Washing machine attendant

27 800 kr

Machine operators, bleaching, dyeing and washing

23 400 - 30 000 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Washing machine attendant

Average salary 27 800 kr
Males 27 700 kr
Females 27 900 kr

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

A washing machine operator is responsible for monitoring and managing machines within industrial laundry, often at larger laundries or process industries. Tasks include loading and unloading machines, checking the washing process, dosing chemicals, and ensuring equipment functions correctly. The role also involves basic maintenance, fault reporting, and following safety routines. The work environment is characterized by a high pace, noise, and handling heavy lifts, where protective gear and ergonomic aids are important to prevent injuries.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary development for washing machine operators has been relatively stable, with a noticeable increase between 2023 and 2024. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, which slightly decreased to 26 500 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the average salary increased to 27 800 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 4.9 % compared to the previous year. This rise can partly be explained by adjustments for inflation and increased demand for industrial laundry in certain regions. Salary levels are also influenced by collective agreements and the labor market's need for machine operators in laundry and dyeing industries. Compared to some other industrial professions, the salary growth is somewhat slower, but the profession still shows a positive trend.

Washing machine operator salary – full 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 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women 27 900 SEK, men 27 700 SEK (practically the same)
  • Regional differences: Limited data, but some variation between public and private sectors

Education and qualifications

Working as a washing machine operator typically requires a high school education in industrial technology, processing, or equivalent, but many employers also offer internal training. Practical experience with machines, maintenance, and work environment regulations is valuable. Some workplaces may require specific certificates for chemical handling or occupational safety.

  • High school education: Industrial technology program or similar, 2–3 years
  • Internal training: Introduction and practical training are often provided at the workplace
  • Certificates: Occupational safety and chemical handling courses may be required
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical interest
  • Tips for choosing: Select schools with strong links to industry for internships

Many washing machine operators quickly gain broad experience in machine technology, which can open doors to other roles within industrial production, maintenance, or logistics. The varied daily work and hands-on tasks make the profession suitable for those who enjoy seeing tangible results of their work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Washing machine operators are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, insurance, shift allowances, and sometimes wellness contributions. Some employers also provide work clothing, subsidized lunches, or opportunities for further training within the company. Compensation for shift work and overtime is common in the industry.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions as a washing machine operator varies between regions and employers, but there is generally stable demand for skills in larger cities and industrial areas. A challenge is that the work environment can be physically demanding, with repetitive movements and heavy lifting. Technological development and automation also require adaptability and some technical understanding. A lack of experienced personnel can sometimes lead to increased opportunities for new hires, but quick learning and precision are often required to meet quality and safety standards.

Tips for those who want to become a washing machine operator

To succeed as a washing machine operator, it’s good to be meticulous and interested in technology, as the work requires handling machines safely and efficiently. Physical endurance is a big advantage since the work environment often involves heavy lifts and standing for long periods. Being solution-oriented helps when unexpected problems arise with machines or processes. Social skills facilitate teamwork and contribute to a good work environment. Flexibility is important because tasks can vary depending on the workplace and production needs. An interest in order and safety reduces the risk of accidents. Lastly, a willingness to learn new things is helpful, as technological development can quickly change work methods and equipment.

Key facts about washing machine operators

  • Salary range: 23,400–30,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, often with internal training
  • Work pattern: Shift work is common, including day and evening shifts
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the occupational group (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a washing machine operator, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, maintenance technician, or production assistant within industry. Some choose to specialize in machine maintenance or quality control, which can lead to higher responsibility and salary. Projections from the Employment Service show a stable number of job openings within the occupational group, although detailed future assessments are lacking for this specific role. Technological development and automation may change work tasks over time, but the need for personnel to monitor and maintain machines remains. Those open to further education may consider transitioning to other machine operator roles or process technology as a next step.

Common questions about washing machine operators

  • What does a washing machine operator earn?
    - A washing machine operator has an average salary of 27 800 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development looked for washing machine operators?
    - The salary development has been stable with an increase from 26,600 SEK (2022) to 27 800 SEK (2024).
  • Is education required to become a washing machine operator?
    - High school education in industry or technology is recommended, often with internal training at the workplace.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - No, men and women earn approximately the same within the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for washing machine operators?
    - There are 1,437 available jobs within the occupational group according to current statistics.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for washing machine operators?
    - The highest salary is 30,000 SEK, and the lowest is 23,400 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Washing machine attendant is 30000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 28600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Washing machine attendant is 23400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 25200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 23800 kr 25600 kr
25-34 98% 26700 kr 28200 kr
35-44 99% 25900 kr 27400 kr
45-54 101% 26900 kr 28100 kr
55-64 97% 28100 kr 28900 kr
Snitt 100% 26500 kr 27800 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 Washing machine attendant has the SSYK code 8151, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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