- Salary statistics
- Process operator, zinc fuming plant
Process operator, zinc fuming plant
38 000 - 40 200 kr / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Installation & drift/underhåll
Salary progression Process operator, zinc fuming plant
What does a process operator in a zinc smelting plant do? – Tasks and work environment
A process operator in a zinc smelting plant is responsible for monitoring and controlling the technical process of zinc extraction and refining. The job involves checking machines and instruments, adjusting process parameters, and quickly identifying deviations or disruptions in production. Safety regulations and precision are central, as the process often involves handling high temperatures and potentially hazardous substances. The work environment is industrial and can be noisy, requiring protective gear and constant attention to quality and safety.
Salary development over time
The salary for a process operator in a zinc smelting plant has increased gradually in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, rising to 37 700 SEK in 2023 and reaching 39 700 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of about 9% over three years. The rise can be linked to increased demand for qualified process personnel, inflation, and generally higher industry wages. The salary trend shows a stable and positive development, reflecting the importance of the role in metal production and the skill requirements for process operators in a modern industrial environment.
Process operator in a zinc smelting plant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (women), 39,200 SEK/month (men)
- Highest salary: 40,200 SEK/month (men), 38,000 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do (men 39 900 SEK, women 38,000 SEK)
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within the regional sector
Education and qualifications
To work as a process operator in a zinc smelting plant, a high school education in industry, technology, or chemistry is usually required, often complemented with internal training or internships. Some employers prefer candidates with further education or certification in process technology, but it is also common for new employees to undergo comprehensive onboarding at the workplace. Practical experience in an industrial environment is a clear advantage.
- High school education: Industrial or technical programs (3 years)
- Workplace internship: Strongly recommended
- Internal training: Often mandatory upon hiring
- Further education: Courses in process technology can be beneficial
- Certifications: Safety and work environment courses are highly valued
Working in a zinc smelting plant requires not only technical skills but also endurance and the ability to quickly solve problems in a dynamic environment. Many facilities operate around the clock, which involves shift work and a fast pace—factors that make teamwork and stress tolerance essential qualities for success and growth in the role.
Common benefits and compensations
Typical benefits for process operators in zinc smelting plants include shift allowances, overtime pay, and sometimes bonuses linked to production targets. Occupational pensions, wellness contributions, and subsidized meals are also common. Employers often provide work clothing and protective equipment, as well as training in safety and personal development.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a process operator in a zinc smelting plant is moderate, but the profession requires specific knowledge and readiness to work shifts, which can limit the number of applicants. Challenges mainly involve keeping pace with technological developments, maintaining high safety standards, and handling tasks under time pressure. Additionally, high demands are placed on accuracy, collaboration, and decision-making during operational disruptions. For those looking to advance, continuous further education and openness to new tasks are important.
Tips for aspiring process operators in a zinc smelting plant
To succeed as a process operator in a zinc smelting plant, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Precision is crucial, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in an industrial process environment. Flexibility and stress tolerance facilitate shift work and handling unexpected events. Being communicative and cooperative is important, as work is often team-based where information must be shared quickly. A proactive approach and willingness to learn new techniques provide good opportunities for development. Finally, strong safety awareness is essential, as the work environment demands adherence to routines and risk prevention.
Key facts about process operators in zinc smelting plants
- Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
- Education level: High school, often industrial or technical programs
- Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and safety gear requirements
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do
- Job vacancies in the profession: 481 positions (May 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a process operator in a zinc smelting plant, there are good opportunities to advance to senior roles, such as shift supervisor or technical specialist in process monitoring. Further education as a process engineer or team leader is also common. The employment agency’s forecasts for the profession of process supervisors in metal production are uncertain due to limited data, but the number of available positions indicates continued demand for skilled personnel. Digitalization and automation may influence future tasks, but the need for qualified personnel for supervision and troubleshooting is expected to remain.
Frequently asked questions about process operators in zinc smelting plants
- What does a process operator in a zinc smelting plant earn?
- A process operator in a zinc smelting plant has an average salary of 39 700 SEK per month. - What are the gender differences in salaries?
- Men earn on average 39 900 SEK, women 38,000 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salary. - What education is required to become a process operator in a zinc smelting plant?
- High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with internal training and internships. - Are there regional salary differences?
- The highest salaries are found within the regional sector, with minor variations depending on employer and location. - What benefits are common in the profession?
- Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, occupational pension, and subsidized meals are common benefits. - What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is industrial, often noisy, requiring protective gear and high safety awareness. - What career opportunities are available?
- Opportunities include advancing to shift supervisor, technical specialist, or further education as a process engineer.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31800 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33600 kr | 39000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35100 kr | 41200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34600 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35600 kr | 41200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34300 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31800 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33600 kr | 39000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35100 kr | 41200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34600 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35600 kr | 41200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34300 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31800 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33600 kr | 39000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35100 kr | 41200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34600 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35600 kr | 41200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 34300 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 33400 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 33400 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 33400 kr | 38000 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, zinc fuming plant has the SSYK code 8193, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Job Advertisement: Shipping Operator at Stegra in Boden
Process supervisors, metal production
Wed, 5 Nov 2025 - 00:29 -
Junior Shipping Operator at Stegra in Boden
Process supervisors, metal production
Tue, 4 Nov 2025 - 21:51 -
Dedicated Employees Wanted at ESAB Perstorp
Process supervisors, metal production
Thu, 25 Sep 2025 - 08:44
-
Electronics repair and communication electricians etc.
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 17:00
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00