competent personnel, especially in areas with larger industrial plants. Challenges in the profession include shift work, high noise levels, and sometimes monotonous tasks, but for those interested in technology and industrial environments, it can be a stable and long-term career.
Tips for those wanting to become a paper dryer
To succeed as a paper dryer, it’s beneficial to have a technical mindset and be meticulous in your work. Showing initiative and the ability to handle unexpected situations quickly is appreciated by employers, especially when it comes to resolving urgent issues in production flow. Good physical condition is helpful since the work can be physically demanding and sometimes performed under time pressure. Teamwork skills are important because tasks are often performed in teams and require clear communication. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial, as shift work and varying tasks are part of the daily routine in the profession.
Key facts about paper dryers
- Education level: Upper secondary education, industrial technology program
- Work environment: Shift work in an industrial setting
- Typical employment: Full-time, often covered by collective agreements
- Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the occupational group
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, opportunities open for further development within the process industry. It is common to move into roles such as supervisor, instructor, or technical specialist in paper manufacturing. With additional education and experience, roles such as process engineer or production planner may also be relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no specific assessment for paper dryers, but the overall demand for process operators, paper, remains stable with a large number of available positions. The profession is especially suitable for those who want to work practically and develop their technical skills in an industrial environment.
Common questions about paper dryers
- What does a paper dryer earn?
- A paper dryer has an average salary of 42 500 SEK per month, with men earning slightly more than women. - How do salary differences between genders look?
- Women earn approximately 94% of what men do, with an average monthly salary of 40 400 SEK. - What education is required to become a paper dryer?
- The upper secondary industrial technology program is most common, often supplemented with internal training and certifications. - What is the working environment like for a paper dryer?
- The working environment is industrial with shift work, noise, and sometimes heavy lifting, but also clear safety routines. - Are there jobs available for paper dryers?
- There are 1,437 available jobs within the occupational group of process operators, paper. - How has the salary developed?
- Salaries have increased by about 7% over the past three years, from 38,400 SEK to 42 500 SEK per month. - What career paths are available?
- Common career paths include supervisor, technical specialist, or further education as a process engineer.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31600 kr | 39200 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33700 kr | 41400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35500 kr | 43400 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 35900 kr | 43700 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 35300 kr | 43100 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 34700 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31600 kr | 39200 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33700 kr | 41400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35500 kr | 43400 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 35900 kr | 43700 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 35300 kr | 43100 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 34700 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31600 kr | 39200 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33700 kr | 41400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35500 kr | 43400 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 35900 kr | 43700 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 35300 kr | 43100 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 34700 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31800 kr | 39200 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35700 kr | 43500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 36400 kr | 44200 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 35800 kr | 43800 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35100 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31800 kr | 39200 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35700 kr | 43500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 36400 kr | 44200 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 35800 kr | 43800 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35100 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31800 kr | 39200 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35700 kr | 43500 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 36400 kr | 44200 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 35800 kr | 43800 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35100 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31100 kr | 39100 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33000 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 34700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 33500 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 32700 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33000 kr | 40400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31100 kr | 39100 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33000 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 34700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 33500 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 32700 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33000 kr | 40400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 31100 kr | 39100 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 33000 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 34700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 33500 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 32700 kr | 39300 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 33000 kr | 40400 kr |
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 dryer has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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