High pressure

What does a high-pressure cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment

A high-pressure cleaner primarily works with cleaning and maintaining surfaces, machines, and facilities using high-pressure washers and similar equipment. Tasks can include cleaning industrial machines, facades, and vehicles, as well as removing coatings or dirt in hard-to-reach environments. The work often takes place in varied environments, both outdoors and indoors, and may involve exposure to weather, chemicals, and noise. High-pressure cleaners need good physical fitness, as the work can be physically demanding and requires precision and safety awareness.

Wage development over time

Over the past three years, high-pressure cleaners have experienced a relatively stable but slightly increasing salary trend. In 2022, the average salary was 33,100 SEK per month, which increased slightly in 2023 to 32 500 SEK. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a more noticeable salary increase to 35 000 SEK on average, corresponding to an increase of about 7.7% over one year. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for the profession within industry and construction sectors, where cleaning and maintenance are crucial for operational safety and environmental requirements. Additionally, general wage adjustments and increased demands for work environment and safety have influenced this development. Despite the wage increase, some gender pay gaps remain, with men earning more than women on average within the profession.

High-pressure cleaner salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,000 SEK/month (female), 34,000 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (male), 32,300 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 32,000 SEK/month (89% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 35 800 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a high-pressure cleaner, usually no formal upper secondary education is required, but many employers prefer candidates with experience from industry, construction, or technical work. Practical training often occurs on-site, where safety routines and equipment handling are taught. Some workplaces may require certificates for working with high pressure or chemicals, as well as a driver’s license to move between different work sites.

• Formal education: Often compulsory or upper secondary school within technology or industry
• Certifications: Safety training for high-pressure work and possibly hot work
• Internship: Introduction and on-the-job training are common
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, safety awareness, and precision
• Driver’s license: Often a requirement for mobile work sites

Common benefits and compensations

High-pressure cleaners often have access to compensation for unsociable hours, overtime, and sometimes per diems when working at different locations. Other common benefits include work clothing, protective equipment, as well as wellness allowances and insurance covering work injuries or accidents. In some cases, employers may also offer training or further development within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a high-pressure cleaner is moderate and mainly driven by demand within industry, construction, and property maintenance. The biggest challenges in the profession are the physically demanding tasks and work environment, where exposure to weather, noise, and chemicals occurs. Maintaining safety routines and following regulations for protective equipment are crucial to avoid injuries. Additionally, the availability of permanent employment varies regionally, and temporary projects or seasonal work are common. Digitalization and new technology also mean high-pressure cleaners need to adapt to new methods and machinery.

Tips for aspiring high-pressure cleaners

To succeed as a high-pressure cleaner, it is good to have good physical condition and endurance, as the work is often physically demanding and takes place in varied environments. Precision is an important trait, especially when handling machinery and chemicals that require strict adherence to safety routines. Flexibility facilitates work at different locations and times, as assignments can vary from day to day. A strong safety mindset and sense of responsibility help minimize risks and ensure efficient work. It is also advantageous to be service-minded and able to collaborate in teams, as many assignments require cooperation with colleagues. Showing initiative and being willing to learn new technology also improve opportunities for development within the profession.

Key facts about high-pressure cleaners

• Education level: Often compulsory or upper secondary school
• Work environment: Varied, both indoors and outdoors, often physically demanding
• Job market: 1,437 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Handling high-pressure equipment and safety routines

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, high-pressure cleaners can advance to work supervisor, machine manager, or specialize in areas such as industrial cleaning or environmental technology. There are also opportunities to take on more responsibility in larger projects or train new colleagues. The Swedish Public Employment Service assesses the future outlook as good, with continued demand across several sectors and a stable need for the profession's skills. Digitalization and environmental requirements may lead to new work areas and further training needs, providing long-term development opportunities for those who wish to stay in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about high-pressure cleaners

• What is the average salary of a high-pressure cleaner?
  - The average salary for a high-pressure cleaner is 35 000 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between women and men look?
  - Men earn an average of 35 800 SEK, while women earn 32,000 SEK, which means women earn approximately 89% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a high-pressure cleaner?
  - Usually, a compulsory or upper secondary school qualification and practical on-the-job training are sufficient.
• Are there regional salary differences for high-pressure cleaners?
  - Salary levels may vary depending on the region, but available statistics show small differences across the country.
• What does the future look like for high-pressure cleaners?
  - The outlook is good, with many job openings and ongoing demand across several sectors.
• What is a typical hourly wage for a high-pressure cleaner?
  - The average hourly wage is 210 SEK.
• What tasks are included in the job of a high-pressure cleaner?
  - Tasks include cleaning and maintenance of surfaces and machinery with high-pressure equipment, often in varied environments.