Washing machine

What does a laundry machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A laundry machine operator is responsible for operating and monitoring industrial washing machines in settings such as laundries, hospitals, or industries. Tasks include sorting and preparing textiles, setting up machines, overseeing the washing process, troubleshooting issues, inspecting the quality of the washed goods, and sometimes performing basic maintenance. The work environment is often humid and warm with a fast pace, and tasks are performed both independently and in teams to handle large quantities of textiles efficiently.

Salary development over time

The salary for laundry machine operators has shown a relatively stable but positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, a slight increase from previous years. In 2023, there was a minor decrease to 26 500 SEK before the salary recovered and rose to 27 800 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to approximately 4.9% growth from 2023 to 2024. The wage increase can partly be explained by increased demand on the labor market and the need to attract workers to physically demanding environments. Despite some fluctuations, the trend is slightly upward, indicating a stable salary structure for the profession.

Laundry machine operator salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 167 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women earn: 27 900 SEK/month
• Men earn: 27 700 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Women and men practically earn equal wages within the profession
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on city size, rural areas, and whether the employer is public or private

Education and qualifications

To work as a laundry machine operator, usually no higher formal education is required, but high school education in industry, technology, or equivalent is often advantageous. Many employers offer internal training and orientation programs for new hires. Practical experience and the ability to handle machines are important qualities, and some workplaces may require specific certifications related to safety and machinery.

• Education: High school diploma, often in technology or industrial programs (2–3 years)
• Introduction: Internal on-the-job training
• Certifications: Safety and environmental training can be advantageous
• Internship: Workplace-based internships or traineeships are common
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and familiarity with machinery facilitate work

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for laundry machine operators include shift differentials for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, and sometimes work clothing and subsidized meals at the workplace. Several employers also offer opportunities for skills development and internal training to improve safety and job satisfaction.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a laundry machine operator varies by region and economic conditions, but the profession generally has stable demand due to the industry's need for clean textiles. Challenges include physically demanding work in environments with heat, humidity, and repetitive movements, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, automation and technological development are affecting the role; technical understanding is increasing as machines become more advanced. Work environment requirements and hygiene routines are strictly regulated, placing high demands on accuracy and responsibility from employees.

Tips for those interested in becoming a laundry machine operator

To succeed as a laundry machine operator, it is good to have a careful and structured approach to work, as the quality of the washed goods is often critical for customer satisfaction. Technical interest makes it easier to quickly understand machine functions and solve minor problems. Endurance and good physical condition are helpful in environments with heavy lifting and repetitive tasks. Flexibility and teamwork skills are also valuable when tasks shift between different stations. Lastly, an interest in order and safety is important, as hygiene standards are high and machines require proper handling to avoid accidents.

Key facts about laundry machine operators

• Education level: High school diploma, often in technology or industry
• Work environment: Humid, warm, and sometimes noisy industrial setting
• Work pattern: Shift work is common, both full-time and part-time options exist
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Equal pay for women and men

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a laundry machine operator can advance to team leader or production supervisor within laundry or textile industries, especially if technical interest and leadership skills develop. The Employment Service makes no specific forecast for laundry machine operators due to limited data, but the general outlook for machine operators in bleaching, dyeing, and washing indicates continued stable demand. Opportunities also exist for further training in related roles such as machine operators in other industries or maintenance technicians. The broad experience in logistics, quality assurance, and machine handling is valuable and sought after in various parts of industry.

Frequently asked questions about laundry machine operators

• What does a laundry machine operator earn?
  - A laundry machine operator has an average salary of 27 800 SEK per month, with variations based on experience and employer.
• How do gender differences look for laundry machine operator salaries?
  - Women and men practically earn the same within the profession, with women earning 27 900 SEK and men 27 700 SEK on average.
• What education is required to become a laundry machine operator?
  - High school education in technology or industry is often advantageous, but internal training is common.
• Are there many job openings for laundry machine operators?
  - There are approximately 1,437 job openings within the occupational group of machine operators for washing, bleaching, and dyeing.
• What is the work environment like for laundry machine operators?
  - The work environment is often warm, humid, and can be noisy, requiring good physical condition and attention to detail.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a laundry machine operator?
  - The highest reported salary is 30,000 SEK per month, and the lowest is 23,400 SEK per month.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - No specific forecasts are available, but the profession is considered to have stable demand and employment prospects.