Image that illustrates Thermoformers, plastic

Thermoformers, plastic

33 200 kr

Machine operators, plastics industry

31 500 - 35 700 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Thermoformers, plastic

Average salary 33 200 kr
Males 33 900 kr
Females 31 800 kr

What does a thermoformer in the plastics industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A thermoformer in plastics primarily works with processing plastic materials through various heat processes to shape parts and products according to specific requirements. Tasks include monitoring and adjusting machines, preparing materials, checking product quality, and performing basic maintenance of equipment. Often, work with drawings, machine programming, and documentation is involved. The work environment is often industrial and may involve shift work, with elements of noise, heat, and sometimes chemical handling, requiring precision and safety awareness.

Salary development over time

The salary for a thermoformer in the plastics industry has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month, rising the following year to 32 000. In 2024, the average salary is 33 200, representing an increase of just over 7% during this period. The salary development reflects a combination of increased demand for technically skilled operators and general industry wage adjustments, although technological advances and automation may influence salary potential in the future. Differences in education level and work experience continue to play a crucial role in salary levels.

Thermoformer, plastics salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 200 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 31 800 SEK (94% of men's salary), men 33 900 SEK
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a thermoformer in the plastics industry, a technical high school education with a focus on industry, production, or plastics is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with additional courses or certifications in plastics processing, machine safety, or quality control. Practical experience is highly valued and can often compensate for formal education, especially for those demonstrating technical understanding and precision.

  • Technical high school education: 3 years, preferably with a focus on industrial technology or plastics
  • Certifications/courses: Examples include plastics processing, machine safety, or quality control
  • Internship/trainee: Practical experience through APL or trainee programs is often advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical knowledge and good understanding of drawings
  • Tips for choosing: Combining education and practical experience increases employability

Many plastics thermoformers have the opportunity to work with the very latest in automation and robotics technology. This makes the profession particularly exciting for those who want to be involved in industry technological development and develop broad technical skills.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, allowances for unsocial hours, shift work, and overtime are often offered. Many employers in the plastics industry also provide wellness contributions, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. Union agreements provide security regarding insurances, pensions, and the work environment.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a plastics thermoformer varies by region and economic climate. Despite there being 1,437 available jobs nationally, recruitment difficulties are reported due to a lack of the right skills. Automation and technological development increase demands for technical knowledge, which can make it harder for less experienced applicants to establish themselves. At the same time, many leave the profession, opening opportunities for new workers but also requiring continuous skills development.

Tips for those who want to become a thermoformer in the plastics industry

To succeed as a thermoformer in the plastics industry, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility. Gaining practical experience early, such as through internships or summer jobs, provides valuable knowledge and contacts. Analytical skills facilitate troubleshooting and quality checks, while patience and perseverance are needed to handle repetitive tasks and shift work. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new technology are also advantageous, as the industry develops rapidly. Finally, teamwork skills are appreciated, as work often occurs in teams requiring good communication with colleagues and management.

Key facts about Thermoformers in plastics

  • Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
  • Educational requirements: Technical high school education recommended
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work and machine handling
  • Future prospects: Good job opportunities today, but demand may decrease long-term
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a plastics thermoformer, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as supervisor, production technician, or quality manager. Specializations in machine programming or maintenance offer further career options. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job prospects in the profession are strong today, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to increased automation and technological progress. Nonetheless, recruitment difficulties persist, indicating that in-demand skills continue to have favorable employment prospects.

Frequently asked questions about Thermoformers in plastics

  • What is the average salary of a thermoformer in plastics?
    - The average salary is 33 200 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a thermoformer in plastics?
    - A technical high school education with a focus on industry or plastics is recommended.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for a thermoformer in plastics?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful today, but demand is expected to decrease in the long term.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 35,700 SEK and the lowest is 31,500 SEK per month.
  • What tasks are included?
    - Monitoring machines, material handling, quality control, and basic maintenance.
  • What are common benefits?
    - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and union insurances are common benefits.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Thermoformers, plastic is 35700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Thermoformers, plastic is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Regional sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33500 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 30400 kr
25-34 95% 30900 kr 33900 kr
35-44 95% 31400 kr 34000 kr
45-54 91% 31000 kr 33400 kr
55-64 91% 31400 kr 33600 kr
Snitt 94% 30600 kr 33200 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 Thermoformers, plastic has the SSYK code 8142, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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