How much does a Machinist, steam make

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  2. Machinist, steam
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Machinist, steam

38 300 kr

Operations technicians at heating and water plants

30 700 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Machinist, steam

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 38 500 kr
Females 36 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 21 Vacant jobs ->

What does a steam engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A steam-driven engineer is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining steam boilers and related facilities. Tasks include starting, stopping, and regulating boilers, monitoring pressure and temperatures, and troubleshooting operational issues. The engineer ensures safety regulations are followed and handles chemicals for water treatment. Work can occur day or night, often in shifts, in environments with high safety standards and technical equipment. The role also involves documenting operational data and collaborating with other technicians and engineers.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for steam engineers have shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, followed by 37 100 SEK in 2023 and 38 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 5.5% over the period, slightly above the average salary growth in the technology and operations sector. The salary increase can be explained by continued demand for qualified operation technicians, increased complexity of facilities, and the need for specialized skills in safety and environment. The gender pay gap persists, with women earning about 95% of men's salaries.

Steam engineer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector)
  • Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 38 500 SEK, women 36 600 SEK (women earn 95% of men)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly between regions, but are mainly determined by employer sector and experience.

Education and qualifications

To work as a steam engineer, a technical high school education with a focus on operations, energy, or process technology is usually required. Post-secondary education, such as vocational college in operations technology or specific certification courses for steam boilers, is often advantageous. Practical experience from industries with steam facilities is highly valued, and in some cases, employers may require certification according to safety regulations.

  • High school education: Electrical and energy program or similar
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational college in operations technology (2 years)
  • Certifications: Approved training for steam boiler handling
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning or trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest

Many steam engineers report a special professional pride linked to working with Sweden’s historic industrial environments and technological heritage. The combination of tradition and modern technology makes the job both challenging and unique.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Steam engineers are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and extra vacation days. In some cases, training support, opportunities for further education, and favorable pension contributions are included. Employment with larger employers may also provide access to occupational health services and workwear.

Competition and challenges

The job market for steam engineers is characterized by a balance between supply and demand. According to the Employment Service forecast, opportunities are expected to be moderate over the next five years, with unchanged demand. Technical changes and increased automation mean that the profession is evolving and requires higher digital skills and problem-solving abilities. Competition for the most attractive positions can be tough, especially in larger cities and on facilities with advanced technology. At the same time, the need for experienced and certified engineers remains high.

Tips for aspiring steam engineers

To succeed as a steam engineer, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with accuracy and a sense of responsibility. Being solution-oriented facilitates troubleshooting and handling unexpected operational issues. Good teamwork skills are important, as work often occurs in teams where communication and collaboration are crucial. It’s also wise to seek internships early to gain insight into daily work and build experience, increasing employability. Continual training and staying updated on new technology provide competitive advantages, especially in digital monitoring and automation systems. Lastly, patience and stress resilience are necessary, as the work can involve quick decisions and high tempo, especially during operational disruptions.

Key facts about steam engineer

  • Education level: High school or vocational college
  • Work environment: Industrial environment with shift work
  • Demand: Moderate, unchanged forecast
  • Special skills: Steam boiler handling and safety regulations
  • Job openings: 481 within the profession according to latest statistics

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles such as operations manager, supervisor, or specialist in energy optimization and process control. Some choose to further their education in automation or environmental technology, which can lead to new roles in development or training. The Employment Service assesses that demand for steam engineers will be unchanged over the next five years, with moderate job opportunities nationwide. Technological development and automation influence the profession, but the need for practical skills and operational responsibility remains. Recently, there were 481 job openings in the field, indicating continued demand.

Common questions about steam engineer

  • What does a steam engineer earn?
    - A steam engineer has an average monthly salary of 38 300 SEK, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a steam engineer?
    - High school education with a technical focus and vocational training or certification in operations technology is recommended.
  • Is there a salary difference between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 95% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market outlook for steam engineers?
    - The forecast indicates moderate demand and a balanced job market over the next five years.
  • What are the duties of a steam engineer?
    - Operation, monitoring, maintenance of steam boilers, troubleshooting, and documentation are included.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and training support are common benefits.
  • What is required to get the highest salary as a steam engineer?
    - Private employment, post-secondary education, and several years of experience offer the best chances for higher pay.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 20:21:36

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Machinist, steam is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Machinist, steam is 30700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30500 kr 32600 kr
25-34 95% 35200 kr 37600 kr
35-44 94% 36400 kr 38600 kr
45-54 99% 36900 kr 38800 kr
55-64 93% 36800 kr 38800 kr
65-68 36400 kr 37500 kr
Snitt 95% 36300 kr 38300 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 Machinist, steam has the SSYK code 8191, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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