- Salary statistics
- Machinist, bridge, lock
Machinist, bridge, lock
35 600 - 36 100 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Machinist, bridge, lock
What does a machine operator within bridges and locks do? – Tasks and work environment
A machine operator within bridges and locks is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining bridges and locks in waterways. The tasks include inspecting machinery, handling opening and closing of bridges, and regulating water levels to ensure safe passage for ships and boats. The profession requires constant attention, as work often occurs in direct proximity to waterways and infrastructure where traffic safety is critical. The work environment can vary between indoor control rooms and outdoor work at bridges and locks, sometimes under demanding weather conditions and with irregular hours.
Salary development over time
The salary development for a machine operator within bridges and locks has shown some variation in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month, increasing to 37 200 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, a decline was noted to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 4.5% between 2022 and 2024, but the latest change indicates a decrease of about 3% from 2023 to 2024. Fluctuations can be explained by changing demand in the labor market, retirements, and regional differences in access to assignments. The profession is relatively small and thus quickly affected by the recruitment and salary policies of individual major employers.
Machine operator, bridge, lock salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: Data unavailable
- Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data on women is missing, men earn 36 100 SEK/month
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator within bridges and locks, a high school education in technology, electricity, or vehicles is usually required, often supplemented with on-the-job training. Many employers also require specific certifications or internal training related to machinery and safety procedures. Practical experience with machinery operation, as well as knowledge of safety regulations and maintenance, are crucial for success in the profession.
- High school education: Technology, electricity, vehicles, or equivalent (3 years)
- Certifications: Safety training and machine operator certificates may be required
- Practical training: On-the-job training or apprenticeship programs are recommended
- Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic knowledge of machinery
- Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on automation or mechanical engineering
Many machine operators within bridges and locks have the opportunity to work in scenic environments where the workday often combines technology and proximity to water. The work often involves direct contact with boat traffic and colleagues from other technical professions, providing a varied and social workday.
Common benefits and compensations
Machine operators within bridges and locks are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for unsociable hours, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and occupational pensions. Uniforms, training support, and sometimes shift allowances depending on the workplace and the scope of the position are also common.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a machine operator within bridges and locks is relatively limited, but the profession is characterized by a small recruitment pool and few educational pathways. Challenges may arise during generational shifts or when new technical solutions are implemented, requiring continuous skills development. The work is physically and mentally demanding, especially during unexpected events or rush hours. Safety considerations and responsibility for both people and infrastructure demand high precision and stress tolerance. Since the profession is niche, there are also periods with limited job openings, despite currently having 379 available positions in the field.
Tips for those who want to become a machine operator within bridges and locks
To succeed as a machine operator within bridges and locks, it is good to have an interest in technology and mechanics, combined with being precise and responsible. Being solution-oriented helps in unforeseen situations requiring quick decisions, while good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and boat traffic. A structured working approach is important to handle routines and safety regulations efficiently. Flexibility and readiness for irregular hours are crucial, as shifts often follow boat traffic needs. Patience and stress tolerance make it easier to handle both monotonous and intense periods. Investing in relevant education and practical training increases the chances of quickly securing employment in the profession.
Key facts about Machine operator, bridge, lock
- Education level: High school education with a technical focus
- Work environment: Varies between indoor and outdoor settings, often near water
- Work form: Shift work, including evenings and weekends
- Demand: 379 available jobs within the profession
- Special skills: Machinery handling and safety procedures
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a machine operator within bridges and locks can advance to supervisory roles or specialize in technical maintenance and automation. Some choose to further their education as operations technicians or machine operators in other infrastructure sectors. Projections from the Employment Service do not provide a specific assessment for the profession due to limited data, but the number of available jobs is currently relatively high. The future is expected to be stable, especially for those open to further training and able to adapt to new technology and digitalization in the field.
Frequently asked questions about Machine operator, bridge, lock
- What does a machine operator within bridges and locks earn?
- The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 217 SEK. - Is special training required to become a machine operator at bridges or locks?
- A high school education in technology, electricity, or vehicles is recommended, preferably supplemented with practical training and certifications. - What is the work environment like for machine operators within bridges and locks?
- The work environment varies between indoor control rooms and outdoor work at waterways, sometimes under challenging conditions and irregular hours. - Are there many job openings in this profession?
- Yes, there are currently 379 available positions within the field including crane operators and others. - What personal qualities are important for the profession?
- Accuracy, responsibility, stress tolerance, and technical interest are central qualities. - Can the profession be advanced?
- Yes, experienced machine operators can take on more responsibility, become supervisors, or further train as operations technicians.
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 Machinist, bridge, lock has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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