Crochet machine operator

What does a Virkmaskinskötare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Virkmaskinskötare is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining knitting machines within the textile industry. Tasks include starting, stopping, and adjusting machines, overseeing production, identifying and fixing errors, and ensuring the final product meets quality standards. The work often takes place in larger textile factories or smaller workshops where the environment can be noisy and fast-paced. Precision and technical knowledge are required to handle the equipment safely and efficiently, and the work environment involves both independent work and collaboration with colleagues and technicians.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Virkmaskinskötare has been stable but positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 29 600 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 7%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 400 SEK, an increase of just over 2.7% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects both general wage adjustments within the industry and a gradually increasing demand for technically skilled machine operators. At the same time, factors such as automation, regional competition, and the availability of qualified textile workers influence salary trends.

Virkmaskinskötare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 31 200 SEK, women 29 700 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is not available for this profession

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Virkmaskinskötare typically involves high school education in industrial technology or textiles, often supplemented with practical training or on-the-job training. Formal requirements vary, but technical interest and some experience with machinery are often advantageous. Employers often seek candidates who are precise, responsible, and have good problem-solving skills.

• High school education: Industrial technology program or textile education, 2–3 years
• Practical training: Often internship or trainee periods during or after education
• On-the-job training: Common at most workplaces
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic machine knowledge recommended
• Certifications: Specific certificates are rarely required but may be needed by some employers

Common benefits and compensations

Besides the base salary, Virkmaskinskötare often receive benefits such as overtime pay, shift allowances, wellness contributions, and collective agreement benefits. Many employers also provide wellness grants, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. Occupational pensions and collective insurance schemes are standard in both private and public sectors within this profession.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Virkmaskinskötare is characterized by relatively low competition in the job market but is affected by technological advances and increased automation within the textile industry. Challenges may include the need for continuous skills development, especially when new machines or digital systems are introduced. Since the profession is often part of a broader occupational group, it can be difficult to get an exact picture of demand, but indications point to a stable need for experienced machine operators. Physical strain, monotonous tasks, and shift work are other factors that can impact the work environment and long-term job satisfaction.

Tips for those who want to become a Virkmaskinskötare

To succeed as a Virkmaskinskötare, it is beneficial to combine precision with a strong sense of technical details, as machines and materials require careful handling. A genuine interest in technology and problem-solving makes it easier when machines need adjustment or errors occur. Being responsible and independent is important, as the work often involves self-monitoring and controlling the production. Collaboration skills are also valued, especially when communicating with technicians and colleagues in production. An open mind for new work methods and a willingness to continuously learn about machines and textile materials provides good opportunities for development. Flexibility and patience make it easier to handle shift work and potentially monotonous tasks. Finally, a prospective Virkmaskinskötare should be prepared to take responsibility for safety and quality throughout the production chain.

Key facts about Virkmaskinskötare

• Education level: High school education (industrial technology or textiles)
• Work environment: Factory environment with shift work and technical equipment
• Demand: Total 1,437 available jobs in 2024
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
• Special skills: Machinery technology and material knowledge

Career paths and future outlook

After gaining some years of experience as a Virkmaskinskötare, opportunities open for roles such as supervisor, production planner, or technician within the textile industry. Specialized knowledge in machine maintenance or quality control can also pave the way for further education or more advanced tasks. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no exact assessment is made for Virkmaskinskötare due to limited data, but the broader group of machine operators within textiles, leather, and fur shows continued demand with over 1,400 available positions nationwide. Digitalization and automation may, however, change skill requirements and create a need for ongoing training. For those considering a career change, related professions such as textile machine operator, maintenance technician, or quality inspector are natural alternatives.

Frequently asked questions about Virkmaskinskötare

• What does a Virkmaskinskötare earn?
  - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 183 SEK.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Men earn an average of 31 200 SEK and women 29 700 SEK; women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Virkmaskinskötare?
  - High school education in industrial technology or textiles is most common, often with practical training.
• Are there many job openings for Virkmaskinskötare?
  - In the profession, there were 1,437 available jobs during 2024.
• What tasks does a Virkmaskinskötare perform?
  - Monitoring, operating, and maintaining knitting machines as well as quality control of the production.
• What are the future prospects?
  - No exact forecast for the profession, but the broader group shows stable demand.
• What benefits are common?
  - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and collective agreement benefits are typical.