Image that illustrates Soda burner

Soda burner

43 600 kr

Process operators, pulp

41 600 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Soda burner

Average salary 43 600 kr
Males 43 900 kr
Females 42 300 kr

What does a Sodabrännare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Sodabrännare works within the pulp and paper industry and plays a central role in the process of recycling chemicals in paper pulp production. Tasks include monitoring and controlling soda boilers, where black liquor is burned to generate energy and recover chemicals. The work is often performed in shifts, in an industrial environment with advanced technical equipment and high safety standards. Precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to quickly solve problems are important qualities to handle the complex processes and ensure efficient and safe operation.

Salary development over time

The salary for Sodabrännare has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 39600 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 42 900 SEK, representing an approximate increase of 8.3%. In 2024, the trend continued with an average salary of 43 600 SEK, a further increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year. This development reflects an increased demand for skilled labor in the process industry and a general salary adjustment within the sector. The demand for experienced Sodabrännare and the skill requirements for handling advanced technology have contributed to pushing salaries upward. Salary development may also be influenced by collective agreements and regional variations within the industry.

Sodabrännare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 262 SEK
  • Women: 42,300 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 43 900 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Sodabrännare usually involves vocational education within industry, process technology, or equivalent, often supplemented with practical training at a pulp or paper industry. Many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary courses or certificates in process or energy technology. Practical experience and technical understanding are crucial for success in the profession.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: Courses in process technology (up to 2 years)
  • Practical training: Workplace-based internships or trainee positions recommended
  • Certifications: Safety training and process competence are often advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physical condition

The profession of Sodabrännare requires constant focus on safety, as work is performed with high temperatures and pressure in a complex industrial environment. The ability to make quick decisions during operational disruptions is often crucial for both production flow and personnel safety.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Sodabrännare are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as extra vacation days, shift allowances, occupational pension, and wellness contributions. Many employers also offer training and development opportunities, as well as bonuses for efficient production and high safety standards.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a Sodabrännare is relatively moderate, as the profession requires specialized technical skills and experience in process industry. Challenges in the job often involve staying updated with new technology, working under high safety standards, and managing irregular working hours. Skill shortages in certain regions can create good opportunities for those willing to relocate. At the same time, automation and digitalization are changing job tasks and increasing the demand for technical understanding.

Tips for those who want to become a Sodabrännare

To succeed as a Sodabrännare, it is good to combine technical interest with a careful and responsible attitude. Being solution-oriented makes it easier to handle operational disruptions and unexpected situations. Flexibility is an important trait, as work often takes place in shifts and may require quick adjustments. Good communication skills facilitate teamwork and make it easier to follow safety routines. It is also beneficial to be resilient and in good physical condition, as the work environment can be demanding and stressful. Continuing education and staying updated on new technologies in the industry increase opportunities for development and security in the profession.

Key facts about Sodabrännare

  • Salary range: 41,600–45,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Vocational high school with practical training, additional courses advantageous
  • Work environment: Industrial, shift work common
  • Gender salary difference: Women earn 96% of men's salary
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within process operators, pulp industry

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Sodabrännare, there are opportunities to advance to more responsible roles, such as shift supervisor or process manager within the plant. Some choose to further their education in process technology or automation and can then move on to specialist positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are a total of 1,437 available jobs within the process operator, pulp industry, indicating ongoing demand for skills. However, forecasts for the future are difficult, as the profession is niche and statistical data is limited. For those looking to develop within the industry, Sodabrännare offers good career development opportunities, especially in regions with a strong pulp and paper industry.

Frequently asked questions about Sodabrännare

  • What does a Sodabrännare earn?
    - The average salary is 43 600 SEK/month, with a range between 41,600 and 45,100 SEK/month.
  • How does one become a Sodabrännare?
    - The most common route is vocational education in industrial technology, followed by practical training and possibly further education in process technology.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for a Sodabrännare?
    - The work environment is industrial and often shift-based, with high safety standards and advanced technical equipment.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is stable within the profession, with 1,437 available jobs, but no exact forecast exists due to limited data.
  • What qualifications are required?
    - Vocational high school education, technical interest, and often practical training or trainee positions.
  • What is the hourly wage for a Sodabrännare?
    - The average hourly wage is 262 SEK.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Soda burner 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 42300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Soda burner is 41600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 43500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31700 kr 38800 kr
25-34 35400 kr 42500 kr
35-44 37300 kr 44300 kr
45-54 37400 kr 44500 kr
55-64 36700 kr 43900 kr
Snitt 96% 36500 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 Soda burner has the SSYK code 8171, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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