- Salary statistics
- Mountain operator
Mountain operator
41 300 - 47 500 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Mountain operator
What does a mining operator do? – Tasks and work environment
Mining operators primarily work in mines and quarries where they are responsible for monitoring and controlling machines that cut, crush, and transport rock material. Tasks can include blasting, drilling, loading, as well as supervising automated processes and quality assurance of the extracted material. The work often takes place both above and below ground, in environments with high safety requirements and sometimes shift work. Mining operators work closely with other professionals in the mining industry and follow strict routines to minimize risks and ensure efficient production.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for mining operators have shown some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 42,900 SEK per month, which then increased sharply to 50 600 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a decline to 47 500 SEK per month, corresponding to about a 6% decrease. The notable salary increase from 2022 to 2023 can partly be explained by increased demand for experienced operators and a generally strong labor market in the mining sector. The decline in the past year may be due to economic fluctuations or adjustments in collective agreements. Despite these fluctuations, the profession's salary level remains high compared to many other trades within construction and civil engineering.
Mining operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 47 500 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable for exact ranges
- Hourly wage: 286 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men earn 47 700 SEK/month; no specific data for women
- Regional differences: Specific data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a mining operator, a high school diploma in construction and civil engineering or equivalent technical training is typically required. The education is often supplemented with certifications and internal company training, especially in safety and machinery operation. Practical experience is highly valuable, and some employers offer trainee programs or internships to facilitate entry into the profession.
- High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, specialization in mining and civil engineering (3 years)
- Certifications: Blasting certificates, safety training
- Internship: Often mandatory during education
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical interest
- Company-specific training: Common upon employment
The profession of mining operator often involves teamwork where communication is crucial for safety. Technological developments have led to many tasks being remotely controlled from control rooms, making digital skills increasingly important for those who want to develop within the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Mining operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide additional benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, insurance, and shift work allowances. In some cases, bonuses linked to production goals, work clothing, and opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense are also offered.
Competition and challenges
The profession of mining operator is characterized by relatively limited competition, but high demands are placed on safety awareness and technical competence. The work environment can be strenuous with heavy lifts, noise, and sometimes underground work, requiring good physical ability and stress resilience. Technological advances create a need for continuous further training, especially in digital control and automation. Due to the specialization of the profession, it is important to regularly update skills to remain attractive in the job market. Limited training places and a lack of practical opportunities can sometimes hinder recruitment.
Tips for those wanting to become a mining operator
To succeed as a mining operator, it is good to combine technical interest with accuracy and good teamwork skills. Responsibility is crucial since safety always comes first, and the ability to quickly adapt to new machinery and technologies is a major advantage. An analytical mindset helps with troubleshooting and optimizing work processes, while endurance is needed to handle demanding shifts in tough environments. Communication skills are also important, as work often takes place in teams, and clarity reduces risks. Being open to further training and new working methods provides more career opportunities. A positive attitude towards shift work and flexibility also facilitates daily life in the profession.
Key facts about Mining Operator
- Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with certificates
- Work environment: Mines and quarries, often shift work
- Work form: Both manual and remote-controlled work
- Demand: 379 job openings in spring 2024
- Special skills: Blasting techniques, safety procedures, machine control
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a mining operator can advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or specialist in blasting technology and automation. Some choose to further their education in mechanical engineering or process industry to broaden their opportunities. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, no specific assessment exists for mining operators, but the sector of mining and quarrying employed 379 people with job openings in spring 2024, indicating continued demand. The labor market may, however, be affected by economic fluctuations, investments in the mining industry, and technological changes that increase the need for digital skills.
Frequently asked questions about Mining Operator
- What does a mining operator earn?
- A mining operator has an average salary of 47 500 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a mining operator?
- Usually, a high school diploma in construction and civil engineering and certifications in blasting and safety are required. - What is the work environment like for a mining operator?
- The work environment is often physically demanding, involving work both above and below ground, with high safety standards. - Are there many job openings for mining operators?
- In spring 2024, there were 379 job openings in the sector. - What personal qualities are important?
- Good teamwork skills, responsibility, and technical interest are especially valuable. - How does technology influence the profession?
- Automation and digital control make digital competence increasingly important for mining operators. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn 47 700 SEK/month, but reliable data for women is lacking.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38600 kr | 0 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43100 kr | 51400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43100 kr | 49400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43900 kr | 51400 kr | |
| Snitt | 41300 kr | 47500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38600 kr | 0 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43100 kr | 51400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43100 kr | 49400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43900 kr | 51400 kr | |
| Snitt | 41300 kr | 47500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38600 kr | 0 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43100 kr | 51400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43100 kr | 49400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43900 kr | 51400 kr | |
| Snitt | 41300 kr | 47500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38200 kr | 0 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43200 kr | 51600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 50400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 51400 kr | |
| Snitt | 41500 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38200 kr | 0 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43200 kr | 51600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 50400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 51400 kr | |
| Snitt | 41500 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38200 kr | 0 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43200 kr | 51600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 50400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 51400 kr | |
| Snitt | 41500 kr | 47700 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 Mountain operator has the SSYK code 8111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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