- Salary statistics
- Coating machine operator
Coating machine operator
33 100 - 37 400 kr / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Coating machine operator
What does a paving machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A paving machine operator is responsible for operating and managing machines used in asphalt paving and other surfacing work on roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. Tasks include preparing machines, monitoring the paving process, and ensuring the surface has the correct thickness and smoothness. Often, basic maintenance of machines and collaboration with other trades on site are included. The work environment is outdoor-based and can vary greatly depending on weather and season, demanding high attention and adaptability.
Salary development over time
The profession of paving machine operator has experienced stable and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 35 600 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 2.6% over three years. Salaries have shown a slight upward trend, likely due to increased demand for skilled operators in the construction sector and generally rising salary levels within the industry. Gender differences are relatively small, and the profession is characterized by high labor demand, which may contribute to continued stable salary development in the future.
Paving machine operator salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
- Hourly wage: 214 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of men's salary (35 200 SEK/month vs 35 600 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within the regional sector
Education and qualifications
To work as a paving machine operator, a high school education within the construction and civil engineering program with specialization in construction vehicles or machine operation is usually required. Many employers also require specific machine operator certifications, and practical experience is highly valued. Some workplaces offer internal training or trainee positions to ensure operators have the right knowledge of machinery and work procedures.
- High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, specialization in machine operation (3 years)
- Certifications: Machine operator certification for relevant machine types
- Practical training: Practical components during education or as a trainee
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical interest
- Additional courses: Safety, work environment, and machine maintenance
In many paving projects, close cooperation between machine operators, site managers, and other trades is required. Effective communication and problem-solving skills on-site are crucial for smooth workflow, especially when schedules are tight and weather conditions impose extra demands.
Common benefits and compensations
Paving machine operators are often offered benefits such as per diems for work at other locations, compensation for unsocial hours and overtime, and wellness allowances. Some employers also provide work clothing and safety equipment, and collective agreements typically regulate vacation, pension contributions, and sick pay.
Competition and challenges
The job market for paving machine operators is characterized by high demand and recruitment difficulties, even as many leave the profession. This creates good job opportunities but also demands flexibility and ongoing skills development. The work environment can be physically demanding and affected by weather and seasonal variations, posing challenges for health and workload. Additionally, the profession requires high precision and safety awareness to minimize risks and ensure work quality.
Tips for aspiring paving machine operators
To succeed as a paving machine operator, it is important to be meticulous and responsible, as the work demands precision and safety when handling heavy machinery. A technical aptitude facilitates learning machine operation and maintenance, while good physical fitness helps during long outdoor workdays. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as tasks and conditions can change quickly, especially with weather changes. Teamwork skills are valuable since work often occurs in teams requiring smooth communication. Finally, a positive attitude towards outdoor work and diverse environments is beneficial.
Key facts about paving machine operators
- Education level: High school (construction and civil engineering program)
- Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding
- Work form: Full-time, often seasonal
- Demand: Great opportunities (379 available positions in 2024)
- Special skills: Machine operator certification and safety training
Career paths and future prospects
After several years of experience, paving machine operators can advance to supervisory roles, such as site supervisor or project manager within construction. Further training to become a machinery instructor or specializing in advanced machinery technology is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities remain strong, with stable demand over the next five years. The recruitment market faces difficulties in finding qualified personnel, which bodes well for those committed to the profession.
Common questions about paving machine operators
- What is the average salary of a paving machine operator?
- The average salary is 35 600 SEK per month. - What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn 35 200 SEK on average, which is 99% of men's salary. - What education is required to become a paving machine operator?
- High school education within the construction and civil engineering program and machine operator certification are recommended. - What is the job market like for paving machine operators?
- The job market is strong with 379 available positions and great employment opportunities. - What are the most common benefits?
- Benefits include per diems, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and work clothing. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, the highest salaries are found within the regional sector. - What is the hourly wage for a paving machine operator?
- The average hourly wage is 214 SEK.
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 Coating 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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