Turpentine distiller

What does a Terpentine Distiller do? – tasks and working environment

A Terpentine Distiller works with the production and purification of turpentine, a process that requires careful monitoring of chemical processes and advanced technical equipment. Tasks include controlling and supervising distillation plants, sampling and quality control of raw materials and finished products, as well as troubleshooting during operational disturbances. The working environment is often industrial, with a focus on safety and careful handling of chemicals. Work often takes place in shifts, requiring flexibility and good teamwork skills.

Salary development over time

The occupational group of Terpentine Distillers has shown steady and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 39 900 SEK, which is approximately a 6.4% increase. The latest data for 2024 shows a continued rise to 40 500 SEK, an increase of just over 1.5% from the previous year. This development reflects a demand for the profession within the process industry, where technical skills and experience are highly valued. Salary increases have been somewhat stronger than the average for similar industrial jobs, which can be explained by increased specialization and requirements for certified education. Market influences also include technological development and the need for safe chemical handling, which may further strengthen salary growth in the future.

Terpentine Distiller salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,500 SEK/month (female, private sector, education <3 years)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, education ≥3 years)
• Hourly wage: 243 SEK
• Average salary for women: 37 700 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
• Average salary for men: 41 100 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Limited data, but variations may occur depending on industry location

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Terpentine Distiller usually involves technical high school programs with a focus on chemistry or industry, followed by post-secondary education in chemical engineering or process technology. Many employers also value internships or experience in similar process industries. Certifications in safe chemical handling and process control are advantageous, and further training is common to meet industry technical requirements.

• Technical or scientific high school program – 3 years
• Post-secondary education in chemistry/process technology – 2–3 years
• Certifications in safe chemical handling
• Industrial internship or trainee position
• Experience in process monitoring is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Employees in the profession of Terpentine Distiller are often offered benefits such as shift and overtime allowances, extra vacation days, wellness contributions, as well as opportunities for further training and certification. Many also include collective pension schemes and insurance, contributing to a secure working environment. Company pension and subsidized lunch or work clothing may be included depending on the employer.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Terpentine Distiller is considered moderate, although exact recruitment conditions are difficult to determine due to limited statistical data. The technological development within the chemical industry demands high competence and adaptability, and employers often seek personnel with both theoretical and practical skills. Challenges in the profession include risks related to chemical handling, shift work, and the need for continuous skills development. At the same time, automation and digitalization are changing some tasks, which may impact demand for the role in the long term.

Tips for those who want to become a Terpentine Distiller

To succeed as a Terpentine Distiller, it is beneficial to have an analytical mindset and precision that allows handling advanced equipment and complex processes. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in teams, especially during shift changes and handovers. An interest in technology and chemistry is essential, as is the willingness to continuously learn new tasks and safety routines. The ability to quickly identify and solve problems is highly valuable, especially during operational disturbances or quality deviations. Being responsible and following routines is crucial to ensure safety in an environment where chemicals are handled daily. Flexibility helps adapt to changing working conditions and new technical solutions, which are common in the profession. Finally, enjoying practical work and wanting to develop in line with industry demands are significant advantages.

Key facts about Terpentine Distiller

• Average salary: 40 500 SEK/month
• Salary range: 37,500–42,200 SEK/month
• Gender difference: Women earn 92% of men's salaries
• Typical working environment: Shift work in process industry
• Education requirements: High school or post-secondary education in chemistry/engineering

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the role of a Terpentine Distiller, there are good opportunities to advance to positions such as process technician, supervisor, or quality control specialist. Some choose to further their education to become a chemical engineer or work in process development and optimization. The employment agency’s forecasts for chemical process supervisors do not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but signs indicate continued demand, with reports of 481 job openings within the profession. Developments in the chemical industry and increased requirements for environmental and safety competence can enhance the profession’s attractiveness, although automation may lead to changes in tasks in the future.

Frequently asked questions about the Terpentine Distiller

• What is the average salary of a Terpentine Distiller?
  - A Terpentine Distiller has an average salary of 40 500 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Terpentine Distiller?
  - Most commonly, a high school diploma in technology or chemistry, followed by post-secondary education in process technology.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the working environment like for a Terpentine Distiller?
  - The working environment is industrial, with shift work and focus on safe chemical handling.
• What career opportunities are available within the profession?
  - After a few years, one can advance to process technician, supervisor, or further education to become an engineer.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There are 481 job openings within the profession, but no exact forecast due to limited data.
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 42,200 SEK (male, private sector, education ≥3 years), and the lowest is 37,500 SEK (female, private sector, education <3 years).