Salters, canning

What does a salter in canning manufacturing do? – Tasks and work environment

A salter in canning manufacturing works with preserving food, primarily meat and fish, by adding salt according to carefully specified routines. Tasks include handling raw materials, dosing salt, monitoring machines, and quality control throughout the process. The profession is usually performed in a factory setting where hygiene requirements are high and the work pace can be relatively fast. The work environment is characterized by working on production lines, often in cooled environments and with protective equipment, where collaboration with colleagues and adherence to safety regulations are central.

Salary development over time

The salary for a salter in canning manufacturing 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 represents an increase of about 8% during the period, which is slightly above the inflation rate for the same year. This positive salary development can partly be explained by higher demands for technical skills, improved working conditions, and an increased focus on food safety. At the same time, the industry has been affected by automation and efficiency improvements, which may influence future salary trends. Women have experienced a slightly higher salary increase during this period compared to men, reducing the gender pay gap in the profession.

Salter in canning manufacturing salary – 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: 185 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 106% of what men do
• Regional differences: Highest and lowest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

The path to working as a salter in canning manufacturing usually goes through high school food programs or similar industrial training. Practical experience in food production, a good understanding of hygiene requirements, and sometimes internal certifications are often required. Familiarity with machinery and knowledge of food safety are highly valued, as is accuracy and the ability to work in a team.

• High school education: Food program or equivalent, typically 3 years
• Internship: Often part of the training
• Certifications: Internal training in hygiene and machine safety are common
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Swedish and mathematics
• Tips for choosing: Interest in food production and technical work is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Salters in canning manufacturing are often covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as overtime pay for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, employee discounts, and sometimes meal benefits. Pension contributions and insurance policies according to agreements are standard, as is access to work clothing and protective equipment. Opportunities for further training and internal courses are available at larger workplaces.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for salters in canning manufacturing is characterized by a relatively stable demand, but technological development and increased automation influence long-term prospects. According to forecasts for machine operators in the food industry, demand is expected to decline somewhat over the next five years, mainly due to efficiencies and digitalization. However, there are still job openings – over 1,400 positions nationwide. Challenges include keeping up with new technical requirements, maintaining high quality, and following strict hygiene regulations. For those who are adaptable and willing to further their education, there are good opportunities to meet industry changes.

Tips for those who want to become a salter in canning manufacturing

To succeed as a salter in canning manufacturing, it is good to have an interest in food and a desire to work practically. Precision is crucial, as both salt dosing and hygiene routines require accuracy every day. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to changing work tasks helps, especially in environments where automation and new machinery are constantly introduced. Teamwork skills are key, as the work is often done in teams where everyone shares responsibility for the production chain. Initiative and responsibility are appreciated by employers, as independent work occurs during quality controls and machine monitoring. Being resilient under stress is also important, as production speed can increase during peak seasons. Finally, having an interest in technology and a willingness to learn new things benefits those who want to develop in the profession and take on more advanced tasks.

Key facts about a salter in canning manufacturing

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest–highest salary: 28,500–33,300 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, often food program
• Work environment: Factory, often cooled environments and production lines
• Demand: Moderate, but expected to decline long-term

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a salter in canning manufacturing, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as team leader, shift supervisor, or quality inspector within production. Further education or specialization in food safety, machinery maintenance, or production technology can open pathways to supervisory roles or technical specialist positions. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts, the job market for machine operators in the food industry is currently balanced, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to increased automation. Nonetheless, there remains a need for skilled professionals with practical experience and technical understanding. For those open to further training and adapting to new technology, career opportunities remain good, especially at larger production facilities.

Frequently asked questions about a salter in canning manufacturing

• What does a salter in canning manufacturing earn?
  - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with a range between 28,500 and 33,300 SEK depending on experience and region.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 32 300 SEK per month, which corresponds to 106% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a salter in canning manufacturing?
  - The most common is high school food programs, but practical experience and internal training are also important.
• What are the job prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is currently moderate but expected to decrease in the long term due to automation, according to the Employment Service.
• What are the working environment requirements?
  - Work often takes place in cooled factory environments with high demands on hygiene and safety.
• What does the job entail in practice?
  - Tasks include handling raw materials, salting, quality control, and machine monitoring.
• Are there many job openings?
  - Currently, there are over 1,400 job openings nationwide within the occupation group of machine operators, meat and fish preparation industries.