Image that illustrates Smokers, food industry

Smokers, food industry

30 800 kr

Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry

28 500 - 33 300 kr / month

Women earn 106% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Smokers, food industry

Average salary 30 800 kr
Males 30 400 kr
Females 32 300 kr

What does a smoker do in the food industry? – Tasks and work environment

A smoker in the food industry primarily works with smoking and processing meat, fish, or other foods according to traditional and industrial methods. Tasks include handling smoke ovens, monitoring the smoking process, preparing raw materials, and ensuring products meet quality and food safety standards. Work often involves machinery and technical equipment, and the work environment is characterized by varying temperatures, humidity, and sometimes strong odors. Precision and understanding of hygiene regulations are crucial, as products must meet internal and external quality standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for a smoker in the food industry has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,500 SEK per month, rising to 29 800 SEK in 2023 and reaching 30 800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8% over the period. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for high-value food products, while employers compete for experienced personnel. Inflation and adjustments in collective agreements have also contributed to salary increases. Despite increased automation in the industry, the need for skilled smokers remains, which has had a stabilizing effect on salary levels.

Smoker salaries in the food industry – complete overview

  • Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,500 SEK/month (men), 31,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (men), 32,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK/hour
  • Women's salary in relation to men's: 106% (women 32 300 SEK, men 30 400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary ranges are affected by sector and education level, with the highest salaries in the regional sector.

Working as a smoker in the food industry often combines craftsmanship with modern technology. Many companies value professional pride and the ability to develop new flavors, making creativity an important part of the workday.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a smoker in the food industry, a high school diploma with a focus on food, industry, or similar is usually required. Practical experience in food production or meat and fish processing is highly meritorious. Some employers offer internal training, and there are opportunities to supplement with industry-specific courses in machinery handling and food hygiene.

  • High school education: Food program, industry, or similar (2–3 years)
  • Industry-specific courses: Food hygiene, machinery handling, quality assurance
  • Practical experience: Practical experience from food production is very valuable
  • Internal training: Many workplaces offer introduction and further training
  • Prerequisites: Basic Swedish and mathematics, good physical condition and attention to detail

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for smokers in the food industry include shift allowances, wellness grants, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for further training at the employer's expense. Occupational pension and insurance are often included according to collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession of smoker in the food industry belongs to a broad occupational group where competition for jobs is considered moderate. Over five years, demand is expected to decrease, mainly due to increased technological development and automation in food production. The recruitment situation is currently balanced, but the industry is affected by fluctuations in consumption patterns and efficiency requirements. For those looking to establish themselves in the profession, it is important to stay updated on new technologies and quality standards, as competition may increase when tasks change or disappear. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself are therefore increasingly important for long-term job security.

Tips for those who want to become a smoker in the food industry

To succeed as a smoker in the food industry, it is good to have a genuine interest in food and precision in work. Endurance and good physical condition facilitate heavy tasks and shift work. Showing responsibility and following safety and hygiene rules is crucial, while curiosity about technology and machinery pays off. Being able to collaborate with colleagues and communicate clearly is appreciated by employers, especially when production changes. Flexibility and a desire to learn new tasks provide better opportunities for advancement. Finally, patience and an eye for detail are important qualities for achieving high quality in the final products.

Key facts about smokers in the food industry

  • Salary range: 28,500–33,300 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, often supplemented with practical training
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work and varying temperatures
  • Demand: Moderate, but decreasing over five years
  • Women's salary level: 106% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience as a smoker in the food industry, opportunities may open for advancement to roles such as team leader, production manager, or quality control inspector. Specialization in process development or machinery maintenance is also common. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for machine operators in food production is expected to decrease, primarily due to increased automation and technological development. To increase career opportunities, further education in technology, quality assurance, or leadership is recommended. There are also opportunities to switch to related professions within food production or industrial manufacturing, where process experience is advantageous.

Frequently asked questions about smokers in the food industry

  • What does a smoker earn in the food industry?
    - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with a range from 28,500 to 33,300 SEK.
  • What are the gender differences within the profession?
    - Women earn on average 32 300 SEK per month, which is 106% of men's average salary (30 400 SEK).
  • What education is required to become a smoker in the food industry?
    - High school education with a focus on food or industry is recommended, preferably supplemented with practical training.
  • What does the work environment look like?
    - Work is usually performed in an industrial environment with shift work, varying temperatures, and hygiene requirements.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is currently considered moderate but is expected to decrease over five years due to automation.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, the salary range is affected by sector and education level, with the highest salaries in the regional sector.
  • What career paths are available in the long term?
    - Experience can lead to roles such as team leader, production manager, or specialization in process development.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Smokers, food industry is 33300 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 32700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Smokers, food industry is 28500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 31400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28100 kr 31500 kr
25-34 117% 27200 kr 29400 kr
35-44 108% 28200 kr 30200 kr
45-54 103% 29400 kr 31100 kr
55-64 92% 32300 kr 34100 kr
Snitt 106% 28700 kr 30800 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 Smokers, food industry has the SSYK code 8161, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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