Unpackers

What does an Unpacker do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An unpacker is responsible for receiving, handling, and unpacking goods or products at warehouses, stores, or other logistics-intensive operations. Tasks often include inspecting deliveries, reporting damages or discrepancies, and placing items in their designated locations according to routines. It is also common to label products, maintain order in the work environment, and sometimes assist with inventory counts. The work is typically carried out in warehouse facilities, distribution centers, or larger retail stores, where the pace can be fast and good physical condition is required to handle heavy lifting and repetitive movements. The work environment is characterized by teamwork, clear routines, and a mix of independent work and team collaboration.

Wage Development Over Time

The salary for unpackers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month, while in 2023 and 2024 it increased to 31 900, representing a wage increase of just over 7% during this period. After the increase from 2022 to 2023, the salary level has remained stable. This development reflects a somewhat increased demand for the profession, while the labor market for unpackers is characterized by a combination of recruitment difficulties and high staff turnover. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as collective agreements and employer sector, with the public sector sometimes offering higher wages for individuals with special qualifications. Overall, the trend indicates stabilization rather than continued rapid growth in the short term.

Unpacker Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 192 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 31,200 SEK, men 32 000 SEK (98% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Varies, but larger cities tend to offer slightly higher salaries

Education and Qualifications

To work as an unpacker, formal education beyond compulsory school or high school is usually not required, but some employers may prefer experience from warehousing, logistics, or retail. Learning often occurs on the job through induction and supervision. Additional courses in, for example, forklift operation or work environment safety can be advantageous and improve employment opportunities.

• High school diploma: Usually in trade, transport, or warehousing
• On-the-job induction: Practical training upon employment
• Possible certifications: Forklift license or safety training can be advantageous
• Practical experience: Previous work in warehousing/logistics is valued
• No formal prerequisites: Often open to beginners and young job seekers

Common Benefits and Compensation

Unpackers are often covered by collective agreements, which include access to occupational pension, insurance, and overtime pay. Many employers also offer wellness contributions, subsidized lunches, or work clothing. Other common benefits include extra pay for unsocial hours, as well as opportunities for further training or internal career progression within larger companies.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for unpackers is characterized by great opportunities, but also a paradoxical recruitment situation with both recruitment difficulties and high staff turnover. Challenges include physically demanding tasks, monotony, and sometimes irregular working hours. The profession is accessible to many, creating competition for the best workplaces, especially in larger cities. At the same time, the work environment can be strenuous during busy periods, demanding endurance and precision. Digitalization and automation also influence the work content, but the need for careful and flexible workers remains.

Tips for Aspiring Unpackers

To succeed as an unpacker, it is good to be thorough and have good physical stamina, as the work often involves heavy lifting and many repetitive tasks. Showing flexibility and the ability to adapt to different tasks and pace changes is a significant advantage, especially during peak seasons. Service-mindedness and teamwork skills are valued by employers, as the job often involves working in teams or close collaboration with store staff. A positive and solution-oriented attitude facilitates handling stressful situations or quick problem-solving. Actively seeking new tasks and showing initiative can lead to more responsibilities or further training. Punctuality and adherence to routines are also important, as deliveries often follow fixed schedules. Lastly, being open to learning new skills, such as obtaining a forklift license or attending internal training, increases chances of permanent employment.

Key Facts about Unpackers

• Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
• Salary range: 31,200–56,700 SEK/month
• Typical employment form: Full-time or hourly employment
• Education requirements: Often no formal education beyond high school
• Demand: Great opportunities for work, especially in larger cities

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as an unpacker, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as warehouse worker with increased responsibility, supervisor, logistics coordinator, or store manager depending on the size of the workplace. Many choose to obtain a forklift license or further education in logistics, which opens doors to more qualified positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the prospects for employment in the profession remain high, with unchanged demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by both high demand and high staff turnover, providing good chances for motivated individuals. Currently, there are 412 job openings in the profession, further underscoring its attractiveness on the labor market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unpackers

• What is the average salary of an Unpacker?
  - An unpacker has an average salary of 31 900 SEK/month.
• How do gender differences look in Unpacker salaries?
  - Men earn 32 000 SEK and women 31,200 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What is the highest salary for an Unpacker?
  - The highest salary is 56,700 SEK/month and belongs to a man in the public sector with post-secondary education.
• Is education required to become an Unpacker?
  - Formal education is rarely necessary, but high school education and warehousing experience are advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for Unpackers?
  - Opportunities for work are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• Are there many job openings for Unpackers?
  - Yes, there are 412 job openings according to the latest data.
• What are the working conditions for Unpackers?
  - Work often takes place in warehouses or stores, involving physically demanding tasks and sometimes irregular hours.