Stretching machine operator

What does a stretch machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A stretch machine operator is responsible for monitoring and managing machines used in the manufacturing and processing of textile, leather, and hide materials, especially in steps where the material is stretched or shaped. Tasks include starting up, supervising, and adjusting stretch machines, inspecting product quality, and performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting. The work is often carried out in a high-paced production environment, requiring precision and the ability to quickly resolve technical issues to ensure consistent production flow and high-quality end products. Stretch machine operators typically work in shifts and collaborate closely with other operators and technicians within the industry.

Salary development over time

Salaries for stretch machine operators have shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 29 600 SEK, representing approximately a 7% raise. In 2024, the trend continued with an average salary of 30 400 SEK, a further increase of just under 3%. This positive salary trend is linked to stable demand for skilled machine operators in the textile industry, while a certain labor shortage has driven wages up. The salary increases also reflect employers' efforts to retain experienced operators and meet rising technical skill requirements, as the machinery in the industry becomes increasingly advanced.

Stretch machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 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/hour
• Women's salary relative to men's: 95% (women 29 700 SEK, men 31 200 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a stretch machine operator, a high school education in industrial, technical, or equivalent fields is generally required. Practical experience in production or machine handling is highly valuable, and some employers offer internal training to teach specific machines. Technical interest and understanding of mechanics are advantageous, as well as the ability to quickly learn new tasks.

• High school education: Industrial technology program or similar (3 years)
• Internship/trainee: Common upon employment, especially for recent graduates
• Certifications: May be required for certain machine types, safety, or work environment
• Prerequisites: Technical interest, basic mathematics, and problem-solving skills
• Internal training: Often provided by the employer, including machine-specific training

Common benefits and compensations

It is common for stretch machine operators to receive benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training. In some cases, work clothes and tools are provided, along with bonuses for meeting production targets.

Competition and challenges

The job market for stretch machine operators is characterized by some competition, as the profession is part of a broader category of machine operators within the textile and leather industries. One of the main challenges is quickly adapting to new machines and digital control systems, as technological development is rapid in the industry. Variations in workload depending on season and production pace can also affect working hours and environment. Despite relatively good job availability, it may be difficult to find work in regions where the industry is less developed. The physical demands of the job and the need for constant attention to machine function make endurance and precision important qualities.

Tips for those who want to become a stretch machine operator

To succeed as a stretch machine operator, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in technology and machinery, as daily work often involves troubleshooting and fine-tuning equipment. Being meticulous and detail-oriented helps to identify and fix small faults before they become bigger problems. Flexibility is an important trait, as the job may involve shift work and sometimes quick changes in tasks. Good teamwork skills are essential, since production is often a team effort where collaboration with other operators and technicians is crucial. A willingness to learn new skills and follow instructions from more experienced colleagues accelerates development within the profession. Patience and the ability to handle monotonous tasks over longer periods are also advantageous. Finally, initiative and responsibility are valued, as employers appreciate operators who proactively identify what needs to be done and act accordingly.

Key facts about the Stretch Machine Operator profession

• Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education, preferably industrial technology
• Work environment: Factory/production, often shift work
• Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
• Gender salary distribution: Women 95% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a stretch machine operator, there are opportunities to advance to senior machine operator, supervisor, or technician within maintenance and machinery. Some choose to further their education in automation or production technology to work with programming industrial robots or control systems. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, there is no detailed assessment for stretch machine operators as a separate profession, but the current number of job openings (1,437) indicates continued demand. The industry is influenced by automation and digitalization, which can present both challenges and opportunities for those wishing to develop further within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about the Stretch Machine Operator profession

• What does a Stretch Machine Operator earn?
  - A stretch machine operator has an average salary of 30 400 SEK per month, with a range between 29,400 and 32,200 SEK.
• How does gender affect salary levels?
  - Women earn an average of 29 700 SEK, which is 95% of men's salary of 31 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Stretch Machine Operator?
  - High school education in industrial technology or similar is most common, often combined with practical training.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels may vary depending on the employer and region, but detailed regional differences are limitedly reported.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Monitoring, operating, and basic maintenance of stretch machines as well as quality control of products.
• What is the job market outlook for the profession?
  - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings within the profession, indicating good demand.