Image that illustrates Cereal dryer

Cereal dryer

32 500 kr

Machine operators, mill, bakery and confectionery industry

30 500 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 108% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cereal dryer

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr

What does a Grain Dryer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A grain dryer primarily works with monitoring and operating drying systems for grains, which is a central part of raw material processing in agriculture and food production. Tasks include starting, stopping, and adjusting the drying processes, controlling temperature and humidity, and performing basic maintenance on machinery. Loading and unloading grains, sampling, and quality checks are also often handled. The work environment is usually industrial, with elements of noise, dust, and shift work. Safety procedures are important as the work is performed near large machines and moving parts.

Salary development over time

The salary for a grain dryer has shown some variations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 34 100 SEK, which is about a 6% increase. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 32 500 SEK, representing a roughly 5% decline from the previous year. These fluctuations can partly be explained by changes in demand for labor within the food industry and regional variations in harvests and production. Salary development is also influenced by how much of the workforce is seasonal and how the supply of qualified personnel changes. Overall, the profession has a relatively stable salary structure but can be affected by economic cycles and technological advancements in agriculture.

Grain Dryer salary – a comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (men/women): 30,500 SEK / 33,400 SEK
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 195 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 108% of men's salary (men: 32 100 SEK, women: 34,600 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Present, depending on local needs and seasonal variations

Education and qualifications

To work as a grain dryer, a high school education in industry, agriculture, or food sciences is usually required, preferably with a technical focus. Practical experience with machinery handling and process industries is highly meritorious. Many employers offer internal training, and new employees often shadow experienced colleagues to learn all steps of the drying process.

  • High school: Industry, agriculture, or food programs, 3 years
  • Internship/Trainee: Common, especially for new hires
  • Certifications: Machine operator certificates and safety training may be required
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic knowledge of machinery
  • Self-study/online courses: Possible to supplement with courses on machinery safety and quality control

Many grain dryers quickly take on broad responsibilities and can become key persons at farms or industrial plants, especially during intensive harvest periods. The ability to quickly solve technical problems and collaborate with other professionals is often crucial for smooth operations.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Typical benefits for a grain dryer include shift allowances for evening and weekend work, work clothing and protective equipment, and wellness contributions. In some cases, further education and skill-enhancement courses are offered. For seasonal workers, overtime compensation can be a significant part of total income.

Competition and challenges

The job market for grain dryers is relatively narrow, with competition varying seasonally and geographically. During harvest times, demand for labor increases sharply, leading to more temporary employment. Challenges in the profession often involve handling heavy machinery, maintaining high safety standards, and quickly repairing technical faults. Automation in agriculture may reduce the need for manual labor in the long term, while increasing the demand for technical skills. The physical work environment requires good health and the ability to work in sometimes tough weather conditions.

Tips for those wanting to become a Grain Dryer

To succeed as a grain dryer, it’s good to develop an early interest in technology and a desire to understand how machines work. Precision is an important trait, as small mistakes in the drying process can affect the entire harvest and lead to quality issues. Being resilient and flexible during harvest seasons is crucial, as the work often involves quick adjustments and long shifts. Good teamwork skills are beneficial since the work involves close collaboration with colleagues and farmers. Gaining practical experience through internships or summer jobs in the industry increases chances of permanent employment. An open mind for new technology and willingness to undertake internal training make you a valued resource quickly. Finally, a sense of responsibility is important, as tasks often involve handling large values and safety-critical moments.

Key facts about Grain Dryers

  • Salary range: 30,500–34,600 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, preferably with a technical focus
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 108% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a grain dryer, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, process manager, or machine operator within larger facilities. Experience from the profession is also valuable when transitioning to other roles in agriculture and food industries, such as quality inspector or maintenance technician. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for labor in the profession remains high, with 1,437 job openings registered. However, future prospects are influenced by automation and technological development, meaning those who continuously upgrade their skills have the best chances for a long-term career.

Frequently asked questions about Grain Dryers

  • What is the average salary for a Grain Dryer?
    - The average salary is 32 500 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Grain Dryer?
    - The highest salary is 34,600 SEK, the lowest is 30,500 SEK for men and 33,400 SEK for women.
  • How do gender differences look in salaries?
    - Women earn on average 34,600 SEK, men 32 100 SEK, which means women earn 108% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Grain Dryer?
    - High school education in industry, agriculture, or food sciences is recommended, sometimes a machine operator certificate is required.
  • What are the future prospects for a Grain Dryer?
    - Demand remains high with 1,437 job openings within the profession.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries can vary depending on region and local needs.
  • What benefits can a Grain Dryer receive?
    - Common benefits include shift allowances, work clothing, wellness contributions, and further training.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cereal dryer is 34600 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same highest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cereal dryer is 30500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 116% 29200 kr 30700 kr
35-44 97% 31600 kr 35500 kr
45-54 108% 29500 kr 32600 kr
55-64 107% 30400 kr 33100 kr
Snitt 108% 29300 kr 32500 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 Cereal dryer has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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