Well driller

What does a well driller do? – Tasks and work environment

A well driller works with drilling and installing wells for water supply, energy wells for geothermal heating, and sometimes for geotechnical investigations. The work involves planning and preparing the site, handling heavy machinery and equipment, and performing the drilling according to technical specifications. The work is often outdoors under varying weather conditions and sometimes in inaccessible locations, requiring both physical endurance and safety awareness. Well drillers often work in small teams and have frequent contact with clients, landowners, and sometimes authorities for permits and inspections.

Salary development over time

The profession of well drillers has experienced clear salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,399 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 40 728 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has risen significantly to 47 200 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 16% compared to the previous year. This substantial rise is linked to increased demand for water and energy wells, as well as a general shortage of skilled drillers. The market is also influenced by investments in renewable energy and large infrastructure projects, pushing wages upward. Despite being a smaller profession, competition for skilled workers has significantly raised salary levels recently.

Well driller salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 47 200 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable, but the average salary has increased markedly in the past year
• Hourly wage: 284 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn an average of 47 400 SEK, data on women is unavailable
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but variations occur depending on demand and project volume

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a well driller usually involves vocational training in construction and earthworks or an apprenticeship with established companies. Formal education is combined with practical experience, as the profession requires both technical knowledge and familiarity with machinery. Employers value certifications in drilling and safety training, and many well drillers pursue ongoing education to meet new environmental and technical requirements.

• Vocational upper secondary education: Construction and civil engineering program, specializing in groundworks (about 3 years)
• Certifications: Well drilling certificates, technical courses, and training in safety and health
• Practical training: Apprenticeships or internships at well drilling companies are common
• Prerequisites: Good physical health, technical interest, and a driver’s license (often C-class)
• Tips: Additional education in geology or energy technology can be advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Well drillers are often covered by collective agreements regulating overtime pay, per diems for work away from home, and vacation benefits. It is common for employers to offer wellness allowances and sometimes bonuses for larger projects. Since the work can involve travel and accommodation elsewhere, compensation for lodging and travel allowances may also be provided.

Competition and challenges

The profession of well drilling is characterized by fierce competition for experienced and certified professionals, especially as demand for geothermal and water wells has increased. The work environment also entails certain risks, such as heavy lifting and working with machinery, requiring carefulness and safety awareness. The availability of trained personnel is a challenge, as few educational programs focus specifically on well drilling. Additionally, workload can fluctuate seasonally and with economic cycles. Despite the relatively small job market, those with the right experience and certifications have good opportunities for career development and higher salaries.

Tips for aspiring well drillers

To succeed as a well driller, it is important to be both resilient and adaptable, as workdays are often long and may involve travel to different parts of the country. A practical mindset and enjoyment of outdoor work and machinery handling will help you quickly settle into the role, and technical interest is a significant advantage when understanding drilling equipment and machinery maintenance. Being precise and safety-conscious is crucial, given the handling of heavy equipment and potentially hazardous situations. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and clients. Being solution-oriented helps address unforeseen problems in the field, and a willingness to continuously learn new skills is valuable as technology advances. Finally, responsibility is key, as the quality of the drilling work often depends on professional expertise.

Key facts about Well Drillers

• Educational level: Vocational upper secondary education with practical training
• Work environment: Outdoors, often in varied and remote locations
• Typical working pattern: Full-time, often project-based or with periodic travel
• Demand: 379 job openings in the profession, but limited data for forecasts
• Special skills: Machinery handling, certification in well drilling, safety training

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a well driller can advance to roles such as site supervisor, project manager, or specialize in areas like energy drilling or geotechnical investigations. There are also opportunities to start your own drilling business or move into related roles within construction and civil engineering. According to the Employment Service, there is no clear forecast for the profession due to limited data, but the high demand for energy and water wells suggests continued need for skilled workers. Those who obtain certifications and gain broad experience have good prospects for career development and increased earnings.

Frequently asked questions about Well Drillers

• What is the average salary of a well driller?
  - A well driller has an average salary of 47 200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a well driller?
  - Vocational upper secondary education in construction/earthworks plus practical training and certification is common.
• What is the work environment like for well drillers?
  - The work is mostly outdoors, sometimes in demanding weather and at various locations.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 47 400 SEK, data on women is unavailable.
• What are the future prospects for well drillers?
  - No forecast is available, but demand is relatively high with 379 job openings.
• What benefits are common?
  - Overtime pay, per diems, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses are offered.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Endurance, technical interest, precision, and good teamwork skills are key.