Operations Planner, IT

What does an IT Operations Planner do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An IT operations planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the daily operation of IT systems and infrastructure. Tasks include scheduling maintenance, handling incidents, monitoring system performance, and ensuring that servers and networks operate without interruption. The planner often acts as a link between technical teams and business needs, requiring both technical understanding and communication skills. Work is mainly carried out in an office or data center environment, with some possibility for remote work depending on the employer and systems managed.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for IT operations planners has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,500 SEK per month, increasing to 40 600 SEK in 2023 – a rise of approximately 5.5%. In 2024, the average salary continues to grow to 42 400 SEK, representing an additional 4.4% increase compared to the previous year. This salary increase can partly be explained by a rising demand for advanced IT skills in society, as well as rapid technological development that demands higher expertise and flexibility. At the same time, the national job market for IT operations technicians and planners has experienced some oversupply, which may dampen wage growth in the future.

IT Operations Planner Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 42 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 50,500 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 255 SEK/hour
• Men: 42 600 SEK/month
• Women: 41 200 SEK/month
• Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 97%
• Regional differences: Some variation depending on labor market and sector

Education and Qualifications

The path to becoming an IT operations planner usually involves post-secondary education in IT, networking, or system administration. Employers value both formal education and practical experience, and many combine studies with internships or trainee positions to strengthen their skills. Certifications in relevant systems, networks, or cloud services can also be advantageous and improve employment prospects.

• Post-secondary education: YH training (2 years) or university degree (3 years) in IT or networking
• Certifications: Examples include Microsoft, Cisco, Linux, or AWS
• Internships/Trainee: Usually through education or summer jobs
• Prerequisites: Basic IT skills and problem-solving abilities
• Self-study/online courses: Courses in networking, security, and server administration
• Tips for choosing: Focus on practice-oriented programs and build your own portfolio

Common Benefits and Allowances

IT operations planners are often offered benefits such as pension plans, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and remote work opportunities. Many employers also provide training grants, subsidized lunches, and insurance policies supplementing collective agreements. On-call allowances and overtime pay are common, especially in shift work or on-call duties.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as an IT operations planner is relatively high nationally, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. There is a slight oversupply of candidates, which means employers can set high requirements for education and experience. Rapid technological development also means skills must be continuously updated, and the role can change quickly with new systems and processes. Adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are therefore crucial for success and career advancement in the field.

Tips for Aspiring IT Operations Planners

To succeed as an IT operations planner, combine technical interest with analytical skills, as the profession requires both troubleshooting and overview. Precision is important, especially when planning and documenting changes in the IT environment. Build a broad technical foundation through education and certifications, and take advantage of internships to gain insight into daily work. Flexibility and stress tolerance are valuable, as working hours can be irregular and incidents require quick responses. Develop your communication skills, as collaboration with technical colleagues and users is a significant part of the job. Engage in industry forums or networks to stay updated on new technologies and methods. Finally, ongoing education is wise to meet labor market demands and increase chances for advancement.

Key Facts about IT Operations Planners

• Educational level: Post-secondary education recommended (YH or university)
• Work environment: Office or data center, sometimes shifts or on-call
• Job market: 179 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
• Demand: Limited opportunities, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Typical employment type: Permanent employment, often with collective agreement

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as an IT operations planner, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as operations manager, system administrator, or specialist in networking and security. Some choose to further educate themselves as IT architects or project managers, while others move into consulting roles in larger IT projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is relatively stable, but competition for positions is high, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Continuous further education and specialization in in-demand technology areas can increase opportunities for career development and higher salaries.

Common Questions about IT Operations Planners

• What does an IT Operations Planner earn?
  - An IT operations planner has an average salary of 42 400 SEK per month according to current statistics.
• What education is required to become an IT operations planner?
  - Post-secondary education in IT, such as YH training or university degree, is recommended.
• Are there gender differences in salary for IT operations planners?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for IT operations planners?
  - Competition is high and job opportunities are limited, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the job responsibilities of an IT operations planner?
  - Planning, monitoring, incident management, and coordination of IT operations are included in the role.
• What benefits are common for IT operations planners?
  - Pension plans, wellness benefits, remote work, and on-call allowances are common benefits.
• How can one increase their chances of getting a job as an IT operations planner?
  - Internships, certifications, and networking increase employment opportunities.