Image that illustrates Wiper, paper

Wiper, paper

41 000 kr

Process operators, paper

37 600 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Wiper, paper

Average salary 41 000 kr
Males 41 500 kr
Females 39 100 kr

What does a paper dryer do? – Tasks and work environment

A paper dryer works in the process industry and is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the drying process during paper manufacturing. The tasks mainly involve ensuring that the pulp is dried to the correct moisture content and quality, which is achieved with advanced machines and control systems. Safety and precision are central to the work, as the machines are often large and the process can be sensitive to deviations. The work environment is characterized by shift work, noise, and sometimes high temperatures, requiring both physical endurance and technical knowledge.

Salary development over time

The salary level for a paper dryer has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,400 SEK per month. In 2023, the average salary increased to 40 200 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 4.7%. In 2024, the average salary has further strengthened to 41 000 SEK per month, which is a 2% increase from the previous year. This salary development reflects a certain demand for the occupational group, as well as the industry's investment in technological development and skill enhancement. Despite some uncertainty about future automation and digitalization, the need for experienced process operators in paper remains stable.

Paper dryer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
  • Women: 39 100 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
  • Men: 41 500 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, variations occur between locations

Education and qualifications

To work as a paper dryer, a high school education with a focus on process or industrial technology is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience from similar industrial work or who have completed internal training. Practical experience is highly valued, and there are opportunities to build on your skills through courses and certifications tailored for the process industry.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
  • Certifications: Safety courses and machine operator certificates
  • Internship: Often internship or trainee positions during education
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physical condition
  • Tips: Vocational higher education in process and paper industry provides competitive advantages

Working as a paper dryer often involves close collaboration with other roles in production. The ability to communicate clearly and solve problems together with colleagues is therefore a great asset in the workplace.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Paper dryers are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to overtime pay for shift work, extra compensation for inconvenient working hours, and access to wellness allowances. It is common to have occupational pensions, insurance, and sometimes bonuses based on production results. Some employers also offer training support and subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a paper dryer is characterized by some competition, especially in regions where paper mills are dominant employers. Automation and digitalization of production processes may mean fewer new positions are created, while higher demands are placed on technical competence and adaptability. Physically demanding tasks and shift work can also pose challenges for many. Nevertheless, good opportunities still exist for those with the right education and willingness to continue learning as the industry develops. Women are underrepresented in the profession, and salary differences between genders exist, making gender equality issues still relevant.

Tips for those who want to become a paper dryer

To succeed as a paper dryer, it is good to have a strong sense of accuracy and safety, as the work often takes place in environments where mistakes can have serious consequences. An interest in technology is helpful, especially since the machines are advanced and require understanding of both mechanics and control systems. Collaboration skills are important because the work is done in teams where communication must function smoothly. Flexibility is also an asset, as shift work and changes in production are common. Initiative and willingness to learn new things are appreciated by employers, especially when new technical solutions are introduced. Good physical endurance is needed to handle long shifts, and a positive attitude towards working in an industrial environment improves the chances of thriving and developing.

Key facts about paper dryers

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest/highest salary: 37,600–42,200 SEK/month
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of men's salary
  • Education level: High school education, preferably with an industrial focus
  • Job openings: Approximately 1,437 positions within the occupational group

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a paper dryer, there are opportunities to advance to more responsible roles such as process manager, supervisor, or operations technician. For those who further their education, options include production technology, maintenance, or quality management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, it is not possible to give an exact assessment of future prospects for this specific role, as data is limited. However, statistics show that there are a total of 1,437 job openings within the process operator group in paper, indicating continued demand. Ongoing technological development and generational change are also expected to create new opportunities for those willing to develop along with the industry.

Frequently asked questions about paper dryers

  • What does a paper dryer earn?
    - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, with a range between 37,600 and 42,200 SEK.
  • What is the difference between men's and women's salaries?
    - Men earn an average of 41 500 SEK, women 39 100 SEK, which means women earn approximately 94% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a paper dryer?
    - High school education with a focus on industry or process, often supplemented with internships and internal courses.
  • What is the work environment like for a paper dryer?
    - The work environment is industrial with shift work, noise, and sometimes high temperatures.
  • How many job openings are there in the profession?
    - There are approximately 1,437 job openings within the process operator group in paper.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Overtime pay, occupational pension, wellness allowance, and sometimes bonuses or training support.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - No exact forecast exists, but demand remains stable within the occupational group.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Wiper, paper is 42200 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 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Wiper, paper is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 29600 kr 37000 kr
25-34 98% 32100 kr 40300 kr
35-44 100% 33400 kr 41500 kr
45-54 92% 34000 kr 42100 kr
55-64 91% 33800 kr 41600 kr
Snitt 94% 33000 kr 41000 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 Wiper, paper has the SSYK code 8172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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