- Salary statistics
- Process operator, pulp
Process operator, pulp
41 600 - 45 100 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Process operator, pulp
What does a pulp process operator do? – tasks and work environment
A process operator within pulp production is responsible for monitoring and controlling machines and processes used in paper pulp manufacturing. Tasks include adjusting process parameters, inspecting product quality, and ensuring efficient and safe production flow. The work environment is often industrial, with work in production facilities where noise and high temperatures may occur. Safety and precision are crucial aspects of the profession to avoid operational stoppages and quality issues.
Wage development over time
The salaries of process operators in pulp production have shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39600 SEK per month, which increased to 42 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 10 percent over the period, with a clear upward trend. The salary increase can be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the industry sector and the industry's need to retain experienced operators. Education level and technical skills also influence salary development, as more specialized operators often receive higher compensation. Overall, the trend indicates a stable and gradually improving salary level for the occupational group.
Process operators in pulp production often work in shifts to ensure continuous production, requiring good adaptability to varying working hours and strong stress resilience.
Process operator, pulp – complete overview
- Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK (female with high school education)
- Highest salary: 45,100 SEK (male with post-secondary education less than 3 years)
- Hourly wage: 262 SEK (based on 166 working hours per month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 42,300 SEK, which is 96 % of men's salary at 43 900 SEK
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on geographic area and employer, but specific differences are not currently available
Education and qualifications
The educational path to becoming a process operator in pulp production often includes high school technical education focused on industry or process industry. Practical experience from industrial environments is common and valuable. Occupational-specific courses and certifications can enhance skills and improve employment opportunities.
- High school education: Technical programs or equivalent with a focus on industry
- Certifications: Safety and process technology courses
- Internships: Internships or apprenticeships in industry are common
- Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and interest in machinery
- Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on process technology and automation for the best preparation
Common benefits and compensation
Process operators in pulp production are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, and opportunities for skills development. Companies within the industry may also provide collectively agreed pension and insurance solutions, as well as wellness contributions. In some cases, travel allowances and work clothing are included as part of the benefits package.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a process operator in pulp production is characterized by relatively stable demand, but competition may occur in regions with many applicants. Challenges include managing shift work and quickly solving technical problems during production. Rapid technological development also requires continuous skills updating. Safety requirements and environmental regulations impose high demands on precision and awareness in work processes.
Tips for those aiming to become a process operator in pulp production
To succeed as a process operator in pulp production, it is beneficial to develop a strong technical understanding and a problem-solving attitude, as the work often involves quickly handling production deviations. Being precise is crucial for maintaining product quality and safety in the work environment. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues and maintenance personnel, which is important during shift work. Flexibility and stress resilience are also valuable qualities, as the work may involve varying working hours and unforeseen situations. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn new techniques and processes can facilitate career development within the industry.
Key facts about process operator, pulp
- Salary range: 41,600–45,100 SEK/month
- Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
- Education level: High school technical education or equivalent
- Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work
- Demand: Stable within industrial manufacturing with approximately 1,400 job openings within the occupational group
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a process operator in pulp production, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles in process control or supervisory positions. Some choose to further their education in automation or technical operations to broaden their skills. The employment agency's forecasts indicate about 1,437 job openings within the occupational group, but due to limited data, no specific assessment of the recruitment situation is made. However, the profession is expected to have stable demand due to the industry's ongoing need for skilled labor.
Frequently asked questions about process operator, pulp
- What does a process operator in pulp earn?
- The average salary is approximately 43 600 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of about 262 SEK. - What education is required to become a process operator?
- High school technical education or equivalent industry experience is common, supplemented with practical experience. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 96 % of men's salaries within the profession. - What is the work environment like for process operators?
- The work environment is industrial, with shift work and the presence of noise and machinery. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The profession has stable demand with about 1,400 job openings within the occupational group, but specific forecasts are unavailable. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, technical interest, stress tolerance, and good teamwork skills are important qualities. - What benefits can one expect?
- Common benefits include shift allowances, overtime pay, pension and insurance solutions, and wellness contributions.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31700 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 35400 kr | 42500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 44300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36700 kr | 43900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 36500 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31700 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 35400 kr | 42500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 44300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36700 kr | 43900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 36500 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31700 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 35400 kr | 42500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 44300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36700 kr | 43900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 36500 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35700 kr | 42700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 44600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36800 kr | 44000 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 36700 kr | 43900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35700 kr | 42700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 44600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36800 kr | 44000 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 36700 kr | 43900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35700 kr | 42700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 44600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36800 kr | 44000 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 36700 kr | 43900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 35000 kr | 42300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 35000 kr | 42300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 35000 kr | 42300 kr |
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, pulp has the SSYK code 8171, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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