Image that illustrates Process operator, zinc fuming plant

Process operator, zinc fuming 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, zinc fuming plant

Average salary 39 700 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 38 000 kr

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.

– statsskuld.se

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.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Process operator, zinc fuming 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, zinc fuming 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
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, zinc fuming 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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