Image that illustrates Ice machine operator

Ice machine operator

35 600 kr

Construction machine operators etc.

33 100 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Bygg & anläggning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ice machine operator

Average salary 35 600 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 35 200 kr

What does an ice machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An ice machine operator is responsible for preparing and maintaining ice surfaces in facilities such as ice rinks and arenas. Tasks include operating ice machines, cleaning, flooding, repairing the ice, and maintaining equipment and surrounding areas. The work often takes place at irregular hours, especially during events, matches, and training sessions. The work environment can vary between cold ice halls and warmer machinery rooms, requiring both technical skills and physical endurance.

Salary development over time

Ice machine operators have experienced stable salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 in 2023 and further to 35 600 in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 2.6% over the period. The salary increase follows the industry trend with small but steady raises, likely due to increased demand for specialized personnel in facility management and ongoing maintenance needs at sports venues. The development is also influenced by collective agreements and regional variations in the labor market.

Ice machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 214 SEK
  • Women: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Men: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 99% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector (37,400 SEK), lowest in private sector (33,100 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as an ice machine operator, no specific higher education is required, but a high school diploma and technical understanding are often necessary. Many employers require experience with machine operation, basic knowledge of equipment maintenance, and a B driver's license. Practical training on the job is common, and certification courses in machinery safety can be advantageous.

  • Education level: High school diploma, preferably with a technical focus
  • Certifications: Courses in machinery safety and work environment
  • Practical training: Introduction and supervision on site
  • Pre-requisites: Experience with machine operation and B driver's license
  • Tips: Additional training in facility maintenance increases employability

Many ice machine operators quickly become experts at assessing ice quality visually and play a central role for both hockey teams and figure skating clubs. Good communication with coaches and organizers is crucial for smooth operations.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for ice machine operators include overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, and access to work clothing and protective gear. In some cases, training support and opportunities for further education in facility maintenance or machinery technology are offered.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an ice machine operator is relatively low, but challenges include high staff turnover and difficulties recruiting experienced operators. Many leave the profession after a few years, leading to recurring recruitment needs. Work hours can be irregular, and the work environment demands both technical skills and resilience to cold. The ability to quickly troubleshoot technical problems and collaborate effectively with sports clubs and organizers is essential. A good work environment and clear onboarding can help new employees stay in the profession.

Tips for aspiring ice machine operators

To succeed as an ice machine operator, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and be meticulous, as machine maintenance and ice care require precision. Flexibility is important, as working hours are often variable and sometimes scheduled for evenings and weekends. Being service-oriented and able to cooperate with colleagues and ice rink users facilitates daily tasks. Good physical endurance is needed since the environment can be cold and tasks physically demanding. Career development is supported by a willingness to learn new techniques and stay updated on safety procedures and machine maintenance.

Key facts about ice machine operators

  • Education level: High school education recommended
  • Work environment: Ice halls and arenas, often cold and variable
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work including evenings and weekends
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
  • Special skills: Machine operation and ice maintenance

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an ice machine operator, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, such as supervising facility staff or managing larger sports venues. Some choose to further their education in property maintenance or machinery technology to broaden their skills. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, demand for construction machinery operators remains high and is expected to stay stable over the next five years, offering good future prospects. With 379 job openings in the field, there are strong chances for employment and advancement, especially for those combining technical skills with service orientation.

Common questions about ice machine operators

  • What does an ice machine operator earn?
    - An ice machine operator has an average salary of 35 600 SEK per month.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Women earn an average of 35 200, which is 99% of men's salaries.
  • What is the highest salary for an ice machine operator?
    - The highest salary is 37,400 SEK and belongs to a woman in the regional sector.
  • What is required to become an ice machine operator?
    - High school education, experience with machine operation, and B driver's license are recommended.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain steady over the next five years.
  • How does the work environment affect the profession?
    - The work is conducted in cold environments and requires good physical endurance and technical knowledge.
  • What benefits are usually offered?
    - Overtime pay, wellness allowances, and training support are commonly provided.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ice machine operator is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 37000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ice machine operator is 33100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 103% 31100 kr 31900 kr
25-34 98% 34000 kr 35300 kr
35-44 99% 35600 kr 36700 kr
45-54 36400 kr 37800 kr
55-64 33900 kr 35300 kr
65-68 33400 kr 34700 kr
Snitt 99% 34400 kr 35600 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Ice machine operator has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes