Machine operator, cleaning salary

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Machine operator, cleaning salary

36 700 SEK

Construction machine operators etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

34 500 - 38 900 SEK / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Bygg & anläggning

Average salary 36 700 SEK/month Monthly gross salary
Salary range 34 500 - 38 900 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Calculate take-home pay for Machine operator, cleaning 36 700 SEK/month prefilled Calculate gross salary for Machine operator, cleaning Start from net pay More salary pages Browse more roles Open jobs for Machine operator, cleaning 213 matching jobs in Bygg & anläggning

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Salary trend About the role What does a machine operator in waste management do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Machine operator in waste management salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Machine operator, cleaning

Average salary 36 700 kr
Males 36 800 kr
Females 35 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 213 Vacant jobs ->

What does a machine operator in waste management do? – Tasks and work environment

A machine operator in waste management is responsible for handling and operating various types of machinery used in waste collection, recycling, and waste transportation. Tasks often include loading, unloading, and transporting waste, as well as maintaining machinery and performing minor repairs. Much of the work takes place outdoors and involves physical activity in varying weather conditions. Safety and precision are central, as work is often near other vehicles and people, and involves materials that require special handling.

Salary development over time

The salary for waste management machine operators has shown a steady but moderate increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 35 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 36 700 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 2.6% over the period. This trend reflects continued demand for the profession, while salary levels are kept stable by market supply and the requirements for education and experience. The development indicates a positive but slow wage growth, typical for professions with high demand but where tasks do not require advanced academic education. Women earn 97% of men's salaries, indicating a relatively small gender pay gap in the profession.

Machine operator in waste management salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, regional sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 214 SEK
  • Women: 35 500 SEK/month
  • Men: 36 700 SEK/month
  • Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 97%

Machine operators in waste management often handle advanced equipment and modern vehicles, requiring both technical knowledge and the ability to manage digital systems. Technological development in the industry means the profession is constantly evolving, and those who are flexible and willing to learn new skills have good opportunities for development.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in waste management, a high school education in vehicles, transport, or technology is typically required, supplemented with a machine operator certificate. Practical experience and certifications are important, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed workplace internships or trainee programs. Some companies also offer internal training and further education in environmental and safety topics.

  • High school education: Vehicles and Transport program, 3 years
  • Certificates: Machine operator certificate for relevant machinery
  • Internship: Workplace-based internship/trainee
  • Further training: Courses in safety, environment, digital systems
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition, technical interest, driving license

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often offers benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pension, wellness allowance, and access to work clothing and protective equipment. Many employers also provide opportunities for further training and skill development, as well as compensation for unsocial hours and overtime.

Competition and challenges

Despite high demand for waste management machine operators, the industry faces recruitment difficulties and high staff turnover. Many leave the profession for other fields, meaning employers are constantly seeking new operators with the right skills. The work environment can be challenging due to heavy lifting, noise, and outdoor work in all weather conditions. Additionally, technological advances require operators to quickly adapt to new machinery and digital systems, which can be demanding for those not accustomed to continuous change.

Tips for those wishing to become a machine operator in waste management

To succeed as a machine operator in waste management, it is important to have a good work ethic and be responsible, as safety and quality are always priorities. An interest in technology facilitates learning new machinery and digital tools increasingly used in the industry. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities, as tasks and routines can vary daily. Endurance and good physical condition are also advantageous, as the work is often physically demanding and outdoors. Social skills ease collaboration with colleagues and other professionals at the workplace. Taking initiative for further training and staying updated on new technology can also open doors to more career opportunities in the field.

Key facts about machine operators in waste management

  • Education level: High school education with additional certificates
  • Work environment: Outdoors and in vehicles, varying weather conditions
  • Typical work pattern: Full-time, often shift work
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
  • Special skills: Machine operator certificate and technical knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a waste management machine operator can advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader or supervisor for larger machine fleets. Some choose to specialize in specific machinery or become instructors in safety and environmental topics. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities remain strong, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The profession is part of the construction machinery operator group, which currently has 379 available jobs, indicating good future prospects and a stable labor market.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators in waste management

  • What does a machine operator in waste management earn?
    - The average salary is 36 700 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 214 SEK.
  • Are there large salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn 97% of men's salaries, which indicates small differences.
  • What education is required to become a machine operator in waste management?
    - High school education in vehicles/transport and a machine operator certificate are usually required.
  • What is the job market like for machine operators in waste management?
    - Opportunities for employment are abundant and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
  • What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
    - Physical strain, outdoor work, and rapid technological development are common challenges.
  • How can one increase their salary as a machine operator in waste management?
    - Further education, certifications, and experience can often lead to higher wages.
  • Are there career opportunities within the profession?
    - Yes, there are opportunities to advance to team leader or specialize within the field.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 20:09:34

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machine operator, cleaning is 38900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 38300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machine operator, cleaning is 34500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 35500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 32200 kr 33500 kr
25-34 99% 35100 kr 36200 kr
35-44 95% 37300 kr 38300 kr
45-54 35800 kr 37100 kr
55-64 35600 kr 36800 kr
65-68 34700 kr 35600 kr
Snitt 97% 35600 kr 36700 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Machine operator, cleaning has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

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* Updated with 2026 taxes

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