Oven workers, bakery

32 500 kr

Machine operators, mill, bakery and confectionery industry

30 500 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 108% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Oven workers, bakery

Average salary 32 500 kr
Males 32 100 kr
Females 34 600 kr

What does an oven worker in a bakery do? – Tasks and work environment

An oven worker in a bakery is primarily responsible for operating and monitoring ovens during bread baking and other baked goods. Tasks include loading dough, checking and adjusting oven temperatures, and ensuring baked products are evenly baked and have the right texture. It also involves maintaining and cleaning ovens and following hygiene and safety regulations. The work environment often involves high temperatures, varying working hours, and physical activity, with many working in teams alongside bakers and other production staff.

Salary development over time

The salary for oven workers in bakeries has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32 100 SEK per month, which increased to 34 100 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 6%. During 2024, the average salary has fallen back to 32 500 SEK, corresponding to a decrease of approximately 5% compared to the previous year. This decline can partly be explained by changes in employment forms, increased competition, and a higher influx of new staff with less experience. Despite fluctuations, the salary remains at a stable level, and the profession continues to be in demand within the food industry.

Oven workers in bakeries often develop a very fine sense of both temperature and timing, which allows many to quickly determine when the baked good is perfect without using a timer. This intuitive sense is highly valued by employers and contributes to high product quality.

– statsskuld.se

Oven worker, bakery salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,500 SEK/month (men), 33,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 195 SEK
  • Women's salary as % of men's: 108%

Education and qualifications

To work as an oven worker in a bakery, a high school education in bakery or food is usually required, but practical experience and internal training are also common pathways. Some employers offer introductory training on-site, and supplementary courses in food safety and machinery handling can be advantageous. Basic knowledge of mathematics and Swedish is often required, especially for following recipes and safety routines.

  • High school education: Food program, bakery/pastry specialization (3 years)
  • Practical training: Usually through work-based learning or internship positions
  • Internal training: Introductory programs are often offered at the workplace
  • Certificates/courses: Food hygiene and machine safety are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic Swedish and mathematics skills

Common benefits and compensations

Oven workers in the bakery industry are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized meals. Other common compensations include extra pay for weekend work, work clothing, and opportunities for further training within the company.

Competition and challenges

Competition for oven worker positions varies depending on region and labor market needs. Larger cities with many bakeries and industrial bakeries may have less competition, while smaller towns might have fewer available positions. One of the main challenges is the physical demands and high pace, especially during early mornings or late evenings. Digitalization and automation of bakery processes have also changed the role, requiring adaptability and technical skills. Nevertheless, demand for experienced oven workers remains stable due to increasing consumption of fresh baked goods.

Tips for those wanting to become an oven worker in a bakery

To succeed as an oven worker, it is important to be meticulous and have a strong sense of detail, as small deviations can affect the final product. Good physical endurance is essential, as the work often involves heavy lifting and standing for long periods. Flexibility and teamwork skills are highly valued, especially in larger bakeries where the team is central to production. An interest in food safety and hygiene is also crucial, as these are fundamental to the profession. Technical interest facilitates handling modern ovens and equipment. Additionally, managing stress and working efficiently under pressure are advantageous. Finally, engagement and willingness to learn new skills are appreciated, as the industry is constantly evolving.

Key facts about Oven Worker, bakery

  • Salary range: 30,500–34,600 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school, often bakery specialization
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, high temperatures, shift work
  • Gender salary difference: Women earn 108% of men's salary
  • Job openings: 1,437 positions in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience as an oven worker in a bakery, opportunities open for more advanced roles such as supervisor, production manager, or specialized machine operator. Some choose to further educate as a baker or pastry chef, while others move into training or quality control within the food industry. The outlook for the job market remains good, with 1,437 job openings in the profession according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Digitalization and technological development influence the role, but the need for skilled oven workers is expected to persist, especially in larger bakeries and food companies.

Frequently asked questions about Oven Worker, bakery

  • What does an oven worker in a bakery earn?
    - The average salary is 32 500 SEK per month, ranging from 30,500 to 34,600 SEK.
  • What are the gender differences within the profession?
    - Women earn on average 34,600 SEK and men 32 100 SEK, meaning women earn 108% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become an oven worker in a bakery?
    - High school education in bakery/food is most common, but practical experience and internal training also occur.
  • What are typical work environment factors for the profession?
    - Work in high temperatures, physically demanding tasks, and shift work are common.
  • What are the career opportunities?
    - Opportunities to advance to supervisor, production technician, or further education as a baker/pastry chef.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Salary and demand may vary depending on region and bakery size.
  • How many job openings are available in the profession?
    - Approximately 1437 positions are available according to current statistics.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Oven workers, bakery is 34600 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same highest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Oven workers, bakery is 30500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 116% 29200 kr 30700 kr
35-44 97% 31600 kr 35500 kr
45-54 108% 29500 kr 32600 kr
55-64 107% 30400 kr 33100 kr
Snitt 108% 29300 kr 32500 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 Oven workers, bakery has the SSYK code 8163, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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