- Salary statistics
- Construction crane operator
Construction crane operator
35 600 - 36 100 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Construction crane operator
What does a construction crane operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A construction crane operator is responsible for maneuvering tower cranes and other heavy lifting cranes at construction sites. The tasks include lifting and moving building materials, machinery, and equipment to the correct location on the construction site, often at high altitudes and with great precision. The position requires both technical skill and the ability to collaborate closely with other professionals on site, such as supervisors, signal persons, and construction workers. The work environment is varied and can be challenging, as it often takes place outdoors in all weather conditions, with high safety and concentration demands.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for construction crane operators has shown some fluctuations. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month, which increased to 37 200 SEK in 2023. This increase corresponds to approximately 4.8%. However, the average salary slightly decreased to 36 100 SEK in 2024, representing a decline of just under 3% from the previous year. These changes can partly be explained by variations in demand for labor, project volume changes within the construction sector, and collective bargaining negotiations. Despite the recent decline, the salary level remains relatively stable over several years, reflecting the technical responsibility and specialized competence required for the profession.
Construction crane operator salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: Data unavailable
- Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
- Gender differences: Only data for men, 36 100 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a construction crane operator, a high school education with a focus on construction and civil engineering is usually required, supplemented with specialized courses for crane operation certification. Practical experience is often a prerequisite, and the profession requires certification and safety training. Many employers prefer candidates with documented practical experience from construction sites and valid professional licenses.
- High school education: Construction and civil engineering program (3 years)
- Professional license/certificate: Crane operator training and approved competency test
- Practical training: On-site learning during education
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition, technical understanding, basic Swedish skills
- Additional courses: Safety training, work environment, and machinery operation courses
Construction crane operators often have a unique view of the construction site and the entire city, providing an unusual perspective on both work and surroundings. Many appreciate the sense of freedom and responsibility that comes with working at great heights. Despite the challenging work environment, many professionals experience a strong sense of camaraderie with colleagues on site.
Common benefits and compensations
Construction crane operators are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to holiday pay, occupational pensions, insurance, and overtime premiums. Many employers also offer wellness contributions, work clothes, and sometimes additional training in safety and technology.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for construction crane operators is characterized by some competition for the most attractive positions, especially in metropolitan areas with large construction projects. One of the biggest challenges is that the profession requires high concentration and good safety awareness, as mistakes can have serious consequences. Technological developments and increased certification requirements also mean that continuous skills development is necessary. Additionally, the work environment can be strenuous, with outdoor work in all weather conditions and at heights, demanding both physically and mentally from professionals.
Tips for those who want to become construction crane operators
To succeed as a construction crane operator, it’s good to combine precision with technical interest and a sense of responsibility. Prioritizing safety training during high school and actively seeking internships provides valuable experience and improves employment prospects. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues on site, while stress tolerance and the ability to stay focused under pressure are crucial for safe work at heights. Having a positive attitude towards physically demanding work in varying weather conditions also contributes to long-term job satisfaction. Finally, demonstrating initiative and taking responsibility for your own skills development through further training and staying updated on new techniques are important.
Key facts about construction crane operators
- Education level: High school education with professional license
- Work environment: Outdoors, often at heights and in varying weather
- Work form: Full-time, often project-based
- demand: 379 available jobs within the profession
- Special skills: Crane operation certificate and safety training
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, construction crane operators can take on more advanced projects, such as chief crane operators at large construction sites or as team leaders for crane crews. There are also opportunities to further train as instructors or educators in crane and machinery operation professions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is difficult to make an exact forecast due to limited data, but the number of available positions indicates continued demand. Technological advancements and increased safety requirements may also create new specialized roles in the future.
Frequently asked questions about construction crane operators
- What does a construction crane operator earn?
- The average salary for a construction crane operator is 36 100 SEK per month. - How to become a construction crane operator?
- Most commonly, it involves attending the construction and civil engineering program at high school and then obtaining a professional license for crane operation. - What benefits does a construction crane operator have?
- Common benefits include collective agreements, holiday pay, occupational pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. - What is the work environment like for construction crane operators?
- The work is mostly outdoors, at great heights, and in varying weather conditions, requiring high precision and safety awareness. - Are there job opportunities for construction crane operators?
- There are 379 available jobs within the profession and related fields. - What qualities are important for the profession?
- Responsibility, teamwork skills, technical interest, and stress tolerance.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 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 Construction crane operator has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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