Image that illustrates Sterilizers, preservatives

Sterilizers, preservatives

30 800 kr

Machine operators, meat and fish processing industry

28 500 - 33 300 kr / month

Women earn 106% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sterilizers, preservatives

Average salary 30 800 kr
Males 30 400 kr
Females 32 300 kr

What does a sterilizer in food preservation do? – Tasks and work environment

Sterilizers in food preservation mainly work to ensure that food, especially meat and fish, is treated and packaged under hygienic conditions to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Tasks include monitoring sterilization processes, adjusting machinery, controlling temperatures, and documenting production data. The work often takes place in production facilities where temperatures can vary and where high demands are placed on cleanliness and accuracy. The work environment is generally industrial with elements of physical work, shift work, and high hygiene standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for a sterilizer in food preservation has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,500 SEK per month, increasing to 29 800 SEK the following year. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 800 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8% over the period. This trend reflects both general wage adjustments within the industry and an increased focus on food safety. Demand for specialized personnel has positively affected salary development, although technological advancements and automation may temper salary increases in the long run.

Sterilizer, food preservation salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (men): 28,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary (men): 33,300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (women): 31,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary (women): 32,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
  • Women earn: 106% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Small to moderate, with the highest salaries found in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a sterilizer in food preservation, a high school education focusing on food production or industry is usually required. Many employers also value experience with machinery handling and knowledge of food hygiene. Practical experience is highly regarded, and introductory training at the workplace is common. Additional education and certifications in food safety can be advantageous.

  • High school education: Food program or industrial specialization, 2–3 years
  • Certifications: Courses in food hygiene and machinery safety
  • Internship: Workplace-based internship during high school or as a trainee
  • Prerequisites: Good Swedish, technical understanding, and attention to detail
  • Tips: Experience from process industries or similar is highly meritorious

The work as a sterilizer in food preservation often requires strong teamwork skills, as production occurs in teams where each person's contribution affects the entire chain. Good teamwork contributes to both efficiency and a pleasant work environment.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for sterilizers in food preservation include overtime pay for shift work, wellness allowances, work shoes, and work clothing. Some workplaces also offer employee discounts on company products and opportunities for further education and training in food safety and machinery handling.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for sterilizers in food preservation is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, but forecasts indicate a decreased demand over the next five years. This development is mainly driven by increased automation and technological advancements in the food industry. Despite this, there are still many job openings, especially for individuals with the right education and experience. Challenges in the profession include high demands for accuracy, physically demanding work environments, and the need for continuous adaptation to new routines and machinery. The ability to work shifts and follow strict hygiene regulations is crucial for success and job satisfaction in the role.

Tips for those who want to become sterilizers in food preservation

To succeed as a sterilizer in food preservation, it is important to be detail-oriented and careful, as small mistakes can have significant consequences for food safety. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in teams where production depends on everyone following routines and communicating effectively. Adaptability is also important, as the work environment and technology are constantly evolving, and new tasks may arise. Being resilient under stress helps during shift work and periods of high production. Finally, an interest in technology and machinery is a clear advantage, as the profession involves daily handling and monitoring of advanced equipment.

Key facts about sterilizers in food preservation

  • Salary range: 28,500–33,300 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Women/men: Women earn 106% of what men do
  • Work environment: Industrial, often shift work and high hygiene standards
  • Job openings: 1,437 within the occupational group of machine operators, food

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a sterilizer in food preservation, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as team leader, supervisor, or process operator within the food industry. Some choose to further their education in quality assurance or production technology, which can open doors to more specialized positions. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that the labor market is balanced, but demand for the profession is expected to decline in the long term, mainly due to technological development and automation. For those looking to develop within the industry, broadening skills and being open to new tasks and training is advantageous.

Common questions about sterilizers in food preservation

  • What does a sterilizer in food preservation earn?
    - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month. Women earn on average 32 300 SEK and men 30 400 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a sterilizer in food preservation?
    - High school education in food or industry is recommended, along with introduction and practical training at the workplace.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment is industrial with high hygiene standards, often shift work and physical labor.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 106% of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The labor market is balanced but demand is expected to decrease in the long term, mainly due to automation.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further education are common benefits.
  • How many job openings are there in the profession?
    - Approximately 1,437 within the occupational group of machine operators, food.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sterilizers, preservatives is 33300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sterilizers, preservatives is 28500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 31400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28100 kr 31500 kr
25-34 117% 27200 kr 29400 kr
35-44 108% 28200 kr 30200 kr
45-54 103% 29400 kr 31100 kr
55-64 92% 32300 kr 34100 kr
Snitt 106% 28700 kr 30800 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 Sterilizers, preservatives has the SSYK code 8161, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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