Soap machine operator

36 500 kr

Machine operators, pharmaceutical products

35 600 - 38 600 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Soap machine operator

Average salary 36 500 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 36 600 kr

What does a soap machine operator do? – Tasks and working environment

A soap machine operator plays a central role in the production of soaps and hygiene products within the chemical-technical industry. Tasks include monitoring, controlling, and optimizing automated machines that mix, shape, and package soap products. Regular quality checks are performed to ensure the final product meets standards and safety requirements. The working environment is often fast-paced, precise, and involves some physical work, such as heavy lifting and working near machinery. Safety regulations are important to follow, and protective equipment is used daily to minimize exposure to chemicals and mechanical risks.

Salary development over time

The salary for a soap machine operator has shown some fluctuations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35100 SEK, increasing to 37100 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a slight decrease to 36 500 SEK, corresponding to about a 1.6 % reduction. This variation may reflect temporary changes in demand, production volumes, or industry negotiations. Over time, the profession has maintained a relatively stable salary level, with no significant differences between genders, and employers in both private and public sectors offer similar conditions. Although soap machine operators are part of a broader occupational group, salary development is mainly influenced by overall industry trends and technological advancements.

Soap machine operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (men), 35,800 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (men), 38,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 219 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn as much as men
  • Regional differences: Small; highest salaries are found in regional sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a soap machine operator, a high school education in industrial or process engineering is usually required, often complemented with on-the-job training. Practical skills and technical understanding are highly valued, and some employers may require experience in machine operation or relevant certifications. There are also opportunities to enhance skills through short courses or internships.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs, 3 years
  • On-the-job training: Common upon employment
  • Certifications: Meritorious at certain workplaces
  • Internship: Often part of education or introduction
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and attention to detail

Soap machine operators often work in teams where collaboration and communication are crucial for smooth production. Good team spirit and problem-solving skills are therefore important qualities for success in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Soap machine operators are often offered collective agreement benefits such as additional pension contributions, wellness allowances, and insurance. Other common compensations include shift and overtime premiums for working inconvenient hours, as well as opportunities for further training and skill development within the company.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a soap machine operator is generally moderate, but job availability can vary depending on the region and economic climate. A challenge in the profession is that production processes are becoming increasingly automated, requiring higher technical competence and problem-solving skills. Safety standards and quality requirements are high, meaning accuracy and responsibility are vital traits. Limited data makes it difficult to make precise predictions about future recruitment needs, but currently, there are 1,437 available jobs in the occupational group.

Tips for those aspiring to become a soap machine operator

To succeed as a soap machine operator, it is beneficial to have a genuine technical interest and the ability to quickly learn new machines and processes. Precision is critical, as small mistakes can affect both quality and safety. Being resilient under stress and able to handle multiple tasks under time pressure is an advantage in an industrial environment. Teamwork skills are appreciated, as work often occurs in teams where clear communication is important to avoid downtime. Flexibility and willingness to work shifts can also be advantageous, as production often runs around the clock. It is recommended to seek internships during high school to gain insight into the industry and make valuable contacts. Finally, a sense of responsibility and the ability to follow safety routines are crucial qualities for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about soap machine operators

  • Average salary: 36 500 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 35,600–38,600 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school with technical or industrial focus
  • Work environment: Industrial production, often shift work
  • Available jobs in the profession: 1,437

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, opportunities exist to take on more advanced roles such as team leader, process manager, or trainer for new colleagues. Specialization in machine maintenance or quality control is also possible. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that, due to limited statistical data, there is no definitive assessment of future prospects for this specific job title, but demand remains stable for pharmaceutical product machine operators with many vacancies. The trend toward more automated and technologically advanced processes may increase the need for further education, but also offers opportunities for roles with greater responsibility and variety.

Frequently asked questions about soap machine operators

  • What is the average salary of a soap machine operator?
    - The average salary is 36 500 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women and men generally earn the same within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a soap machine operator?
    - High school education in industrial technology or process engineering is most common, preferably with practical training.
  • What is the working environment like for a soap machine operator?
    - The environment is industrial, often involving shift work and high safety standards.
  • How many job openings are there in the profession?
    - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings for pharmaceutical product machine operators.
  • How has the salary developed in recent years?
    - Salaries have ranged between 35100 SEK and 37100 SEK, with a slight decrease in the past year.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Possible paths include team leader, quality manager, or specialist in machine maintenance.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Soap machine operator is 38600 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 38300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Soap machine operator is 35600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 35800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 103% 25700 kr 32700 kr
25-34 100% 29600 kr 35800 kr
35-44 99% 31700 kr 37400 kr
45-54 97% 32800 kr 38400 kr
55-64 98% 33800 kr 39000 kr
Snitt 100% 30500 kr 36500 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 Soap machine operator has the SSYK code 8131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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