How much does a Process operator, dairy products make

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  2. Process operator, dairy products
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Process operator, dairy products

35 000 kr

Machine operators, dairy

34 700 - 38 600 kr / month

Women earn 104% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Process operator, dairy products

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 34 700 kr
Females 36 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a process operator in dairy products do? – Tasks and work environment

A process operator in dairy products is responsible for monitoring and controlling production processes in dairy plants. Tasks include handling machinery and equipment used for producing products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as ensuring that production meets quality and safety standards. The work environment is often industrial, with a focus on hygiene and safety, requiring the operator to follow strict routines to avoid contamination and machinery damage.

Salary development over time

The salary for a process operator in dairy products has remained relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, increasing to 35 000 SEK in 2023 and 2024. This increase represents a percentage change of about 9.7% from 2022 to 2023, after which the salary stabilized. The stability can be explained by a balanced labor market where demand for qualified dairy process operators is steady, while education levels and specific industry requirements keep salary levels competitive. Market needs for efficient production and quality assurance have contributed to maintaining a good salary level without major fluctuations.

Dairy process operators often work in shifts, which requires good adaptability and stress resistance to handle varying working hours and quick decisions in the production environment.

– statsskuld.se

Process operator in dairy products salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male with unspecified education)
  • Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (male with upper secondary education, privately employed)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 36,000 SEK/month, which is 104% of men's salary at 34,700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data is lacking, but salaries may vary depending on geographic location and company size

Education and qualifications

The educational path for dairy process operators often involves upper secondary vocational training focused on food or mechanical engineering. Practical experience and certifications in safety and food handling are common to meet industry requirements.

  • Upper secondary vocational education: Food or mechanical engineering, 2–3 years
  • Certifications: Food hygiene, occupational safety, and security
  • Internship: Often included in the education through practical training or apprenticeships
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of mathematics and technology
  • Online courses: Continuing education in machinery handling and quality control

Common benefits and compensations

Process operators in dairy products are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, holiday pay, wellness subsidies, and sometimes collective agreement-based pension and insurance solutions. Companies in the industry value safety and well-being highly, which can include access to training and healthcare.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a dairy process operator features relatively stable demand but can be competitive in certain regions. Challenges include the need for technical skills and the ability to work in shifts and handle stressful situations. Automation and digitalization also influence job tasks, requiring continuous skills development to remain relevant in the job market.

Tips for those wanting to become a process operator in dairy products

To succeed as a dairy process operator, it is beneficial to develop a strong technical understanding and meticulous work habits. Being a problem solver facilitates handling machinery failures and production disruptions. Good communication skills are important for effective teamwork and ensuring a safe work environment. Flexibility is also a valuable trait, as shift work and rapid changes in production demand adaptability. Finally, a positive attitude towards further training and development helps stay updated on technological advances in the industry.

Key facts about process operator in dairy products

  • Education level: Upper secondary vocational education (2–3 years)
  • Salary range: 34,700–38,600 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Industrial, hygiene-focused with shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in the field
  • Hourly wage: About 210 SEK/hour

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a dairy process operator, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or specialized technical positions within production. Some choose to further their education to become technicians or production managers. Employment agency forecasts indicate continued stable demand for the profession, making it a relatively secure career path with good prospects for employment within the dairy industry and related sectors.

Common questions about process operator in dairy products

  • What does a process operator in dairy products earn?
    - The average salary is approximately 35 000 SEK per month with an hourly wage of around 210 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a process operator in dairy?
    - A vocational upper secondary education focused on food or mechanical engineering is most common.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average slightly more than men, approximately 104% of men's salary.
  • What is the work environment like for process operators?
    - The work environment is industrial with a focus on hygiene and safety, often involving shift work.
  • What are the future prospects in the profession?
    - Demand is stable with over 1400 job openings, and opportunities for advancement are available.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 19:27:01

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Process operator, dairy products is 38600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Process operator, dairy products is 34700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29200 kr 34200 kr
25-34 30600 kr 34200 kr
35-44 30900 kr 33900 kr
45-54 32400 kr 35700 kr
55-64 33200 kr 37400 kr
Snitt 104% 31300 kr 35000 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, dairy products has the SSYK code 8162, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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