How much does a Machine operator, cleaning make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Machine operator, cleaning
Image that illustrates Machine operator, cleaning

Machine operator, cleaning

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 Machine operator, cleaning

Average salary 35 600 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 35 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 23 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 34 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 35 600 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 99% of men's salaries, indicating a relatively small gender pay gap in the profession.

Machine operator in waste management salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 600 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: 35 200 SEK/month
  • Men: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 99%

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 35 600 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 214 SEK.
  • Are there large salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn 99% 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 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 Machine operator, cleaning 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Machine operator, cleaning 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
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    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

    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

Explore more topics