What does a Printing Supervisor do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A printing supervisor acts as a team leader within the printing industry and is responsible for planning, leading, and following up on production in the printing plant. The role involves coordinating work teams, ensuring quality standards and delivery deadlines, as well as optimizing resource utilization. The printing supervisor often interacts with both clients and suppliers to ensure that production meets the required specifications and customer expectations. The work environment is largely industrial, involving both office work and presence on the production floor, where the pace is often fast and flexibility is crucial.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for a printing supervisor has increased gradually in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,100 SEK per month, rising to 44,500 SEK the following year. In 2024, the average salary is 46 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7% over three years. The positive trend is linked to increased demand for qualified leadership in manufacturing, as well as a greater need for technical skills and efficient production management. Some influence from inflation and general industry wage adjustments has also contributed. Despite a relatively stable job market, regional differences exist, with larger cities often offering slightly higher salaries due to bigger printing facilities and higher production volumes.
Printing Supervisor Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 46 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 51,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 277 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men 46 500 SEK, women 44 200 SEK (women earn 95% of what men do)
- Regional differences: Higher salaries in larger cities/regions with bigger printing facilities
Education and Qualifications
To work as a printing supervisor, a post-secondary education in graphic technology, production, or related fields is usually required. Many employers also value experience from the printing industry and leadership experience. Practical understanding of production processes, quality assurance, and work management are central qualifications. Additional courses or certifications are often sought to stay updated with the latest technological developments.
- Post-secondary education: 2–3 years in graphic technology, production, or similar
- Certifications: Courses in leadership, quality assurance, production management
- Internship/Trainee: Practical experience in the printing industry is advantageous
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with a technical focus
- Tips: Combine technical education with leadership courses for the best chances of employment
Many printing supervisors have practical experience from the production floor, which provides a deep understanding of machinery and workflows. This background makes it easier to gain respect among colleagues and to quickly resolve technical problems that may arise in daily work.
Common Benefits and Compensation
In addition to the fixed monthly salary, benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours are often offered. Some employers also provide training grants, subsidized lunches, or staff discounts. Bonuses or performance-based compensation may occur, especially upon achieving production targets.
Competition and Challenges
The role of a printing supervisor is competitive, especially in regions with many printing companies or where the graphic industry is strongly represented. Digitalization and automation increase the demand for technical skills, while the number of traditional print shops declines. Challenges often involve balancing high productivity with maintaining quality and a good working environment, as well as quickly adapting production to changing customer demands. Leadership skills and flexibility are crucial for success. Staying updated on new technology and production efficiencies is an important success factor.
Tips for Aspiring Printing Supervisors
To succeed as a printing supervisor, it is beneficial to combine technical knowledge with a structured work approach. Leadership skills are central, as the role requires motivating teams and ensuring production goals. Being communicative and solution-oriented facilitates collaboration with staff and clients, while analytical skills help quickly identify and resolve problems in production. Flexibility is valuable since the workday is often varied and fast-paced. Finally, demonstrating engagement in both technology and people creates trust and contributes to a good working environment.
Key Facts about Printing Supervisor
- Salary range: 41,900–51,500 SEK/month
- Average salary: 46 100 SEK/month
- Education level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years)
- Work environment: Production-oriented, often industrial
- Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
Career Paths and Future Prospects
After 3–5 years as a printing supervisor, there are opportunities to advance to production manager, operations leader, or other leadership roles within manufacturing. Technological development and digitalization of the printing industry also open paths toward specialist roles in production technology or quality management. According to the Employment Service, the job market is stable, with strong demand for manufacturing supervisors. Those combining technical skills with leadership and adaptability have particularly good prospects, especially in larger cities and regions with a concentration of printing companies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Printing Supervisor
- What does a Printing Supervisor earn?
- A printing supervisor has an average salary of 46 100 SEK per month, with a range between 41,900 SEK and 51,500 SEK.
- What is required to become a Printing Supervisor?
- A post-secondary education in graphic technology or production, often combined with leadership training and experience from the printing industry.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn an average of 46 500 SEK while women earn 44 200 SEK, which corresponds to 95% of men's salaries.
- What does the job market look like for Printing Supervisors?
- Currently, there are 1,437 job openings within the profession, indicating strong demand.
- What are the career development opportunities?
- After a few years, there is potential to advance to production manager, operations leader, or specialist roles within production technology.
- What education level is required?
- Usually, a post-secondary education of 2–3 years in a relevant field is needed.
- How does the region influence salary?
- Salaries are generally higher in larger cities and regions with bigger printing facilities.
