- Salary statistics
- Sorting plant attendant
Sorting plant attendant
45 800 - 49 900 kr / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Sorting plant attendant
What does a sorting plant operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A sorting plant operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling machines and processes at a sorting plant, where raw materials such as stone, ore, or gravel are processed and separated. The work includes daily inspection and maintenance of technical equipment, troubleshooting during operational stoppages, and quality control of the produced material. The work environment is often industrial, with noise, dust, and heavy machinery, requiring safety awareness and precision. Communication with colleagues and other roles within production is an important part of daily life, as well as adapting to shift work and varying working conditions.
Wage development over time
The salary for sorting plant operators has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, rising the following year to 45 200 SEK, and then reaching 47 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 10.6% over the period. The wage increase reflects a combination of higher demand for experienced operators and general industry wage adjustments. Technical requirements and a greater focus on process optimization have also contributed to raising salary levels, as employers seek personnel with higher skills and education. At the same time, economic fluctuations and investments in the mining and construction sectors influence wage development.
Sorting plant operator salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 47 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 45,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 49,900 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 287 SEK
- Women: 47,200 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
- Men: 47 900 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Information on regional wage differences is limited
Education and qualifications
To work as a sorting plant operator, a high school education in industry or technology is usually required, supplemented with internal training or relevant internships. Many employers also value experience from similar industrial environments. Certifications in machine safety, occupational health, and sometimes forklift licenses can be advantageous. For some roles, post-secondary education in process or mechanical engineering is desirable.
- High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
- Certifications: Machine safety, forklift license
- Internships: Industry-specific internships or trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Technical interest, basic mathematics, and problem-solving skills
- Tips for choosing: Opt for specialization in process or operations technology for better prospects
Sorting plant operators often have the opportunity to work with the latest technology in automated material handling. The development towards digital monitoring systems and remote control makes the profession both more technically advanced and varied, providing good chances for development and specialization within the industry.
Common benefits and compensation
Typical benefits for sorting plant operators include shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes extra vacation days. Employers often provide work clothing, protective equipment, and opportunities for skills development through internal or external courses. Benefits may vary depending on the workplace and collective agreements.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a sorting plant operator is characterized by a relatively stable labor market, but competition for the most attractive positions can be significant, especially in regions with limited industrial activity. Challenges often include handling advanced technical equipment, working shifts, and maintaining high safety standards. The demand for continuous learning increases as digitalization and automation become more integrated into work processes. The work environment can be physically demanding, requiring endurance and precision. The lack of clear future forecasts also emphasizes the importance of staying updated on industry developments.
Tips for those who want to become a sorting plant operator
To succeed as a sorting plant operator, it is helpful to have a strong technical interest and a desire to understand how machines and processes work. Precision is crucial, as the work requires continuous monitoring and quick action during deviations. Being solution-oriented facilitates handling technical problems directly. Flexibility is an asset since working hours often vary, and the pace can shift between busy and calmer periods. Good communication skills help you collaborate effectively with colleagues and other roles at the facility. Enjoying working in an industrial environment and being safety-conscious are also important qualities for thriving and developing in the profession.
Key facts about Sorting Plant Operators
- Salary range: 45,800–49,900 SEK/month
- Average salary: 47 800 SEK/month
- Education level: High school or shorter post-secondary education
- Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
- Job openings in the profession: 1,437
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a sorting plant operator can advance to more specialized roles, such as process operator, supervisor, or technical specialist in material handling. There are also opportunities for further training in automation, operations management, or maintenance engineering, which can lead to higher responsibility and salary. The Employment Service does not provide a specific forecast for the profession due to limited data, but the broader industry group has over 1,400 available positions, indicating continued demand. The industry’s shift towards increased automation and digitalization also offers new opportunities for those willing to further educate themselves or take on new challenges within the industry.
Frequently asked questions about Sorting Plant Operators
- What does a sorting plant operator earn?
- The average salary is 47 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 287 SEK. - Are there wage differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 47,200 SEK, which is 98% of men's salaries. - What is the highest and lowest salary?
- The highest salary is 49,900 SEK and the lowest is 45,800 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a sorting plant operator?
- High school education in industry or technology is recommended, often supplemented with internships and certifications. - What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is industrial, often with shift work and high safety standards. - Are there many job openings?
- Yes, there are 1,437 available positions within the process operator, stone crushing, and ore processing professions. - What career opportunities are there after a few years in the profession?
- Common development paths include process operator, supervisor, or technical specialist.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38000 kr | 45600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 40000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 41800 kr | 49700 kr |
| 45-54 | 40800 kr | 47700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40100 kr | 47000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 40400 kr | 47800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38000 kr | 45600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 40000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 41800 kr | 49700 kr |
| 45-54 | 40800 kr | 47700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40100 kr | 47000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 40400 kr | 47800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38000 kr | 45600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 40000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 41800 kr | 49700 kr |
| 45-54 | 40800 kr | 47700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40100 kr | 47000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 40400 kr | 47800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38300 kr | 45700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 40200 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 42100 kr | 50000 kr |
| 45-54 | 40900 kr | 47800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40100 kr | 46900 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 40600 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38300 kr | 45700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 40200 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 42100 kr | 50000 kr |
| 45-54 | 40900 kr | 47800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40100 kr | 46900 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 40600 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38300 kr | 45700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 40200 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 42100 kr | 50000 kr |
| 45-54 | 40900 kr | 47800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40100 kr | 46900 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 40600 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 47700 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 40300 kr | 48100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 39300 kr | 47200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 47700 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 40300 kr | 48100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 39300 kr | 47200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 47700 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 40300 kr | 48100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 39300 kr | 47200 kr |
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 Sorting plant attendant has the SSYK code 8112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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