How much does a Steam boiler make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Steam boiler
Image that illustrates Steam boiler

Steam boiler

38 300 kr

Operations technicians at heating and water plants

30 700 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Steam boiler

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 38 500 kr
Females 36 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 21 Vacant jobs ->

What does a steam boiler operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A steam boiler operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining steam boilers and other heat-generating systems. Tasks include regulating fuel supply, checking operational parameters, and performing basic repairs and preventive maintenance. The work often takes place in industrial environments, power plants, or large facilities where steam boilers are used for heat generation or process steam. The work environment is characterized by technical and sometimes noisy settings, where safety procedures are central and collaboration with process technicians and other staff is common.

Salary development over time

The salary for steam boiler operators has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increasing to 37 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 5.5% over three years. The salary increase can be linked to a growing demand for technically skilled personnel in operations and maintenance, while retirements and technological advancements have affected skill requirements. Despite some automation, the need for skilled steam boiler operators remains, contributing to positive salary development.

Steam boiler operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (women), 32,400 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 39,400 SEK/month (women), 42,200 SEK/month (men)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, often higher in metropolitan areas and in the private sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a steam boiler operator often goes through technical high school programs or vocational training focused on operations, maintenance, or energy technology. Many employers also require certification for boiler operators, and experience from similar process industries is advantageous. Practical skills and technical understanding are crucial for success in the role.

  • High school education: Industrial technology programs or VVS and property management programs
  • Post-secondary courses: Operations technician training, often 1–2 years
  • Certification: Boiler operator certificate required for some facilities
  • Practical experience: Experience from process industry or energy plants is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of technology and safety regulations

Many steam boiler operators work in shifts, which means working evenings, nights, and weekends. Shift work can facilitate days off during weekdays but requires good planning and flexibility.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for steam boiler operators include shift allowances, extra vacation days for unsociable hours, wellness grants, and sometimes work clothing or subsidized lunches. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training and skills development within energy and operation technology.

Competition and challenges

The profession of steam boiler operators is characterized by a relatively balanced labor market, where the number of job openings and qualified candidates are in equilibrium. However, challenges related to technological development and increased automation require continuous skills updating. Safety standards are high, and the work environment can be physically and mentally demanding. Competition for the most attractive positions may be greater in metropolitan areas or within the private sector where salary levels are higher. At the same time, generational shifts open new opportunities for younger and newly trained professionals in the field.

Tips for those who want to become a steam boiler operator

To succeed as a steam boiler operator, it is good to have a technical curiosity and be precise in your work, as both operation and maintenance require accuracy. A structured approach helps to follow safety routines and identify faults early. Flexibility and the ability to work shifts are important qualities, as working hours are often scheduled around the clock. The ability to collaborate with colleagues from different technical areas facilitates problem-solving and contributes to a good work environment. Continuously updating your skills and staying informed about technological developments provides a competitive edge. Engagement and responsibility are crucial for managing the responsibility that comes with overseeing large systems. Finally, good communication skills are valued, as reporting and documentation are central parts of the tasks.

Key facts about steam boiler operators

  • Occupational group: Operations technician at heat and water plants
  • Education level: High school or post-secondary vocational training
  • Work environment: Process industry, energy plants, or larger facilities
  • Work form: Often shift work with unsociable hours
  • Demand: 481 job openings nationwide, moderate opportunities according to the Swedish Public Employment Service

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a steam boiler operator can advance to roles such as operations technician, supervisor, or specialized technician within the energy sector. For those who want to develop further, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility in plant operations, management, or training new employees. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the job market for operations technicians at heat and water plants is expected to remain stable, with moderate job opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. This is partly influenced by ongoing technological development and automation but also by the need for skilled professionals to ensure safe operation and maintenance.

Frequently asked questions about steam boiler operators

  • What does a steam boiler operator earn?
    - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • What education is required to become a steam boiler operator?
    - High school education with a technical focus and a boiler operator certificate are usually required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 95% of what men do on average within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for steam boiler operators?
    - Opportunities are considered moderate, with 481 job vacancies nationwide within the profession.
  • What work environments are common?
    - Most work in process industries, power plants, or larger facilities, often on shift work.
  • What career paths are available after a few years as a steam boiler operator?
    - It is common to move on to roles such as operations technician, supervisor, or specialized technician.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 20:13:48

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Steam boiler is 42200 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 39400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Steam boiler is 30700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30500 kr 32600 kr
25-34 95% 35200 kr 37600 kr
35-44 94% 36400 kr 38600 kr
45-54 99% 36900 kr 38800 kr
55-64 93% 36800 kr 38800 kr
65-68 36400 kr 37500 kr
Snitt 95% 36300 kr 38300 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 Steam boiler has the SSYK code 8191, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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