Blaster, facade cleaning

What does an abrasive blaster in facade cleaning do? – Tasks and work environment

An abrasive blaster in facade cleaning is responsible for cleaning and treating building facades using blasting equipment. The work involves removing dirt, paint, rust, or other coatings from surfaces by using compressed air and various abrasive media, often sand, glass, or other abrasive materials. The role requires precision and understanding of different materials and techniques to achieve the best results without damaging the substrate. The work environment is often outdoors, sometimes at high elevations or in confined spaces, and protective gear is usually worn to minimize dust and noise exposure.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for abrasive blasters in facade cleaning has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, which increased to 31 800 SEK in 2023 and reached 35 000 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of just over 17% during the period. This positive salary development can be linked to increased demand for facade cleaning services, a tighter labor market, and higher demands for work environment and specialized skills. The salary gap between genders has, however, persisted, with women earning approximately 90% of men's salaries, indicating ongoing gender equality efforts. The overall trend suggests continued stable wages, especially for those gaining broad experience and additional certifications.

Facade cleaning blaster salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,900 SEK/month (female, upper secondary construction program 3 years)
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (male, upper secondary education up to 2 years, regional sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 32,000 SEK (90% of men's salary), men earn 35 500 SEK
• Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, variation between regions may occur

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an abrasive blaster in facade cleaning usually involves the construction and civil engineering program at upper secondary school or equivalent adult education. To work in the profession, knowledge of materials, work environment regulations, and safety procedures is required, often supplemented by internal training or certification courses. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers require documented work experience or internships in the field.

• Upper secondary education: Construction and civil engineering program, 3 years
• Adult education: Vocational courses in decontamination/blasting
• Certifications: Work at heights, lift operation, safety training
• Internship: Often required for practical training or apprenticeship
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, precision, technical understanding

Common benefits and compensation

Facade cleaning blasters are often covered by collective agreements that provide rights to overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and insurance. It is common to have wellness benefits, work attire, and opportunities for further training within the company. Some employers also offer insurance and pension contributions beyond statutory requirements.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession is relatively moderate, but it requires blasters to stay updated on new techniques, environmental regulations, and safety standards. The physical work environment can be demanding, with heavy equipment and outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Since the profession is part of a broader occupational group, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish oneself in the job market, which emphasizes specialization and documented experience. Job availability is also influenced by economic cycles, construction industry development, and regulations concerning environment and work environment. An additional challenge is gender differences in salary and representation, with women still underrepresented and earning slightly lower wages than men.

Tips for aspiring facade cleaning blasters

To succeed as an abrasive blaster in facade cleaning, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Being precise and detail-oriented facilitates the work, especially when adapting blasting methods to different materials. Good physical condition and endurance are important qualities, as the work is often physically demanding and performed under varying conditions. Flexibility and the ability to collaborate with other trades on construction sites are also advantages, as well as always prioritizing safety and following applicable work environment regulations. Taking initiative for further training or certification can increase chances of higher wages and more career opportunities.

Key facts about abrasive blasters in facade cleaning

• Educational level: Upper secondary education, often construction and civil engineering program
• Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors, sometimes at high elevations
• Demand: 123 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, women earn 90% of men's salaries
• Employment type: Commonly both permanent and hourly employment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an abrasive blaster in facade cleaning can advance to supervisor, trainer for new employees, or specialize in areas such as industrial blasting or restoration of historic buildings. It is also possible to become self-employed within the decontamination and facade cleaning industry. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for the profession due to limited data, but within the occupational group of decontamination workers, there are currently 123 job openings, indicating relatively good demand. Future prospects are influenced by the development of the construction industry, environmental requirements, and investments in property maintenance.

Frequently asked questions about abrasive blasters in facade cleaning

• What does an abrasive blaster in facade cleaning earn?
  - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, gender, and region.
• What education is required to become an abrasive blaster in facade cleaning?
  - Most commonly, the construction and civil engineering program at upper secondary school, but adult education and certification can also be pathways into the profession.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 32,000 SEK, while men earn 35 500 SEK, which means women earn 90% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for an abrasive blaster?
  - The work environment is physically demanding, often outdoors and sometimes at high elevations, with requirements for protective gear.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - No exact forecast is made, but there are 123 job openings, and demand is considered stable.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Collective agreement benefits such as overtime pay, wellness allowance, work clothing, and insurance are common.
• Can a blaster specialize further?
  - Yes, with experience, it is possible to specialize in industrial blasting, work supervision, or start your own business.