Roastery worker

What does a Rosteriarbetare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Rosteriarbetare is responsible for monitoring and operating machines used in roasting various foods, primarily coffee beans but also other products within the food industry. Tasks include preparing raw materials, setting up and controlling the roasting process, and ensuring that the quality of the finished products meets high standards. The work is often carried out in production facilities where temperature variations, noise, and handling heavy sacks are common, demanding both precision and physical endurance. Safety routines are central to the profession, as machines and high temperatures pose certain risks.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Rosteriarbetare has shown steady but slightly positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, increasing to 31 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 000 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 5.6% over the three-year period. This development reflects a generally increased demand for competent machine operators within the food industry, combined with inflation pressures and collective agreement raises. Despite this, wage growth is somewhat lower than for some other technical roles, which can be explained by relatively low educational requirements and ongoing high competition for positions. Regional variations occur, and salary development is also influenced by experience, sector, and employer size.

Rosteriarbetare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year high school education)
• Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour (average for hourly workers, based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 31 100 SEK/month (95% of men's salary, men 32 700 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, lowest in the private sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Rosteriarbetare usually involves high school education, typically with a focus on food production or industry. Practical experience from similar work is highly valued, and many employers offer internal training on-site. Technical interest, precision, and the ability to follow routines are important qualities. Formal certifications are rare, but some employers may require specific safety training or courses in machinery technology.

• High school education: Food program or industrial technology program (3 years)
• Internship: Common during high school education, often a requirement for employment
• Internal training: Workplace training on machinery and safety
• Prerequisites: Often experience from the food industry or similar production
• Safety courses: May be required for working with machinery and hot work

Common benefits and compensations

Rosteriarbetare are often covered by collective agreements that provide occupational pension, holiday pay, overtime premiums for unsociable hours, and access to wellness contributions. The work may also include access to subsidized lunch, work clothing, and sometimes bonus programs linked to production results.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Rosteriarbetare is relatively stable but can vary depending on region and the size of local food industries. A challenge in the profession is the physical work environment, where heavy lifting and monotonous tasks may occur. Automation of production lines also increases the demand for technical understanding and machine familiarity, which can be a barrier for some applicants. At the same time, employment opportunities are good, with over 1,400 reported job openings in the profession. To stand out, documented experience and the ability to quickly learn new machines and processes are often required.

Tips for those wanting to become a Rosteriarbetare

To succeed as a Rosteriarbetare, it helps to have a technical interest and a careful attitude towards details, as small mistakes can affect product quality. Being resilient and physically fit makes it easier on days when the work is monotonous or physically demanding. Flexibility is also important, as working hours can vary and sometimes involve shift work. Showing engagement with food safety and quality helps build trust with employers, while a positive attitude and teamwork skills make the work environment more pleasant. Finally, it pays to be open to further training, as technology develops and new methods are continuously introduced in the industry.

Key facts about Rosteriarbetare

• Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
• Salary range: 29,700–34,700 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Education level: High school education, often with internships
• Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and physically demanding

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a Rosteriarbetare can advance to supervisory roles such as shift leader or process manager within production. Some choose to further their education in food technology or quality control to broaden their opportunities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for machine operators in the food industry, the job market remains strong, with over 1,437 reported job openings and a steady recruitment need. Digitalization and automation mean that technical skills will become increasingly important for future career development.

Frequently asked questions about Rosteriarbetare

• What does a Rosteriarbetare earn?
  - The average salary is 32 000 SEK per month, with a range of 29,700–34,700 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become a Rosteriarbetare?
  - High school education in food or industry is most common, often supplemented with internships and internal training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 31 100 SEK while men earn 32 700 SEK, which corresponds to 95% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for a Rosteriarbetare?
  - The work takes place in an industrial environment, often with shift work, noise, and physically demanding tasks.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and subsidized lunch.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The outlook is good with over 1,400 job openings and continued demand in the job market.
• Can one advance within the profession?
  - Yes, after some experience, you can become a shift supervisor, process manager, or pursue further education in food technology.