- Salary statistics
- Crane operator
Crane operator
35 600 - 36 100 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Crane operator
What does a crane operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A crane operator is responsible for maneuvering cranes at construction sites, industries, and ports. The profession involves moving heavy materials and structural elements safely and precisely, often at great heights or in confined spaces. The work environment can be challenging, with varying weather conditions and constant attention needed to minimize risks. Crane operators work closely with other trades and follow strict safety regulations to prevent accidents.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary trends for crane operators have shown some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the salary increased to 37 200 SEK, reflecting a rise of approximately 4.8%. In 2024, the average decreased to 36 100 SEK, a decline of about 3% compared to the previous year. These fluctuations may be due to changes in demand within the construction and civil engineering sectors, project volume variations, and the availability of trained personnel. Despite the recent decrease, salaries remain competitive compared to many other professions in construction and civil engineering.
Crane operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Not specified
- Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 36 100 SEK, salary data for women is not available
- Regional differences: Specific data is lacking; variations may occur depending on projects and demand
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a crane operator typically involves upper secondary vocational education in construction and civil engineering, followed by specialized courses for crane operator licensing. Practical experience is crucial, and many employers require both certification and some work experience. There are also opportunities for training via adult education or labor market programs.
- Upper secondary education: Construction and civil engineering program, approximately 3 years
- Crane operator license: Mandatory certification from approved training providers
- Internship: On-the-job learning is often part of the training
- Prerequisites: Approved health and vision, some physical strength
- Further training: Opportunities for courses on specific crane types
Crane operators often work on large construction projects where coordination with multiple trades is essential. Good communication and the ability to interpret signals from ground personnel are necessary to ensure safe and efficient work.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to base salary, crane operators often receive supplements for unsociable hours, overtime, and work under special conditions. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, workwear, and sometimes opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense. Some workplaces may also offer bonus systems linked to project progress or safety performance.
Challenges and competition
The demand for crane operators is influenced by the construction cycle and the number of ongoing infrastructure projects. Competition for jobs can vary regionally, with some areas experiencing higher demand. Challenges in the profession mainly concern safety, as work often occurs at heights and involves heavy loads. Technological development and increased certification requirements also demand ongoing skill development. For newcomers, it can be difficult to secure initial jobs without experience, but internships and networking often facilitate entry into the field.
Tips for aspiring crane operators
To succeed as a crane operator, having technical interest and good multitasking skills is beneficial, as the work requires managing several tasks simultaneously. Precision is critical to ensure all lifts are safe and according to instructions. Resilience to stress helps when the pace is high or unexpected situations arise. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with other trades and contribute to a safe working environment. Flexibility is a strength, as tasks and environments can vary daily. Continual learning through training and an interest in new technical solutions also increase chances for a long and rewarding career in crane operation.
Key facts about crane operators
- Education level: Upper secondary education + crane operator license
- Work environment: Construction sites, industries, ports
- Work form: Often project-based and outdoor
- Demand: 379 available jobs (May 2024)
- Special skills: Safety procedures, technical crane operation
Career paths and outlook
After gaining some experience, a crane operator can handle more advanced lifts, supervise new colleagues, or further qualify as a supervisor in construction and civil engineering. Some choose to specialize in specific crane types or work as instructors in training programs. Forecasts from the Employment Service are uncertain due to limited statistical data, but the number of available jobs indicates a steady need, especially with large construction projects and infrastructure investments. Technological advances and increased safety requirements also create new opportunities for those interested in further education or specialization.
Frequently asked questions about crane operators
- What does a crane operator earn?
- The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month. - How to become a crane operator?
- Through upper secondary vocational education in construction/earthworks and a certified crane operator license. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Salary data for men is 36 100 SEK, specific figures for women are not available. - What is the job market like for crane operators?
- There are 379 available jobs, but exact forecasts are not available. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, teamwork skills, stress tolerance, and technical interest are central. - What is required to operate different types of cranes?
- Special certificates and sometimes additional training depending on the crane type.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 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 Crane operator has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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