Image that illustrates Plasma operator

Plasma operator

35 200 kr

Machine operators, surface treatment

32 400 - 36 200 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Plasma operator

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 32 400 kr

What does a Plasma Operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A Plasma Operator mainly works with controlling and monitoring machines that use plasma technology to cut, shape, or surface-treat materials, most often within the metal industry. Tasks include preparing the workstation, programming and adjusting machines, and checking results to ensure high quality. The role also involves maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, as well as documenting production data. The work environment is often industrial with high safety requirements and a clear focus on precision and safety, where collaboration with other operators and technicians is common.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Plasma Operators has been positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 kronor per month, which increased to 32 800 kronor in 2023 and reached 35,200 kronor in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 13% during the period, which is higher than the average salary growth in the industrial sector. This rise can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled operators in surface treatment and a technological development that demands higher professional competence. Despite the positive trend, some gender pay gaps remain, with women earning around 91% of men's salaries.

Plasma Operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35,200 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,400 kr/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 36,200 kr/month (male, regional sector, high school education)
  • Hourly wage: 212 kr (hourly worker, average 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 91% of what men do (men: 35 700 kr, women: 32,400 kr)
  • Regional differences: Highest salary recorded in regional sector; other variations unspecified

Education and qualifications

To work as a Plasma Operator, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or production is usually required. Many employers value experience in machine handling and basic knowledge of programming and drawing interpretation. Practical skills and safety awareness are crucial, and additional certifications can improve employability.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
  • Certifications: Special courses in machine safety and plasma technology
  • Practical training: Commonly includes internships or trainee positions during education
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical skills
  • Tips for choosing: Select education focused on automation and digital control

Plasma technology is not only used in industry – medical research and advanced electronics also benefit from Plasma Operators' specialized skills. The profession is constantly evolving as new applications are discovered.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Plasma Operators are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, and overtime premiums for shift work. Other common compensations include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training. Some employers also offer bonus programs or extra leave during intensive production periods.

Competition and challenges

The demand for Plasma Operators is stable but influenced by industry cycles and technological advances. Competition for jobs is moderate, especially for those with specialized knowledge in automation and digital control. A challenge is that technical requirements and machinery are constantly changing, requiring ongoing skill development. Gender pay gaps and varying safety standards also affect the profession's attractiveness. Despite 1,437 job openings, regional differences and experience levels influence job availability.

Tips for aspiring Plasma Operators

To succeed as a Plasma Operator, having a technical interest and good problem-solving skills is beneficial, as the work often involves quick handling of machines and processes. Precision is important, especially in programming and quality control. A strong safety mindset is essential due to advanced equipment and sometimes high temperatures. Early internships help build experience and networks. Flexibility facilitates adaptation to new technologies and procedures. Teamwork skills ease collaboration with colleagues and technicians on larger projects. Lastly, being proactive and committed to continuous learning through courses and training is advantageous.

Key facts about Plasma Operators

  • Education level: High school, focus on industry/technology
  • Work environment: Industrial halls with high safety standards
  • Work form: Shift work is common
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in the profession
  • Special skills: Machine programming and plasma technology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open to advance to roles such as production manager, process technician, or automation specialist. Further education in mechanical engineering or industrial automation can also lead to positions like maintenance technician or trainer for new operators. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is difficult to give a definitive outlook for the future of Plasma Operators due to the relatively small size of the profession and limited statistical data. However, the high number of job openings indicates continued demand for skilled operators. Digitalization and automation are expected to influence job content, making ongoing skills development important for career growth.

Frequently asked questions about Plasma Operators

  • What does a Plasma Operator earn?
    - A Plasma Operator has an average salary of 35,200 kronor per month.
  • How does the Plasma Operator salary compare to other machine operators?
    - Plasma operators' salaries are in the upper range within machine operator professions, thanks to specialized skills in plasma technology.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn 91% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Plasma Operator?
    - High school education with a focus on industry or technology is recommended, often supplemented with practical training.
  • What is the work environment like for Plasma Operators?
    - The work environment is industrial with high safety standards and often shift work.
  • What is the hourly wage for a Plasma Operator?
    - The average for hourly workers is 212 kronor per hour.
  • How is the job market for Plasma Operators?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings within the profession, indicating stable demand.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Plasma operator is 36200 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 32400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Plasma operator is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29300 kr 33400 kr
25-34 30100 kr 34000 kr
35-44 32100 kr 36100 kr
45-54 32900 kr 35900 kr
55-64 32700 kr 35900 kr
Snitt 91% 31600 kr 35200 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 Plasma operator has the SSYK code 8121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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