Operating technician, incineration station

What does an operations technician at a combustion plant do? – Tasks and work environment

An operations technician at a combustion plant is responsible for operating and monitoring facilities that convert waste into energy or heat. Tasks include controlling and managing processes in combustion furnaces, handling fuel supply, and ensuring environmental standards are met. The role also involves troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of technical equipment, as well as reporting operational status to management. The work environment is characterized by shift work and may involve working in noisy and warm environments, where safety and accuracy are of utmost importance.

Salary development over time

The salary for operations technicians at combustion plants has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increasing in 2023 to 37 100 SEK. The latest figure from 2024 indicates an average monthly salary of 38 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5.5% over the three-year period. This development reflects a continued demand for the profession and is also influenced by collective agreements and salary adjustments within the energy sector. At the same time, salary increases are relatively moderate, which can be linked to a balanced labor market and some influence from technological development and automation.

Operations technician, combustion plant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK/hour
• Women's salary in relation to men's: 95 %
• Average male salary: 38 500 SEK/month
• Average female salary: 36 600 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as an operations technician at a combustion plant, a technical high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on energy, operations, or process technology. Post-secondary education in areas such as process engineering or energy- and process technology is often advantageous, and some employers also require certifications or completed internships. Practical experience from similar facilities and an interest in technology and the environment are important factors for success in the profession.

• Technical high school education: 3 years, preferably with an energy focus
• Post-secondary education: YH or university, 2–3 years
• Certifications: For example, hot work permits, safety training
• Internships: On-the-job training or trainee programs are common
• Prerequisites: Technical interest, problem-solving skills, and good physics knowledge

Common benefits and compensations

Operations technicians at combustion plants are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training. Other common compensations include work clothing, occupational pension, and insurance linked to the work environment and collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as operations technician at combustion plants is neither particularly fierce nor nonexistent on a national level, characterized by a balanced situation. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast, the prospects for employment in the profession are moderate, with demand expected to remain at current levels over the next five years. Technical advances and increased automation will influence job tasks and may reduce the need for manual monitoring in the long term, which requires continuous skills development. At the same time, there is a stable need for specialists with knowledge of environmental and energy recovery issues.

Tips for those wishing to become an operations technician at a combustion plant

To succeed as an operations technician at a combustion plant, it is good to be meticulous and have a genuine interest in technology and environmental issues. Being solution-oriented helps when operational disruptions and unexpected problems occur. Initiative and willingness to learn new technical systems are crucial, as technology develops rapidly in the energy industry. Good teamwork skills facilitate shift work, where working in teams is common, while stress resistance and flexibility are important in emergency situations or quick adjustments. The ability to communicate clearly and document work processes contributes to safety and quality. Actively seeking internships and participating in further training are effective ways to strengthen your chances on the job market.

Key facts about Operations Technician, combustion plant

• Education level: Technical high school education, often supplemented with YH or university
• Work environment: Shift work in technical facilities, noise and heat are common
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 481 job openings nationwide
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95 % of men's salaries
• Future outlook: Balanced labor market, demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as supervisor, operations manager, or process responsible within energy facilities. Many operations technicians further specialize in areas like environmental technology, automation, or project management to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast, the labor market for operations technicians at heat and water plants is balanced, with moderate opportunities for employment and demand expected to stay the same over five years. Technological development creates a need for ongoing training, but the profession's societal importance ensures that demand remains stable in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Operations Technician, combustion plant

• What is the salary of an operations technician at a combustion plant?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 38 500 SEK while women earn 36 600 SEK, which means women earn approximately 95 % of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an operations technician at a combustion plant?
  - Technical high school education is the basic requirement, often supplemented with YH or university education in energy or process engineering.
• Are there many job openings in this profession?
  - Yes, there are approximately 481 job openings nationwide.
• What are the future prospects for operations technicians at combustion plants?
  - The job market is considered balanced with unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, occupational pension, and further training opportunities are common.
• How wide is the salary range within the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 30,700 SEK and the highest is 42,200 SEK, depending on sector, education, and experience.