Spinning machine operator

What does a Spinnmaskinskötare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Spinnmaskinskötare works with monitoring and maintaining spinning machines within the textile industry. The job involves starting, stopping, and adjusting machines to ensure yarn and thread are produced with the correct quality and according to specified standards. Common tasks include refilling raw materials, monitoring production flow, troubleshooting minor machine faults, and performing ongoing quality checks. The work environment is often characterized by noise, repetitive movements, and shift work, but modern facilities usually have good ventilation and ergonomic tools. The profession requires attention to detail and the ability to quickly handle technical problems.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Spinnmaskinskötare has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 29 600 SEK, representing an increase of about 7%. Between 2023 and 2024, salary growth continued, albeit at a slightly slower pace, reaching 30 400 SEK per month – an increase of just over 2.7%. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the textile industry and union negotiations that have improved working conditions. At the same time, automation and technological development have raised the requirements for skills, which also influences salary levels.

Spinnmaskinskötare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 29 700 SEK and men 31 200 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Spinnmaskinskötare, a high school education in industrial technology or textiles is generally required, often with a focus on production or processes. Employers may also offer internal training and onboarding on site, especially for new hires. Practical experience with machinery and technical understanding is highly valuable, and some employers prefer candidates who have completed relevant certification courses or have experience from similar industrial work.

• High school education: Industrial technology or textiles, typically 2–3 years
• Internship: Often part of high school or as a trainee at the workplace
• Internal training: Common among employers for new employees
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and good physical condition
• Certifications: Meritorious but rarely required

Common benefits and compensations

Spinnmaskinskötare often have collective agreements that include occupational pension, overtime pay, and shift bonuses. It is common to have wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes the opportunity for night or weekend shift bonuses. Some employers also offer subsidized meals and staff discounts.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Spinnmaskinskötare is characterized by moderate competition, as the profession requires specific technical skills and experience with machine operation. Automation in the textile industry means fewer positions may be available in the future, but at the same time, demands for technical understanding and problem-solving skills are increasing. A challenge is to stay updated on new machines and processes that are constantly evolving. The industry is also affected by global market changes and the relocation of production to low-wage countries, which can impact demand for labor in Sweden. Despite this, there is still a need for skilled operators, especially in more specialized or high-tech textile companies.

Tips for aspiring Spinnmaskinskötare

To succeed as a Spinnmaskinskötare, it is good to have a technical interest and be solution-oriented, as the work often requires quick troubleshooting and adjustments. Precision is important, as small deviations can affect the entire production chain. Being resilient to stress and able to handle monotonous tasks over longer periods makes everyday work easier, especially during shift work. Good teamwork and effective communication with colleagues during shift changes or machine stoppages are also advantages. A willingness to continuously learn new things and embrace new technology makes it easier to adapt to changes in production. Finally, initiative is valued, especially when it comes to preventing faults and contributing to improvements in workflows.

Key facts about Spinnmaskinskötare

• Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, 2–3 years
• Work environment: Shift work, noise, and monotonous tasks
• Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a Spinnmaskinskötare, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or machine technician within the textile industry. Some choose to specialize in maintenance and repair of production machinery, which can lead to higher salaries and greater responsibility. Further training in automation or production technology can open doors to more qualified roles within the industry. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but there remains a need for skilled workers across the entire field. The number of job openings is 1,437 (May 2024), indicating relatively stable demand, although future prospects are influenced by technological developments and global competition.

Common questions about Spinnmaskinskötare

• What is the average salary of a Spinnmaskinskötare?
  - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Spinnmaskinskötare?
  - The highest salary is 32,200 SEK and the lowest is 29,400 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences within the profession?
  - Women earn an average of 29 700 SEK and men 31 200 SEK per month, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Spinnmaskinskötare?
  - High school education in industrial technology or textiles is most common, often supplemented with practical training or internal courses.
• What is the job market outlook for Spinnmaskinskötare?
  - There are 1,437 job openings in May 2024, but no specific forecast for future prospects.
• What workplace factors should be considered?
  - The work often occurs in noisy environments with monotonous tasks and sometimes shift work.
• Are there opportunities for further education or specialization?
  - Yes, further training in automation or mechanical engineering can lead to more advanced roles.