Plastic worker

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

A plastic worker is responsible for manufacturing and processing plastic products through various machine operation processes within the plastics industry. Tasks often include handling machines that shape, cut, and join plastic materials to create everything from packaging to technical components. The work environment is industrial, characterized by safety and precision requirements. Plastic workers typically work in production halls with varying noise levels and exposure to chemicals, which often necessitates protective gear.

Salary development over time

Plastic workers have experienced steady positive salary growth over the past three years. The average salary increased from 30,900 SEK in 2022 to 32 000 SEK in 2023, representing an increase of about 3.6%. In 2024, the average salary reached 33 200 SEK, an additional increase of approximately 3.75% compared to the previous year. This trend indicates a stable demand for skills within the plastics industry, despite some technological development and automation. The salary increase can also be linked to the industry's need for qualified labor and a certain shortage of experienced plastic workers, which helps push wages higher. At the same time, it is important to note that salary development occurs in an industry facing changes, which may influence future salary levels.

Plastic worker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK (female, regional sector, vocational education)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 31 800 SEK, which is 94 % of men's salary at 33 900 SEK
• Regional differences: The lowest wages are often found in the regional sector, while the highest wages occur in the private sector, linked to education level and job type

Education and qualifications

The educational path for plastic workers varies but often includes vocational upper secondary programs in production technology or plastics and molding. Practical experience and certifications in machine handling are common. Some employers also require post-secondary education in relevant technical fields for more advanced roles.

• Vocational upper secondary education: Production focused on plastics and molding, 2–3 years
• Certifications/courses: Safety, machine handling, and quality control
• Internship/trainee: Common to gain work experience
• Prerequisites: Basic understanding of technology and mathematics
• Tips for choosing: Select programs with practical training and focus on machine operation within plastics

Common benefits and compensations

Plastic workers are often offered benefits such as collective agreement-based pension and insurance solutions, overtime compensation for shift work, and holiday pay. Some workplaces may also offer wellness allowances and opportunities for further training. Compensation varies depending on sector and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The profession of plastic workers is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation with both recruitment difficulties and a relatively large number leaving the profession. Technological development and automation within the industry are expected to reduce demand for plastic workers in the long term. At the same time, continued competence is required to handle advanced machinery and quality demands, which places demands on ongoing skills development. The profession also requires good physical endurance and accuracy in often monotonous tasks.

Tips for those who want to become plastic workers

To succeed as a plastic worker, it is good to have a technical interest and an attentive attitude, which facilitates handling advanced machinery and quality controls. Being cooperative is important since production often occurs in teams where communication and coordination influence the final result. Flexibility in working hours, such as being able to work shifts, opens more opportunities within the profession. Additionally, problem-solving skills are beneficial for quickly addressing disruptions in production. Finally, a willingness to constantly learn new things provides good conditions for development in the profession and adapting to new technical requirements.

Key facts about plastic workers

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Salary range: 31,500–35,700 SEK/month
• Education level: Vocational upper secondary education, often with practical training
• Work environment: Industrial production with machine handling
• Demand: Plenty of job opportunities but with a declining trend in the long term

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, plastic workers can advance to more specialized roles such as machine operators with technical responsibility, production managers, or quality controllers within the plastics industry. There are also opportunities to further educate oneself in automation and production technology to adapt to a more automated work environment. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities are large nationwide, but demand is expected to decrease due to technological development and automation. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties, while many leave the profession, creating both challenges and opportunities for new plastic workers. In total, there are approximately 1,437 job openings in the plastics machine operation sector.

Common questions about plastic workers

• What does a plastic worker earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 33 200 SEK/month, with variations between 31,500 SEK and 35,700 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a plastic worker?
  - Vocational upper secondary education in production technology or the plastics industry is most common, often with practical training and certifications.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94 % of what men do within the profession.
• What is the work environment like for a plastic worker?
  - The work environment is industrial, involving machine handling and often requiring protective equipment due to noise and chemicals.
• What are the future prospects for plastic workers?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful, but demand is expected to decrease due to automation and technological development.
• Can plastic workers advance to other roles?
  - Yes, opportunities exist to become production managers, quality controllers, or specialized machine operators.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Accuracy, teamwork skills, and technical interest are central qualities for thriving and succeeding as a plastic worker.