Alcohol machine operator, rubber

What does a spray machine operator do in the rubber industry? – Tasks and work environment

A spray machine operator in the rubber industry monitors and manages machines used to process and shape rubber materials, often through spraying. Tasks include setting up, starting, and supervising machines, adjusting parameters for optimal quality, and handling raw materials and finished products. Quality control of the finished rubber is an important part of the work, along with fixing minor technical faults and maintaining equipment. The work environment is often industrial and can be noisy, requiring precision, safety awareness, and good physical condition.

Salary development over time

The salary development for spray machine operators in the rubber industry has been clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,200 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 31 400 SEK, and finally to 32 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 8% over the period, which is slightly higher than the average wage growth in the industrial sector overall. The increase can be explained by increased demand for technically skilled operators, some labor shortage in the rubber industry, and a general upward pressure on industrial wages. The wage increase also reflects employers' need to attract and retain competent machine operators as automation and technological complexity grow.

Spray machine operators, rubber salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (female, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 196 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 32 800 SEK, women 32,000 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a spray machine operator in the rubber industry, a high school education focusing on industry, technology, or production is generally required. Many employers also seek experience from similar industrial environments, and introductory training often takes place on-site. Additional courses in mechanical engineering or automation can be advantageous, as modern rubber machines demand technical understanding and problem-solving skills.

• High school education: Industry or technology program, 3 years
• Company-internal introduction: Often 1–3 months
• Further education: Courses in mechanical engineering, rubber and plastics technology
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish, basic mathematics and technology
• Internship: Industrial internship or trainee programs are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Spray machine operators in the rubber industry are often offered collective agreement-based benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and sometimes shift allowances. Other common compensations include extra paid leave on public holidays and opportunities for training during working hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as spray machine operators in the rubber industry is relatively moderate but can vary depending on region and economic conditions. A challenge is that the industry is characterized by technological development and automation, which require continuous skills development. The work environment can be physically demanding and sometimes monotonous, while precision is essential to maintain high and consistent quality. The shortage of younger applicants and retirements may, in the long term, create recruitment needs within the profession.

Tips for those who want to become spray machine operators in the rubber industry

To succeed as a spray machine operator in the rubber industry, it is good to have a technical interest and curiosity about how machines work, which facilitates troubleshooting and maintenance. Precision is crucial since small errors can affect product quality, so training good attention to detail during education is recommended. Flexibility is needed, as tasks can vary and the pace can be high; being adaptable and able to collaborate with colleagues is therefore an advantage. Continuously acquiring new knowledge, for example through internal training, demonstrates engagement and makes it easier to advance in the profession. Finally, patience and perseverance are important qualities when workdays are long and physically demanding.

Key facts about Spray Machine Operators, rubber

• Average salary: 32 600 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: 31,200–33,100 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, industry/technology, 3 years
• Gender salary difference: Women 97% of men's salary
• Number of job openings in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a spray machine operator in the rubber industry, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility as a supervisor, production technician, or quality manager. Technically interested individuals can further their education in automation and machine maintenance, opening doors to specialist roles or positions in process development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no exact forecast exists for this profession due to limited data, but the broader occupational group has about 1,437 job openings, indicating good demand. Digitalization and automation are expected to continue influencing the profession, making ongoing training and technical skills even more important for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about Spray Machine Operators, rubber

• What does a spray machine operator earn in the rubber industry?
  - The average salary is 32 600 SEK per month, with variations between 31,200 and 33,100 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 32 800 SEK and women 32,000 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a spray machine operator?
  - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with on-site training.
• How many job openings are available in the profession?
  - There are 1,437 job openings in the occupational group of machine operators in the rubber industry.
• What are the main challenges in the profession?
  - Technical demands, physical work, and the need to quickly resolve problems during machine stops or quality deviations.
• Are there opportunities for advancement?
  - Yes, with experience, one can take roles such as supervisor, technician, or quality manager.
• What are the future prospects for spray machine operators in the rubber industry?
  - The forecast is uncertain, but demand remains strong, especially for experienced and technically skilled operators.