How much does a Plastic operator make

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  2. Plastic operator
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Plastic operator

33 200 kr

Machine operators, plastics industry

31 500 - 35 700 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Plastic operator

Average salary 33 200 kr
Males 33 900 kr
Females 31 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 25 Vacant jobs ->

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

A plastic operator works with machines that produce plastic products on an industrial scale. The tasks include monitoring and controlling automated machines, adjusting settings, and ensuring that production meets quality standards. It also involves performing simple maintenance and troubleshooting during machine stoppages, as well as conducting quality inspections of finished products. The work environment is often noisy, and the pace can be high, especially during shift work or periods of high demand. Protective equipment is common, and the work may involve both standing and rotating tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary for plastic operators has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month, rising the following year to 32 000. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 33 200, representing a total salary increase of approximately 7.5% over the period. Factors driving this development include increased demand for technically skilled operators, a certain shortage of workforce, and collective agreement-based salary adjustments. At the same time, the ongoing automation in the industry influences salary development, making higher qualifications and experience increasingly important for salary growth in the profession.

Plastic operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, high school education, regional sector)
  • Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, at least 3 years post-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men 33 900 SEK, women 31 800 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salary ranges and job market may vary depending on the region

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a plastic operator usually involves a high school education in industrial technology, with specialization in production or mechanical engineering. Some employers also offer internal training or apprenticeship programs to cover specific machines and processes. Practical experience is highly valued and can often compensate for formal education.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Internal training: On-the-job training or traineeship
  • Certifications: Machinery safety, quality assurance (may be required by some employers)
  • Prerequisites: Approved grades in mathematics and technology
  • Further education: Courses in automation, production technology, or plastics technology

Working as a plastic operator often requires good problem-solving skills, as unexpected machine stoppages and production deviations are common challenges. The ability to quickly troubleshoot and collaborate with maintenance staff can make a significant difference for both production rate and quality.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Plastic operators are often covered by collective agreements, which include access to occupational pension, insurance, and compensation for inconvenient working hours. Many workplaces also offer wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and work clothing. Shift work can provide extra compensation, and some companies offer bonuses linked to production targets or safety performance.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a plastic operator is characterized by a paradoxical labor market, where there are great opportunities for employment, yet many leave the profession. Despite a national total of 1,437 available jobs in the field, demand is expected to decrease over five years due to increased automation and technological development. Recruitment difficulties often arise because specific technical knowledge and practical experience are required, which not all applicants possess. The job is also physically demanding and may involve irregular working hours, affecting the work environment and staff turnover.

Tips for those wanting to become a plastic operator

To succeed as a plastic operator, it is good to have an interest in technology and machines, as well as a careful and responsible attitude towards work. Flexibility and the ability to handle shift work are often prerequisites, as production can run around the clock. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and maintenance staff during machine stoppages or adjustments. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new machines or processes is valuable, especially as companies invest in new technology. A problem-solving mindset helps in daily tasks, where quick decisions may be needed during production deviations. Working systematically and following safety routines is essential, as errors can have significant consequences. Finally, a positive attitude and engagement are important qualities that help one thrive and develop in the role.

Key facts about Plastic Operator

  • Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,500–35,700 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 94% of men's salary
  • Number of available jobs: 1,437 nationwide
  • Future outlook: Demand is expected to decrease over 5 years

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a plastic operator, there may be opportunities to advance to roles such as shift supervisor, production technician, or supervisor within the industry. Some choose to further their education in automation, quality assurance, or production technology to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the job market today offers good opportunities, but demand for plastic operators is expected to decline over five years due to technological development and automation. This means employers increasingly seek personnel with broader technical skills and experience with advanced equipment. Nevertheless, there are still a significant number of vacancies within the field, especially in regions with strong industrial activity.

Frequently asked questions about Plastic Operator

  • What does a plastic operator earn?
    - The average salary for a plastic operator is 33 200 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development been for plastic operators?
    - Salaries have increased from 30,900 SEK in 2022 to 33 200 SEK in 2024, which is about a 7.5% increase.
  • What education is required to become a plastic operator?
    - Most commonly, a high school education in industrial technology or equivalent practical experience.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 33 900 SEK, and women 31 800 SEK, meaning women earn 94% of men's salaries.
  • What are the future prospects for plastic operators?
    - The job market is good today but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to automation.
  • What tasks does a plastic operator have?
    - Monitor and control machines, troubleshoot during stoppages, perform quality checks, and carry out simple maintenance.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 22:05:46

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Plastic operator is 35700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Plastic operator is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Regional sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 30400 kr
25-34 95% 30900 kr 33900 kr
35-44 95% 31400 kr 34000 kr
45-54 91% 31000 kr 33400 kr
55-64 91% 31400 kr 33600 kr
Snitt 94% 30600 kr 33200 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 Plastic operator has the SSYK code 8142, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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