Image that illustrates Ruggare

Ruggare

27 800 kr

Machine operators, bleaching, dyeing and washing

23 400 - 30 000 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ruggare

Average salary 27 800 kr
Males 27 700 kr
Females 27 900 kr

What does a Ruggare do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Ruggare primarily works within the textile industry and is responsible for treating fabrics through a process called rugging. This process involves mechanically working the fabric surface to create a softer and more pleasant feel, often for products like blankets, clothing, or interior textiles. The work is usually performed on machines that require careful monitoring and adjustment to ensure consistent quality. The work environment is characterized by industrial premises with machine noise, and good physical condition and attention to safety routines are required. Ruggare often work in shifts, especially in larger industries where production runs around the clock.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Ruggare has shown a steady but slow increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, followed by a slight decrease to 26 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary rose noticeably to 27 800 SEK, which represents an increase of approximately 4.9% compared to the previous year. This increase can largely be explained by increased demand for textile products and general wage adjustments within the industry. The wage setting has also benefited from the profession requiring specific machine skills and technical understanding, increasing the value of experienced personnel. Gender differences are minimal, and the salary level is relatively evenly distributed.

Ruggare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (man, public sector, high school education, 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (woman, public sector, high school education, up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 167 SEK
  • Women: 27 900 SEK/month
  • Men: 27 700 SEK/month
  • Gender differences: Women earn the same as men in this profession

Many Ruggare develop a unique sense for textile quality and surface properties, making them key figures in product development within the textile industry. It is not uncommon for experienced Ruggare to become experts consulted during the launch of new materials or special orders.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a Ruggare, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or textile production is usually required. Practical experience with machines and process industries is a clear advantage, and some employers offer internal training to teach new employees. Formal certifications are uncommon, but accuracy and technical interest are important qualities.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program or equivalent
  • Practical experience: Experience from textile industry or machine operation is meritorious
  • Internal training: Common at the workplace
  • Prerequisites: Good technical understanding, precision
  • Tips for choosing: Interest in textile materials and machine technology facilitates learning

Common benefits and compensations

Ruggare often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and company health services. Shift allowances and overtime pay are common, especially for work at inconvenient hours. Other typical compensations include work clothes and sometimes subsidized lunches or travel allowances.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Ruggare is currently moderate, as there is a relatively stable demand within the textile industry. A challenge for the profession is automation of production, which may affect the need for manual labor in the long term. At the same time, modern machines require more technical competence, raising the demands on education and experience. Physical strain and monotonous tasks can also be demanding over time, requiring good health and attention to detail. Limited career advancement within the profession can be another challenge, especially for those wishing to progress without further education.

Tips for those who want to become a Ruggare

To succeed as a Ruggare, it is good to combine technical curiosity with a strong sense of detail. Being precise is crucial, as small mistakes can affect the entire production. Practical problem-solving skills are helpful when machines need adjustments or unexpected situations arise. Good physical endurance is also important, as the work often involves standing and can be monotonous. The ability to work independently but also collaborate with others is valuable in an industrial environment. Flexibility and adaptability make it easier to handle shift work and changes in production. Finally, a genuine interest in textiles and materials is appreciated, which can make the profession more rewarding in the long run.

Key facts about Ruggare

  • Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 23,400–30,000 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, often industrial technology program
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Job openings in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Ruggare, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as supervisor or machine manager in production. Some choose to further their education in textile technology, which can open doors to roles like process technician or product developer. According to the Employment Service's forecast, no specific assessment is provided for the profession, but the demand for workers in the group of machine operators for bleaching, dyeing, and washing remains relatively stable. With 1,437 job openings in the group, there are good chances of employment, especially for those with technical skills and experience in textile production. However, automation may impact the future job market, so staying updated on new technology and production methods is wise.

Common questions about Ruggare

  • What is the average salary of a Ruggare?
    - A Ruggare earns an average of 27 800 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women earn the same as men in this profession.
  • What education is required to become a Ruggare?
    - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with practical training.
  • What is the work environment like for a Ruggare?
    - It is industrial and machine-intensive, often involving shift work and certain physical tasks.
  • What are the lowest and highest salaries for a Ruggare?
    - The lowest salary is 23,400 SEK and the highest is 30,000 SEK per month.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Projections show stable demand within the profession, but automation may influence the job market in the long term.
  • How many job openings are available in this profession?
    - There are 1,437 job openings in the group of machine operators for bleaching, dyeing, and washing.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ruggare is 30000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 28600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ruggare is 23400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 25200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 23800 kr 25600 kr
25-34 98% 26700 kr 28200 kr
35-44 99% 25900 kr 27400 kr
45-54 101% 26900 kr 28100 kr
55-64 97% 28100 kr 28900 kr
Snitt 100% 26500 kr 27800 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 Ruggare has the SSYK code 8151, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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