- Salary statistics
- Asphalt machine operator
Asphalt machine operator
33 100 - 37 400 kr / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Asphalt machine operator
What does an asphalt paver operator do? – Tasks and work environment
An asphalt paver operator is responsible for operating and managing machinery used in road surfacing of roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. Tasks include preparing the substrate, operating asphalt lay machines, vibratory plates, and rollers, as well as monitoring machine functions during work. The profession often involves outdoor work in varying weather conditions and requires precision, technical knowledge, and teamwork skills. Safety routines and work environment regulations are central parts of daily work, meaning operators must stay attentive and follow instructions to prevent accidents.
Salary development over time
The salary for asphalt paver operators has shown a steady and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 35 600 SEK per month. This increase corresponds to a total salary change of approximately 2.6% over the period. The consistent salary growth can be linked to the continued high demand for skilled machine operators in the construction industry and the need to retain experienced personnel in a competitive job market. There is also some regional variation, with higher salaries in areas with extensive infrastructure projects.
Asphalt paver operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 214 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 35 200 SEK (99% of men's salary of 35 600 SEK)
- Regional differences: Highest salaries for women are found in regional sectors, while highest salaries for men are in the private sector
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an asphalt paver operator usually involves vocational training in construction and civil engineering programs with specialization in construction vehicles or machine operation. Practical experience and sometimes specific machine operator certificates or licenses are also required depending on the employer’s demands. For those already working in the construction industry, further training through vocational courses or internal company training is available.
- High school education: Construction and civil engineering programs, 3 years
- Certifications: Machine operator certificates for asphalt machinery
- Internship: Longer practical training periods are often included in the education
- Prerequisites: B-driving license and sometimes C-license
- Further training: Vocational courses via industry organizations or employers
Working as an asphalt paver operator often involves irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during peak season. It requires flexibility and endurance but also offers the opportunity for varied workdays and working in different environments across the country.
Common benefits and compensations
Asphalt paver operators are often offered benefits such as per diems for work in other locations, overtime pay, work clothing, and wellness allowances. Additional compensations may include holiday pay, bonuses for working during unsociable hours, and sometimes project-based bonuses or incentives based on work performance.
Competition and challenges
The profession of asphalt paver operator is characterized by a paradoxical labor market situation where demand for skilled operators is high, yet many leave the profession. Recruitment difficulties are common, leading employers to compete for experienced operators. Challenges include physically demanding work environments, long shifts, and the need for ongoing training to handle new machinery and technologies. Seasonal variations can also affect workload, requiring adaptability and readiness for periods of high intensity.
Tips for aspiring asphalt paver operators
To succeed as an asphalt paver operator, it’s good to have a strong sense of responsibility and an interest in technology. Being precise reduces errors and enhances safety, while good teamwork skills facilitate effective collaboration. Flexibility is a valuable asset due to variable shifts, and endurance is needed to handle long days and physically demanding tasks. An interest in machinery and willingness to pursue continuous training are also advantageous, as technology advances and new requirements emerge.
Key facts about asphalt paver operators
- Education level: Vocational training with specialization in construction vehicles
- Work environment: Outdoor work, often physically demanding and weather-dependent
- Demand: Good opportunities for employment nationwide
- Certifications: Machine operator certificates required for certain machinery
- Work form: Commonly seasonal work with irregular hours
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an asphalt paver operator, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as supervisor, instructor, or machine manager within larger projects. Some choose to further specialize in related professions like road and construction workers or advanced machinery systems. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are expected to remain strong over the next five years, with stable demand for skilled machine operators. The high turnover rate, where many leave and new ones enter, often results in available positions – for example, 379 vacancies were reported in 2024.
Frequently asked questions about asphalt paver operators
- What does an asphalt paver operator earn?
- An asphalt paver operator has an average monthly salary of 35 600 SEK. The salary varies depending on experience, region, and sector. - What are the gender differences in salaries?
- Women earn an average of 35 200 SEK, which is 99% of men's average salary of 35 600 SEK. - What education is required to become an asphalt paver operator?
- Vocational training in construction and civil engineering programs and a machine operator certificate are often required. Practical experience is common. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, the highest salaries for women are often in regional sectors, and for men in the private sector. Salaries can be influenced by local projects and demand. - What are the future prospects?
- The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are plentiful and demand is expected to remain steady in the coming years. - What personal qualities are important?
- Precision, technical interest, flexibility, and endurance are key qualities for success. - What are the highest and lowest salaries?
- The highest salary is 37,400 SEK (woman, regional sector), and the lowest is 33,100 SEK (man, private employment).
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 31100 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34000 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35600 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 36400 kr | 37800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33400 kr | 34700 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 34400 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36500 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 36100 kr | 36500 kr |
| 45-54 | 35600 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35200 kr | 35200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 35500 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36500 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 36100 kr | 36500 kr |
| 45-54 | 35600 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35200 kr | 35200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 35500 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 31100 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34000 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35600 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 36400 kr | 37800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33300 kr | 34700 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 34400 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 31100 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34000 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35600 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 36400 kr | 37800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33300 kr | 34700 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 34400 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 31200 kr | 31800 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34100 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35700 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 36400 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33000 kr | 34300 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 34500 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37200 kr | 37200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 35900 kr | 36400 kr |
| 45-54 | 35100 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35500 kr | 35500 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 35400 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37200 kr | 37200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 35900 kr | 36400 kr |
| 45-54 | 35100 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35500 kr | 35500 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 35400 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 31200 kr | 31800 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34100 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35700 kr | 36800 kr |
| 45-54 | 36500 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 65-68 | 32900 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 34500 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 31200 kr | 31800 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34100 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35700 kr | 36800 kr |
| 45-54 | 36500 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 65-68 | 32900 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 34500 kr | 35600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 30000 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 31900 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 33300 kr | 36300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 32300 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 36600 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 35800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 36600 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 35800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 30000 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 31900 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 33300 kr | 36300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 32300 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 30000 kr | 32700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 31900 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 33300 kr | 36300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 32300 kr | 35200 kr |
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 Asphalt machine operator has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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