Image that illustrates Potato flour processor

Potato flour processor

32 000 kr

Other machine operators, food industry etc.

29 700 - 34 700 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Potato flour processor

Average salary 32 000 kr
Males 32 700 kr
Females 31 100 kr

What does a potato starch preparer do? – Tasks and work environment

A potato starch preparer is responsible for monitoring and operating machines that convert potatoes into potato starch within the food industry. Tasks include receiving and quality controlling raw materials, managing washing and grinding processes, and controlling drying and packaging steps. The work is often performed in production facilities with a fast pace, where accuracy and technical knowledge are important to ensure a high-quality final product. Collaboration with other operators and maintenance staff is common to avoid downtime and maintain workplace safety.

Salary development over time

The salary level for potato starch preparers has shown a stable but slightly positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK, increasing slightly in 2023 to 31 900 SEK, representing a salary increase of approximately 5.3% over one year. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 32 000 SEK. This slow but steady growth can be explained by the demand for experienced machine operators in the food industry, while automation and efficiency improvements have contributed to moderate wage increases. The stability of the industry and the ongoing need for continuous production make the salary level generally quite secure, although large jumps are uncommon.

Potato starch preparer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 31 100 SEK/month (95% of men's salary), men earn 32 700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Both highest and lowest salaries are found within regional and private sectors, with some variation depending on employer and region.

Education and qualifications

The path to working as a potato starch preparer usually goes through high school food technology programs or equivalent technical education. Practical experience with machinery handling and production is highly meritorious, as is understanding food safety and quality control. Some employers also offer internal training or trainee programs to quickly introduce new staff to the work processes.

  • High school education: Food technology or technical program, 3 years
  • Internship: Practical experience from the food industry is highly advantageous
  • Internal training: Commonly offered for new hires
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest, precision, and work experience
  • Courses in food hygiene: Often a requirement or highly desired

Since potato starch production is a seasonal process, the workload can vary significantly throughout the year. During the fall, when the harvest is collected, working hours can become especially long and intense compared to the low season – a factor that many newcomers to the profession often underestimate.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Potato starch preparers are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to overtime pay, shift allowances, and pension schemes. Many employers also offer wellness grants, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Opportunities for further training and skills development are available, especially with larger employers in the food industry.

Competition and challenges

The job market for potato starch preparers is relatively stable but sensitive to changes within the food and agricultural sectors. Automation has reduced the need for manual labor but increased the demand for technical skills. Competition for jobs can be fierce during new hiring rounds, especially in regions with few potato starch factories. Seasonal variations and physically demanding work require endurance and flexibility. At the same time, there are good opportunities for those willing to further educate themselves and take on more responsibility within production.

Tips for those who want to become a potato starch preparer

To succeed as a potato starch preparer, it is good to combine technical interest with a high degree of accuracy and responsibility. Showing initiative and quickly solving technical problems is a valuable asset when machines need adjustment or troubleshooting. Flexibility and stress resistance are important qualities, especially during intensive periods when production is at full speed. Good teamwork skills are also beneficial, as work often occurs in teams and requires smooth communication. Continuously building on your knowledge through internal training or courses in food hygiene increases your chances of development and secure employment. Being quality-conscious and detail-oriented helps ensure the final product meets high standards. Finally, a positive attitude and work ethic facilitate taking on new tasks and growing into the role.

Key facts about potato starch preparers

  • Salary range: 29,700–34,700 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, preferably in food technology
  • Typical work form: Shift work in a production environment
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in the past year
  • Gender difference: Women earn 95% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a potato starch preparer, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, process manager, or quality manager within production. Some choose to further train as operations technicians or specialize in maintenance of process machines. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for machine operators in the food industry remains stable, and with 1,437 job openings, the future outlook is favorable for those entering the field. Seasonal variations do affect workload, and flexibility is an advantage to meet changes in production pace.

Common questions about potato starch preparers

  • What does a potato starch preparer earn?
    - The average salary is 32 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 192 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a potato starch preparer?
    - High school education in food technology or engineering is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 31 100 SEK (95% of men's salary of 32 700 SEK).
  • What is the work environment like?
    - Work takes place in production environments with shift work and can be physically demanding, especially during peak season.
  • What career opportunities are available?
    - It is possible to develop into a supervisor, process manager, or further train as an operations technician.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The outlook is good, with over 1400 available jobs according to recent surveys.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a potato starch preparer?
    - Highest salary: 34,700 SEK (male, regional sector). Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK (female, private sector employee).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Potato flour processor is 34700 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 33100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Potato flour processor is 29700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 28100 kr 31600 kr
25-34 96% 29800 kr 33300 kr
35-44 84% 28900 kr 31200 kr
45-54 93% 30700 kr 33100 kr
55-64 28500 kr 30600 kr
Snitt 95% 29300 kr 32000 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 Potato flour processor has the SSYK code 8169, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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