Image that illustrates Heavy workers, construction

Heavy workers, construction

34 700 kr

Construction laborers

31 300 - 35 200 kr / month

Women earn 90% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Heavy workers, construction

Average salary 34 700 kr
Males 34 800 kr
Females 31 300 kr

What does a construction laborer do? – Tasks and work environment

A construction laborer works with a wide range of physical tasks at construction sites. The main duties include carrying, loading, and unloading materials, demolishing buildings, cleaning work sites, and assisting tradespeople such as carpenters, painters, and concrete workers. The work often involves simple machinery and tools, and is performed outdoors or in raw, unfinished environments. The work environment is characterized by heavy lifting, noise, and sometimes working at heights, which requires good physical fitness and safety consciousness.

Salary development over time

The salary for construction laborers has experienced steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,700 SEK per month, which increased to 33 700 SEK in 2023 and has reached 34 700 SEK in 2024. The total increase over this period amounts to approximately 9.5%, which is slightly above the average for many professions within the construction sector. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for labor in the construction sector, some shortage of available personnel, and adjustments to meet inflation. Despite the overall salary increase, there are still clear gender differences, and regional variations can also influence salary levels.

Construction laborer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,300 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 35,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men 34 800 SEK, women 31,300 SEK (women 90% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and demand for labor

Education and qualifications

To work as a construction laborer, no formal higher education is required, but a high school diploma with a focus on construction and civil engineering is advantageous. Many learn the trade through practical work and supervision on site. Some employers may require introductory courses in work environment and safety, especially for work on larger construction sites.

  • High school program: Construction and civil engineering (3 years) is advantageous
  • Safety training: Mandatory for some workplaces, e.g., lift certificates and safety courses
  • Practical experience: Apprenticeships or internships provide valuable experience
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and basic understanding of construction work environment
  • Tips for choosing: Interest in practical work and teamwork facilitates career choice

Many construction laborers quickly gain insight into various roles on the worksite, which can open doors for further education and specialization within the industry. It is common for laborers to progress to more qualified roles, such as machine operators or site supervisors. Practical experience is often a strong asset in such career changes.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Construction laborers are often offered benefits such as contractual insurance, wellness allowances, and work clothing. Many employers also provide extra compensation for inconvenient working hours and opportunities for further training and certifications that increase job security.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for construction laborers currently features a certain surplus of workforce, meaning competition for jobs is relatively high. Nevertheless, demand is expected to increase over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service, driven by continued high construction activity and large infrastructure projects. Challenges in the profession include the physically demanding work environment, risk of injuries, and irregular working hours. Women are underrepresented and earn less than men, reflecting a challenge for both the industry and individual workers. Additionally, regional differences may result in tougher competition in certain parts of the country.

Tips for those who want to become construction laborers

To succeed as a construction laborer, it is important to have good physical fitness and endurance, as the tasks are often heavy and physically demanding. Being precise and following safety regulations is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Teamwork skills are also important, as work is performed in teams where communication plays a significant role. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate handling varying tasks from day to day. Those who are proactive and eager to learn new skills often have better opportunities for development and responsibility. A positive attitude contributes to a good workplace environment and better work results. Showing respect for colleagues and management also makes teamwork smoother in daily operations.

Key facts about construction laborers

  • Education level: High school recommended, but not mandatory
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors and on construction sites
  • Typical employment: Full-time or hourly employment
  • Demand: Expected to increase nationally over five years
  • Job openings: 379 advertised positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a construction laborer, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as machine operator, concrete worker, demolition worker, or site supervisor. Practical experience and additional training increase chances for career development within the construction industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the labor market currently has a surplus of workforce, but demand is expected to grow over five years in line with investments in construction and infrastructure projects. Individuals with broad experience and relevant education have the best opportunities to take the next step or switch sectors.

Frequently asked questions about construction laborers

  • What does a construction laborer earn?
    - The average salary is 34 700 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and region.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Men earn an average of 34 800 SEK, while women earn 31,300 SEK, which means women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a construction laborer?
    - High school in construction and civil engineering is recommended, but it is possible to start without formal education.
  • What is the job market like for construction laborers?
    - There is currently a surplus of labor, but demand is expected to increase over the next five years.
  • What tasks does a construction laborer perform?
    - Heavy lifting, material handling, demolition, cleaning, and assisting on construction sites.
  • Are there opportunities for further training?
    - Yes, good opportunities exist for further education and progression to more qualified roles within the industry.
  • What is the hourly wage for a construction laborer?
    - The average hourly wage is 209 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Heavy workers, construction is 35200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 31300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Heavy workers, construction is 31300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29400 kr 30100 kr
25-34 34000 kr 34500 kr
35-44 37400 kr 38000 kr
45-54 32500 kr 33200 kr
55-64 36000 kr 36900 kr
Snitt 90% 34100 kr 34700 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Heavy workers, construction has the SSYK code 9310, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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