Fire damage remediation

What does a fire damage restorer do? – Tasks and work environment

A fire damage restorer works with restoring and cleaning buildings, premises, and property damaged by fire. Tasks include removing soot, smoke odors, and water damage, as well as cleaning, drying, and restoring surfaces and materials. The work may also involve handling chemicals, demolishing damaged parts, and documenting damages for insurance companies. The environment is often physical and varied, with work on-site at private homes, businesses, and public facilities. The profession requires precision, endurance, and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially since interventions often occur under time pressure and in challenging environments.

Salary development over time

The salary development for fire damage restorers has been positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 31 800 SEK in 2023. The latest statistics from 2024 show that the average salary is now 35 000 SEK per month. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 18% during the period, which is significantly higher than the average wage growth on the labor market. The strong increase can be linked to increased demand for restoration services, changing requirements for professional competence, and a greater focus on work environment and safety. Competition for qualified workers in the restoration industry has also contributed to higher salary levels.

Fire Damage Restorer Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 35 500 SEK, women 32,000 SEK (women 90% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: The highest salaries are found in regional sectors, with variations across different counties

Education and qualifications

To work as a fire damage restorer, a high school education is generally required, often with a focus on construction, technology, or property management. Many employers offer internal training or introductory programs, and specialized courses in restoration, work environment, and chemical handling can be advantageous. Practical experience in restoration work or similar professions is highly valued. Formal certificates are rarely mandatory, but training in safety and occupational health is important. Personal suitability, such as accuracy and stress tolerance, is highly valued.

• High school education: Construction, property, or technology (2–3 years)
• Internal training: Introduction and safety courses at the employer
• Specialized courses: Restoration, chemical handling, work environment (1–6 months)
• Internship: Recommended during or after education
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, stress resilience, and accuracy

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for fire damage restorers include wellness allowances, work clothing and personal protective equipment, and sometimes access to company cars for emergency calls. Many employers also offer training in safety and work environment, insurance coverage, and overtime pay. Some companies provide bonus incentives for extensive or particularly demanding assignments.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a fire damage restorer is considered relatively stable, but the industry is strongly affected by economic cycles and the number of fires. A challenge is that the profession does not always have a clear educational pathway, which can make it difficult to attract new employees. The work environment can be physically and mentally demanding, often under time pressure and in environments with strong odors or moisture. Additionally, continuous adaptation to new materials and restoration methods is required. Despite uncertain forecasts from the Employment Service, there are currently a relatively large number of job openings, indicating ongoing demand.

Tips for those wanting to become a fire damage restorer

To succeed as a fire damage restorer, it is good to be flexible and able to adapt to different work environments, as each restoration project is unique. A high degree of accuracy is required to ensure the restoration is complete and no risks remain. Good physical condition facilitates, since the work often involves heavy lifting and demanding postures. Social skills are important, as contact with affected people requires both empathy and understanding. It is recommended to take advantage of training and internships, and to stay updated on new methods and materials within restoration. Showing initiative and being solution-oriented is appreciated by employers and can open doors to more responsibilities in the profession. Finally, stress resilience is a crucial trait, as work efforts often occur under pressurized conditions.

Key facts about Fire Damage Restorers

• Education level: High school, often construction or technology
• Work environment: Varied, often physically demanding and on-site with clients
• Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes shift work or on-call
• Demand: 123 job openings in the field
• Gender distribution: Men dominate, women earn 90% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience as a fire damage restorer, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, project manager for restoration projects, or specialized trainer in restoration methods and work environment. Some choose to start their own restoration company or further educate themselves in related areas such as damage assessment and insurance handling. Forecasts from the Employment Service for the restoration worker field are uncertain due to limited data, but currently there are 123 job openings, indicating good demand. The industry is influenced by economic cycles and societal trends, which can lead to variations in the labor market over time.

Common questions about Fire Damage Restorers

• What does a Fire Damage Restorer earn?
  - A fire damage restorer has an average salary of 35 000 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a fire damage restorer?
  - High school education in construction, technology, or property management is recommended, often with supplementary internal training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 35 500 SEK and women 32,000 SEK, which means women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for a fire damage restorer?
  - The environment is varied, often physically demanding, and can involve working in damaged and sometimes hazardous settings.
• What career opportunities are available in the profession?
  - Opportunities include advancing to supervisor, project manager, or specializing in various restoration methods.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The outlook is uncertain, but currently there are 123 job openings, indicating demand.
• What is the lowest and highest salary for a fire damage restorer?
  - The lowest salary is 30,900 SEK and the highest is 35,600 SEK per month.