Image that illustrates Pulper attendant, paper industry

Pulper attendant, paper industry

41 000 kr

Process operators, paper

37 600 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pulper attendant, paper industry

Average salary 41 000 kr
Males 41 500 kr
Females 39 100 kr

What does a pulper operator do in the paper industry? – Tasks and work environment

A pulper operator in the paper industry is responsible for operating and monitoring the pulping process, where raw materials such as wood chips or recycled paper are converted into pulp. Tasks include adjusting machine settings, checking pulp quality, and ensuring production runs efficiently and safely. The work environment is often industrial with noise and dust, requiring protective gear and attention to safety. Pulper operators typically work in shifts, which may include evenings, nights, and weekends.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, pulper operators in the paper industry have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.8 percent over three years, indicating a positive trend in demand and labor market conditions. The salary increase can partly be explained by the industry's need for skilled personnel and increased awareness of the value of competence in production. Meanwhile, inflation and overall wage development in the industrial sector have contributed to higher salary levels for pulper operators.

Pulper operators often need good technical understanding and problem-solving skills because they must quickly resolve operational disruptions to avoid production stoppages.

– statsskuld.se

Pulper operator salaries in the paper industry – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage: 246 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in regional sectors, with lower wages spread across various sectors

Education and qualifications

The educational path for pulper operators in the paper industry is often high school with a focus on industrial programs or equivalent technical training. Practical experience in industrial environments is valuable and often a requirement. Industry-specific courses and certifications in process and machine operation can further strengthen competence.

  • High school education: Industrial programs or equivalent (1–3 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Safety, machine operation, and maintenance
  • Internship/trainee: Common in industry to gain practical experience
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and safety awareness
  • Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on process technology and industrial production

Common benefits and compensations

Pulper operators in the paper industry are often offered collective agreement benefits such as overtime pay, holiday pay, pension contributions, and wellness allowances. Some workplaces also provide wellness benefits and insurance solutions.

Competition and challenges

The profession of pulper operator is specialized, with moderate competition, but requires good technical skills and precision. Challenges include managing shift work and physically demanding environments. Technological development within the industry also demands continuous skills development to keep pace with automation and digitalization. Safety is central, requiring discipline and responsibility.

Tips for those who want to become a pulper operator in the paper industry

To succeed as a pulper operator in the paper industry, it is beneficial to be technically interested and have strong problem-solving skills. Attention to detail is important, as small deviations can affect the entire production. A practical and responsible attitude facilitates handling machines and safety routines. Being flexible and adaptable, especially considering shift work and production changes, is also advantageous. Finally, good teamwork and communication skills are valuable since the work is often team-based and involves interaction with colleagues and technicians.

Key facts about pulper operators in the paper industry

  • Education level: High school with industrial focus
  • Salary range: 37,600–42,200 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Industrial with shift work and protective equipment
  • Occupational group: Process operators, paper
  • Hourly wage: Approximately 246 SEK for full-time work

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a pulper operator, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles in process monitoring or maintenance, as well as leadership positions such as shift supervisor or production manager. Some choose to further their education in technical or industrial fields to broaden their skills. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, there are about 1,437 job openings for process operators in the paper industry, but due to limited data, no specific assessment of recruitment for pulper operators. The profession is expected to have stable demand within the industry sector.

Frequently asked questions about pulper operators in the paper industry

  • What does a pulper operator earn in the paper industry?
    - The average salary is approximately 41 000 SEK per month with an hourly wage of about 246 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a pulper operator?
    - High school education with a focus on industrial programs or equivalent technical training is common.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries in the profession.
  • What work environments do pulper operators work in?
    - Typically in industrial environments with noise and dust, requiring protective gear.
  • What are the future prospects for pulper operators?
    - Projections show stable demand but no specific assessment due to limited data.
  • What benefits are often offered in the profession?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, holiday pay, pension contributions, and wellness allowances.
  • Can one advance within the profession?
    - Yes, opportunities for specialization and leadership exist after gaining experience.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pulper attendant, paper industry is 42200 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 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pulper attendant, paper industry is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 29600 kr 37000 kr
25-34 98% 32100 kr 40300 kr
35-44 100% 33400 kr 41500 kr
45-54 92% 34000 kr 42100 kr
55-64 91% 33800 kr 41600 kr
Snitt 94% 33000 kr 41000 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 Pulper attendant, paper industry has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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