How much does a Process operator, lead cold and refining plant make

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  2. Process operator, lead cold and refining plant
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Process operator, lead cold and refining plant

39 700 kr

Process supervisors, metal production

38 000 - 40 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Process operator, lead cold and refining plant

Average salary 39 700 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 38 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 8 Vacant jobs ->

What does a process operator, lead smelter, and refining plant do? – Tasks and work environment

A process operator in lead smelters and refining plants is responsible for monitoring and controlling processes related to metal production and refining, especially focusing on lead and its alloys. Tasks include inspecting machinery and equipment, adjusting process parameters, and ensuring product quality and safety. The environment is often industrial with high demands for precision and safety, and work may involve shift work and exposure to high heat and chemicals.

Salary development over time

The salaries of process operators in lead smelters and refining plants have shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, increasing to 37 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary continued to rise to 39 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9% during this period. This positive salary trend can be linked to increased demand for qualified process operators in the metal industry and a general shortage of skilled labor in technically advanced industrial roles. Education level and specialized knowledge also contribute to salary increases, as employers value experience and expertise in a complex production environment.

Process operators within lead smelters and refining plants often work in teams where communication and collaboration are essential to maintain safety and production quality during shifts with high pace.

– statsskuld.se

Process operator, lead smelter, and refining plant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,000 SEK (female)
  • Highest salary: 40,200 SEK (male)
  • Hourly wage: 239 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 95 % of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: The highest salaries are found within regional sectors with a high school education of up to 2 years

Education and qualifications

The educational path for process operators in lead smelters and refining plants often includes high school vocational training focused on industry and metal production. Practical experience combined with technical courses and certifications is important to meet job requirements.

  • High school vocational training: Industry or process-oriented, typically 2–3 years
  • Certifications/courses: Safety, machinery handling, and environmental protection
  • Practical training/internship: Important for gaining hands-on experience in process monitoring
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical knowledge and understanding of metallurgical processes
  • Tip for choosing: Select programs related to metal production and process industry for the best preparation

Common benefits and compensations

Process operators in lead smelters and refining plants are often offered benefits such as shift and overtime pay, collective pension schemes, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development. Safety equipment and training are common to support a safe working environment.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by a technically demanding work environment with high safety standards, which can lead to stress and the need for constant attention. Competition for jobs can be moderate, but specialized knowledge and experience are often crucial for employment. An additional challenge is to stay updated with technological innovations and environmental regulations within the metal industry.

Tips for those wanting to become a process operator, lead smelter, and refining plant

To succeed as a process operator in lead smelters and refining plants, it is good to have a strong focus on accuracy and safety, as the work environment requires constant monitoring of complex processes. Analytical skills facilitate troubleshooting during operational disruptions and system deviations. Good teamwork skills are also important for effective communication with colleagues and ensuring production flow. Being stress-resistant helps manage shift work and quick decision-making under pressure. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn new techniques and processes is valuable for career development within the profession.

Key facts about process operator, lead smelter, and refining plant

  • Educational level: High school vocational training, 2–3 years
  • Salary range: 38,000–40,200 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Industrial with high safety standards and shift work
  • Hourly wage: Approximately 239 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 95 % of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a process operator, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles in process control, maintenance, or production technology. Some choose to further their education as technicians or engineers in the metal and process industry. The employment agency's data shows that there are about 481 job openings for process supervisors in metal production, but due to limited data, no specific forecast for recruitment can be made. However, the profession is expected to remain relevant as the industry continues to develop and automate.

Frequently asked questions about process operator, lead smelter, and refining plant

  • What does a process operator, lead smelter, and refining plant earn?
    - The average salary is approximately 39 700 SEK/month with an hourly wage of about 239 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a process operator in this field?
    - High school vocational training in industry or metal production is most common, often supplemented with practical training.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95 % of men's salaries in the profession.
  • What is the working environment like for process operators in lead smelters and refining plants?
    - The working environment is industrial with high safety requirements and may involve shift work.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years as a process operator?
    - Opportunities for specialization in process control, maintenance, or further education as a technician or engineer.
  • Is it difficult to find a job as a process operator in metal production?
    - There are a number of vacancies, but due to limited data, no exact assessment of the recruitment situation can be made.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Accuracy, teamwork skills, stress tolerance, and analytical ability are crucial.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 19:17:58

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Process operator, lead cold and refining plant is 40200 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 38000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Process operator, lead cold and refining plant is 38000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 39200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31700 kr 36900 kr
25-34 33400 kr 38600 kr
35-44 34900 kr 40900 kr
45-54 34700 kr 39900 kr
55-64 35500 kr 41100 kr
Snitt 95% 34200 kr 39700 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 Process operator, lead cold and refining plant has the SSYK code 8193, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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