How much does a Cheese operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Cheese operator
Image that illustrates Cheese operator

Cheese operator

35 000 kr

Machine operators, dairy

34 700 - 38 600 kr / month

Women earn 104% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cheese operator

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 34 700 kr
Females 36 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a cheese factory operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A cheese factory operator primarily works with the production of cheese and other dairy products on an industrial scale. Tasks include monitoring and controlling the processes in the cheese plant, handling cheese-making machinery, inspecting raw materials, and following quality routines and hygiene standards. The work often takes place in production environments that can be cold and noisy, with high demands on accuracy, cleanliness, and safety. A cheese factory operator collaborates closely with other operators, technicians, and quality managers to ensure products meet high standards.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary levels for cheese factory operators have shown a clear increase. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, while both 2023 and 2024 saw an increase to 35 000 SEK. This corresponds to an approximate 10% increase between 2022 and 2023, with salaries stabilizing at the higher level thereafter. The development can be explained by increased demand for qualified operators in the dairy industry, higher technical requirements, and a greater focus on food safety. Despite stable salary levels in the past year, the profession remains attractive, especially for those with the right education and experience.

Cheese factory operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,700 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
  • Women: 36,000 SEK/month (104% of men's salary)
  • Men: 34,700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a cheese factory operator, a high school diploma with a focus on food production or industry is usually required, often supplemented with on-the-job training. Many employers place great importance on practical experience and understanding of food handling and machinery operation. Some workplaces may also require specific certifications or training in hygiene and quality assurance.

  • High school education: Food program or industrial specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: Hygiene and safety training, often via employer
  • Internship: Usually during education or through trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry and technology is advantageous
  • Tips for choosing: Interest in technology and food facilitates career start

Cheese factory operators often work in teams where cooperation and communication are crucial for maintaining efficient and safe production. Many workplaces operate on rotating shifts, which means flexibility and adaptability are highly valued in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Cheese factory operators are often offered benefits such as shift and overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes meal allowances. Some employers provide further training and opportunities for certifications in food safety. Pension contributions and collective agreements are common within the industry.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a cheese factory operator has stable demand due to the Swedish dairy industry's need for qualified personnel. At the same time, competition for the most attractive positions exists, especially within larger companies with modern facilities. Challenges include shift work, high hygiene standards, and precision in production. Technological changes and automation also demand ongoing skills development. The physical work environment and tasks can be demanding, making good health and endurance important factors for long-term job satisfaction.

Tips for those who want to become a cheese factory operator

To succeed as a cheese factory operator, it is good to combine technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility. Flexibility facilitates shift work and various production tasks, while good teamwork skills are essential in team-oriented environments. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new machines and processes gives an advantage in the profession. The ability to work systematically and follow instructions contributes to safe and high-quality production. Being stress-resistant and solution-oriented helps during production stops or unexpected problems. Finally, employers often value engagement in food safety and quality, which can be demonstrated during education or internships.

Key facts about cheese factory operators

  • Education level: High school diploma with food or industrial specialization
  • Work environment: Industrial production, often cold and noisy
  • Typical work form: Shift work, both day and night
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: Machinery handling and food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a cheese factory operator, there are good opportunities to advance to supervisory roles such as shift supervisor, process manager, or quality inspector within the dairy industry. With further education or experience, positions like production planner or technical specialist can also become available. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for machine operators in the food sector, where increased automation creates a need for technically skilled operators. The number of available jobs in the profession is high, providing good future prospects for both new and experienced cheese factory operators.

Frequently asked questions about cheese factory operators

  • What does a cheese factory operator earn?
    - A cheese factory operator has an average salary of 35 000 SEK per month in 2024.
  • What are the gender differences within the profession?
    - Women earn an average of 36,000 SEK per month, which is 104% of men's salary (34,700 SEK).
  • What education is required to become a cheese factory operator?
    - High school education with a focus on food or industry is most common, often supplemented with practical experience.
  • How is the job market for cheese factory operators?
    - Demand is good with 1,437 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics.
  • What are the tasks of a cheese factory operator?
    - Tasks include controlling cheese production processes, machine handling, and quality control.
  • Are there opportunities for development?
    - Yes, experienced cheese factory operators can advance to supervisory roles or specialize in technology and quality.
  • What are the working hours for cheese factory operators?
    - Shift work is common, involving both day and night shifts.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 11:48:23

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cheese operator is 38600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cheese operator is 34700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 36000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29200 kr 34200 kr
25-34 30600 kr 34200 kr
35-44 30900 kr 33900 kr
45-54 32400 kr 35700 kr
55-64 33200 kr 37400 kr
Snitt 104% 31300 kr 35000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Cheese operator has the SSYK code 8162, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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