- Salary statistics
- Power station machinist salary
Power station machinist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
33 400 - 43 700 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Installation & drift/underhåll
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Salary progression Power station machinist
What does a power plant operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A power plant operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining technical facilities within power production, such as hydroelectric plants, heating plants, or other energy facilities. The work involves ensuring that the facilities operate optimally, which includes monitoring machinery, troubleshooting, and addressing operational disruptions. Tasks also include conducting inspections, reporting status, following safety procedures, and collaborating with technicians and engineers. The work environment is often technically advanced and may involve shift work, requiring both technical skills and precision.
Salary development over time
The salary development for power plant operators has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 38 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.2%. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward and is now 39 600 SEK, representing a further increase of approximately 3.2% from the previous year. This trend reflects a stable demand for the profession, where technological development and the need for safe operation in the energy sector contribute to maintaining competitive wages. The salary trend shows a moderate but continuous increase, linked to skill requirements and the industry's need to retain and attract qualified personnel.
Power plant operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
- Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
- Hourly wage: 230 SEK (average, hourly employee)
- Gender differences: Women earn 37 500 SEK/month (94% of men's salary), men earn 39 800 SEK/month
- Regional differences: No significant salary differences between regions are reported, but variations may occur depending on employer and location.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a power plant operator usually involves technical high school education with additional training in operations technology, energy, or automation. Post-secondary education, such as vocational colleges in operations technology, is common and often a requirement by employers. Practical experience from energy facilities is highly valued, and many employers also require certifications or internal training.
- High school education: Electrical and energy programs, technical programs (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: Vocational college in operations or energy technology (2–3 years)
- Certifications: Safety training, occupational health certificates
- Internships/trainee programs: Internships or trainee programs with energy companies are common
- Prerequisites: Technical interest and good grades in mathematics and physics
Many power plant operators have the opportunity to work with advanced control systems and digital monitoring, making the profession both varied and developing. The technological shift within the energy sector also provides a chance to contribute to sustainability efforts in society.
Common benefits and compensations
Power plant operators are often offered benefits such as shift allowances for unsociable hours, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and pension contributions according to collective agreements. Other common compensations include work clothing, training opportunities, and sometimes bonuses for special efforts or efficiencies.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for power plant operators is characterized by balance, where supply and demand are evenly distributed. Challenges in the profession include high technical competence requirements and ongoing training, especially with increased automation and digitization of energy facilities. Safety standards are high, and the work environment can be physically demanding, particularly during shift work and maintenance. To stay competitive, flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new technical solutions are necessary. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with colleagues and management are important.
Tips for those who want to become a power plant operator
To succeed as a power plant operator, it is good to have a technical interest and to be precise in your work, as safety is always a priority. Being solution-oriented helps with troubleshooting and maintaining advanced equipment, while good teamwork skills make it easier to work with other specialists. Flexibility is an important trait, as shift work and rapid changes in tasks are common. Continuously updating your skills and staying informed about new technology provides advantages in the job market. A structured approach to reporting and documentation facilitates work, and a sense of responsibility is crucial when handling powerful machinery. Finally, it is wise to seek internships or summer jobs in the energy sector early on to build valuable contacts and increase your chances of employment.
Key facts about power plant operators
- Education level: High school and post-secondary vocational education (2–3 years)
- Work environment: Shift work, technical environments, high safety requirements
- Demand: Moderate, approx. 481 job openings nationwide within the profession
- Special skills: Machinery monitoring, troubleshooting, digital control technology
- Work form: Usually full-time with collective agreements and shift allowances
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, a power plant operator can advance to leadership roles such as supervisor, operations manager, or technical specialist within energy production. There are also opportunities to further education in automation, project management, or environmental technology to broaden responsibilities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the heat and water plant operation technicians, the labor market is expected to be stable with medium opportunities nationwide. The recruitment situation is balanced, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, partly due to technological development and some automation. For those wishing to develop further, opportunities also exist in training, consulting, or renewable energy projects.
Frequently asked questions about power plant operators
- What is the average salary of a power plant operator?
- A power plant operator has an average salary of 39 600 SEK per month. - How has the salary development been for power plant operators?
- Salaries have increased from 36,300 SEK (2022) to 39 600 SEK (2024), a positive trend of about 5.5% over three years. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn 37 500 SEK on average, which is 94% of men's salary at 39 800 SEK. - What education is required to become a power plant operator?
- Typically, technical high school followed by postgraduate vocational training in operations technology or energy. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The labor market is balanced, and demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. - What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- Highest salary: 42,200 SEK (male, private sector), lowest salary: 30,700 SEK (female, municipal sector). - How many job openings are available for power plant operators?
- Approximately 481 nationwide within the profession.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31200 kr | 32900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 36400 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 37600 kr | 39800 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 38000 kr | 40200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 38100 kr | 40100 kr |
| 65-68 | 38000 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37500 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 29600 kr | 31000 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34900 kr | 36900 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 36300 kr | 38300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 37000 kr | 38900 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37100 kr | 38900 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 37400 kr | 38300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38000 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37500 kr | 40300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 37600 kr | 40600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 38100 kr | 40300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 37700 kr | 40300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 29600 kr | 31000 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 34700 kr | 36700 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 36100 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 36800 kr | 38600 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 36800 kr | 38500 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 37200 kr | 38200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 36200 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 91% | 29400 kr | 30700 kr |
| 25-34 | 91% | 35200 kr | 37000 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 37000 kr | 38800 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 37700 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37900 kr | 39900 kr |
| 65-68 | 37800 kr | 38800 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 37100 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32200 kr | 34100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 37600 kr | 40200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38800 kr | 41400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39200 kr | 41600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39600 kr | 41800 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38600 kr | 41000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32200 kr | 34100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 37600 kr | 40200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38800 kr | 41400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39200 kr | 41600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39600 kr | 41800 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38600 kr | 41000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31500 kr | 33000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 36600 kr | 39000 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 37800 kr | 40100 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 38100 kr | 40400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 38200 kr | 40200 kr |
| 65-68 | 38000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 29900 kr | 31100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 34900 kr | 37000 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 36500 kr | 38600 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 37100 kr | 39100 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37200 kr | 39000 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 37400 kr | 38400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 36600 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38200 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37600 kr | 40300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 37600 kr | 41200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 38300 kr | 40600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 37800 kr | 40500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 29700 kr | 30900 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 34600 kr | 36800 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 36300 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 36900 kr | 38800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 36900 kr | 38700 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 37300 kr | 38200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 36400 kr | 38200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 91% | 29900 kr | 31200 kr |
| 25-34 | 91% | 35600 kr | 37600 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 37200 kr | 39100 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 37700 kr | 40000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37900 kr | 40000 kr |
| 65-68 | 37900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 37300 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37800 kr | 40500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38900 kr | 41500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39300 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39600 kr | 41900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38800 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37800 kr | 40500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38900 kr | 41500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39300 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39600 kr | 41900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38800 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 35400 kr | 36800 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 36200 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 36700 kr | 38000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37200 kr | 38600 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 36000 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 28200 kr | 30600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 35000 kr | 36200 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 35400 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 36300 kr | 37300 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 35800 kr | 37300 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 36400 kr | 37500 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 35400 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 37500 kr | 39800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 37300 kr | 40100 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 37600 kr | 40000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 37700 kr | 39900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 37500 kr | 40000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 28700 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35300 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 35100 kr | 36300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 36000 kr | 37000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 35400 kr | 37000 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 36700 kr | 37900 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 35300 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 91% | 27400 kr | 28300 kr |
| 25-34 | 91% | 33300 kr | 34000 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 35800 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 37200 kr | 37700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 37300 kr | 38300 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 35200 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 36900 kr | 38900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 36900 kr | 38900 kr |
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 Power station machinist has the SSYK code 8191, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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