- Salary statistics
- Text and image operator
Text and image operator
31 800 - 37 800 kr / month
Women earn 85% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Text and image operator
What does a text and image operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A text and image operator primarily works with editing, layout, and customizing text and images for print or digital publishing. The role is often found within publishing houses, printing companies, advertising agencies, and newspaper editorial offices, where the operator ensures that the material meets both technical and aesthetic quality standards. The work requires good knowledge of layout software, image editing, and color management. The environment is usually office-based, but workload can vary depending on production schedules and deadlines. Collaboration with graphic designers, editors, and printing technicians is common, and precision as well as problem-solving skills are crucial in the profession.
Salary development over time
The salary development for text and image operators has remained relatively stable over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 34 700 SEK, representing a minor decline of about 0.3% compared to the previous year. Overall, salaries have increased by approximately 5% over the three-year period, reflecting ongoing demand for the profession but also influenced by market conditions and technological changes within the graphic industry. Salary variations can also be explained by differences in education level, experience, and type of employer, with private sector employees often earning slightly higher wages than others.
Text and image operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Hourly wage (average): 209 SEK/hour
- Women's average salary: 31 900 SEK/month (85% of men's salary)
- Men's average salary: 37 700 SEK/month
Education and qualifications
Becoming a text and image operator often involves completing a high school program in graphic technology, with opportunities for further education at vocational colleges or universities in graphic production, media production, or related fields. Practical experience with layout and image editing software is highly valuable, and many employers also request a portfolio or work samples. Education programs vary in length and content, but all focus on technical skills and the ability to collaborate within the production chain.
- High school: Graphic technology or media program (3 years)
- Vocational college: Graphic production, media production (2 years)
- Courses/certifications: Adobe Creative Suite, color management, prepress
- Internships: Often required or highly advantageous
- Prerequisites: Basic IT and image editing skills
- Tips for choosing: Combine education with internships for increased employability
Technological changes and automation have transformed the profession, but text and image operators with broad digital competence and the ability to handle new publishing platforms now have greater opportunities for development and specialization compared to just a few years ago.
Common benefits and compensation
Text and image operators are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and opportunities for skill development in digital tools. Other common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, and subsidized lunches, especially at larger employers.
Competition and challenges
The job market for text and image operators is characterized by some competition, especially in larger cities where many employers are established. Automation and digitalization have increased demands for technical skills and quick adaptation. At the same time, industry development offers opportunities for those who stay updated on new software and digital workflows. A challenge is that skill requirements change rapidly, and employers often seek experience in both print and digital production. For long-term success, continuous training and a broad technical knowledge are essential.
Tips for aspiring text and image operators
To succeed as a text and image operator, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with precision and teamwork skills. Learning the most common layout and image editing programs early provides an advantage, and building a portfolio with work samples during education is wise. Flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are important, especially during fast-paced productions and tight deadlines. Good communication facilitates collaboration with other roles in the production process. Ongoing professional development and actively following industry technological advances increase chances of employment and career growth.
Key facts about the Text and Image Operator profession
- Salary range: 31,800–37,800 SEK/month
- Education level: High school or vocational college with a focus on graphics
- Work environment: Office-based, often fast-paced
- Job market: 1,437 available jobs (May 2024)
- Gender difference: Women earn 85% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a text and image operator can develop into a specialist in digital publishing, a production manager, or take on roles such as technical project manager in graphic production. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for prepress technicians and printers indicate that there is currently insufficient data for a detailed outlook. However, with 1,437 available jobs, there is some demand. Those who continuously upgrade their skills and expand into new media and technical solutions have good opportunities for employment and advancement.
Frequently asked questions about the Text and Image Operator profession
- What is the average salary of a text and image operator?
- A text and image operator has an average salary of 34 700 SEK per month. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a text and image operator?
- The highest salary is 37,800 SEK, and the lowest is 31,800 SEK per month. - What are the gender differences in salaries for a text and image operator?
- Women earn on average 85% of what men do in the profession. - What education is required to become a text and image operator?
- High school education with a focus on graphics or vocational college is recommended. - What does the job market look like for a text and image operator?
- There are 1,437 available jobs in the profession of prepress technicians and printers. - What are the most common workplaces for a text and image operator?
- Common workplaces include printing houses, publishing companies, advertising agencies, and newspaper editorial offices.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 35900 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 34400 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34800 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35500 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36200 kr | 36200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 36100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 35800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34800 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35500 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 36200 kr | 36200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 36100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 35800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 35900 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 34400 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 35900 kr | 36300 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 34400 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 85% | 37100 kr | 37700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 35700 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 34500 kr | 34500 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 34900 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 35700 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 34500 kr | 34500 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 34900 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 37200 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 37200 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 85% | 31800 kr | 31900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34800 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36500 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 37700 kr | 37700 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 36500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34800 kr | 34800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36500 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 37700 kr | 37700 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 36500 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 31700 kr | 31800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 31700 kr | 31800 kr |
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 Text and image operator has the SSYK code 7321, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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