Image that illustrates Butter master

Butter master

43 600 kr

Engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering

31 900 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Butter master

Average salary 43 600 kr
Males 44 000 kr
Females 43 300 kr

What does a Smörmästare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Smörmästare is responsible for the development, production, and quality assurance of butter and butter-based products within the food industry. The role includes tasks such as monitoring manufacturing processes, performing chemical analyses, optimizing recipes, and ensuring that the final product meets nutritional and sensory requirements. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with product developers, laboratory staff, and production managers. The work environment is technically advanced and can vary between laboratory settings, production facilities, and offices.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Smörmästare has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,200 SEK per month, which increased to 42 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 8.5% over three years, which is slightly above the average for the group. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized competence in food production, technological innovations, and higher quality standards. The market for qualified technicians in chemistry and food continues to be strong, contributing to the positive salary trend.

Smörmästare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 262 SEK
  • Gender difference: Women earn 98% of men's salary (43,300 SEK vs 44 000 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on industry location and city, but detailed regional figures are not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Smörmästare, a post-secondary education in chemistry, food technology, or related technical fields is usually required. Practical experience from food production, laboratory work, or quality control is often advantageous. Some employers may also require specific certifications or specialized courses in hygiene, process optimization, or analytical methods.

  • Post-secondary education: Chemistry, food technology, or equivalent (2–3 years)
  • Certifications: Food safety, HACCP, or similar
  • Internship: Recommended within food industry or laboratory
  • Prerequisites: Basic chemistry and technology knowledge
  • Tips for choosing education: Select programs focusing on food or process industry for the best match

Many Smörmästare have the opportunity to influence new product recipes and collaborate with marketing and research teams. This makes the profession an exciting combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Smörmästare are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for skill development through courses and conferences. Pension schemes and bonus programs may be available, especially within larger companies. Some workplaces also offer discounted food products and subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Smörmästare is moderate, as the profession requires a combination of technical expertise and practical experience in food production. Challenges often include staying updated on new techniques, legal requirements, and sustainability aspects. Changes in consumer trends and stricter quality and traceability demands influence the role. The limited number of trained specialists means demand for qualified Smörmästare remains steady, but career paths within the profession can be narrow.

Tips for those aspiring to become a Smörmästare

To succeed as a Smörmästare, it is helpful to combine analytical skills with practical sense and attention to detail. A strong interest in food chemistry and technical processes facilitates learning the more advanced parts of the profession. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues in production, development, and quality assurance is crucial. Continuously being curious about new methods and techniques helps maintain competitiveness. A structured approach is important to follow routines and ensure high quality at all stages. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are valued, especially when facing unexpected production challenges. Taking the initiative for further education and certification can give an advantage in the job market.

Key facts about Smörmästare

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,900–45,100 SEK/month
  • Educational level: Post-secondary (2–3 years), often in chemistry or food technology
  • Gender distribution and salary: Women 43,300 SEK, men 44 000 SEK
  • Number of job openings: 564

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Smörmästare can advance to roles such as production manager, quality manager, or specialist in product development. Opportunities also exist within research and development or as a consultant in the food industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering, no separate assessment is made for Smörmästare, but the labor market is considered stable with many available positions. Technological development and increased sustainability requirements indicate continued demand for the role, although competition for the most attractive positions can be high.

Common questions about Smörmästare

  • What is the average salary of a Smörmästare?
    - The average salary for a Smörmästare is 43 600 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Smörmästare?
    - Post-secondary education in chemistry or food technology is recommended.
  • What is the work environment like for a Smörmästare?
    - The work environment is diverse and includes laboratories, production facilities, and offices.
  • How high is the demand for Smörmästare?
    - Currently, there are 564 job openings in the profession.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Smörmästare?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK, and the lowest is 31,900 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Butter master is 45100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Butter master is 31900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 100% 38800 kr 39500 kr
35-44 107% 43500 kr 44300 kr
45-54 104% 48700 kr 49600 kr
55-64 91% 46000 kr 47200 kr
Snitt 98% 42800 kr 43600 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 Butter master has the SSYK code 3115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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