Supervisor, demolition

What does a demolition supervisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A demolition supervisor is responsible for leading and coordinating demolition projects from start to finish. Tasks include planning work phases, assigning tasks to the team, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and communicating with clients and subcontractors. The role often involves close collaboration with construction workers and other supervisors, where the work environment can be physically demanding and varied. Work is often outdoors at construction sites, where the supervisor must create a safe and efficient work environment, sometimes under time pressure or with high environmental standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for a demolition supervisor has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,800 SEK, the following year it increased to 48 200 SEK, and in 2024 the average salary is 51 600 SEK per month. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 12.7% over three years. This positive salary development can be linked to continued high demand for skilled supervisors in the construction and demolition sectors, where increased requirements for safety, environmental management, and responsibility have driven up both responsibilities and wages. Simultaneously, the shortage of experienced supervisors and increased investments in the construction sector enable higher wages and better conditions for the profession.

Demolition supervisor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 51 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 53,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary for women: 49,700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 45,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 310 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of men's salary (men: 51 900 SEK, women: 48 500 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a demolition supervisor, a high school education in construction and civil engineering is usually required, often complemented with further training or specific courses in supervision and safety. Practical experience from the construction or demolition industry is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates with relevant certifications related to demolition work and safety responsibilities.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program (3 years)
• Certifications: Safety training, BAS-P/BAS-U, hot work permits
• Practical experience: Hands-on experience from construction and demolition work is highly meritorious
• Further training: Courses in supervision or project management
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, some computer literacy

Common benefits and compensations

Demolition supervisors are often offered benefits such as company cars, wellness allowances, work clothing, and mobile phones. In some cases, bonuses linked to project results or insurance covering accidents and illnesses are included. Opportunities for further education and skills development are common, as the industry demands up-to-date knowledge on safety and environmental issues.

Competition and challenges

The job market for demolition supervisors is competitive, especially in metropolitan regions where many construction and demolition projects are ongoing. At the same time, there is a shortage of qualified supervisors, which increases demand and can make competition for the most attractive positions fierce. Challenges in the profession often involve managing complex projects with tight deadlines, ensuring a safe work environment, and complying with environmental and recycling regulations. Changes in legislation and increased environmental standards require continuous skills development and flexibility.

Tips for aspiring demolition supervisors

To succeed as a demolition supervisor, it is beneficial to combine leadership skills with strong communication abilities, as the role requires clear dialogue with both team members and clients. Being organized facilitates planning and follow-up of project stages, while flexibility and stress tolerance help in unforeseen situations. Gaining practical experience early on from construction sites provides a valuable foundation, and actively pursuing further training in safety and environmental management is advantageous. Building a network within the industry can lead to new career opportunities, and an interest in technology and the environment helps stay ahead of developments.

Key facts about demolition supervisors

• Educational level: High school diploma (3 years), often with further training
• Work environment: Construction sites, varied and physically demanding
• Demand: High, 379 job openings in Sweden
• Typical employment: Full-time, often permanent
• Special skills: Safety, environmental management, risk assessment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a demolition supervisor, there are opportunities to advance to more senior roles, such as site manager or project manager within the construction and civil engineering sector. Some choose to specialize further in environmental demolition or move into consultancy within safety and environmental management. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Service indicate continued high demand for qualified supervisors in construction and demolition, driven by increased infrastructure investments and a growing focus on sustainability and recycling. The industry’s development offers good career growth opportunities for those combining experience with proper education and certifications.

Frequently asked questions about demolition supervisors

• What does a demolition supervisor earn?
  - The average salary is 51 600 SEK per month, with variations between 33,700 and 53,100 SEK depending on experience, sector, and gender.
• What education is required to become a demolition supervisor?
  - High school education in construction and civil engineering is most common, often supplemented with safety training and practical experience.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 48 500 SEK while men earn 51 900 SEK, which corresponds to 93% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for demolition supervisors?
  - The work environment is varied and often physically demanding, with a strong focus on safety and environmental considerations.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
  - There are good opportunities to advance to site manager, project manager, or specialist roles within environmental and safety areas.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is very positive with high demand, especially in larger cities and growth regions.
• What are the most common benefits for the profession?
  - Common benefits include company cars, wellness allowances, work clothing, and bonuses linked to project results.