Machinist, operating; power plants, waterworks, heating plants

What does a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants do? – Tasks and work environment

A machine operator in the operation of power plants, waterworks, and heating plants is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining technical facilities that produce electricity, heat, or treat water. The work involves ensuring that operations run efficiently and safely, often by checking control panels, performing rounds, and quickly addressing deviations. Machine operators often work in shifts, as facilities must be staffed around the clock, and the work environment can vary between office-like control rooms and more physically demanding environments at the facilities. Regular contact with colleagues and technical staff occurs to solve problems and carry out planned maintenance.

Salary development over time

The salary for a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 37 100 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the salary continued to rise and is now at 38 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5.5% over three years. This positive trend reflects a general demand for skilled operational personnel within the energy sector, where technical competence and experience are highly valued. Salary increases can also be linked to increased complexity of facilities and the need for specialized training. Despite automation and technological development, the profession remains competitively paid, although the pace of salary increase is relatively moderate compared to some other technical professions.

Machine operator in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 36 600 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 38 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data may exist, but larger variations are mainly between sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, or heating plants, a technical high school education with a focus on electricity, energy, or industry is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary studies or vocational college. Many employers prefer candidates who have certifications or specialized training in operation technology, energy, or water treatment. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs is often advantageous and may be a requirement at some facilities.

• Technical high school: Electrical and energy programs, Industry or HVAC technology, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college in operation technology, energy, or water, 2–3 years
• Certifications: For example, certificates for boilers, pressure vessels, or water treatment
• Internship/trainee: Often required or highly meritorious
• Prerequisites: Some technical background, good knowledge of Swedish and English

Common benefits and compensations

Operators in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay for unsocial hours, wellness grants, and sometimes subsidized lunch or work clothing. Occupational pension schemes and collective agreements are common, especially within municipal and government sectors. Some employers also provide further training and professional development as part of employment.

Competition and challenges

The job market for machine operators in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants is characterized by a balance between supply and demand. According to national forecasts, opportunities for employment are moderate and expected to remain unchanged over five years. Challenges in the profession include technological development and increased requirements for digital competence, which necessitate ongoing further training. The work environment can also be demanding, with shift work and responsibility for large technical systems. Automation and efficiency improvements may influence future recruitment needs, but skilled machine operators will continue to be in demand within the sector.

Tips for those who want to become a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, or heating plants

To succeed as a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, or heating plants, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with a solution-oriented mindset. Precision is crucial, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in operations, making it important to always follow routines and safety procedures. Good teamwork skills facilitate problem-solving with colleagues or technical support. Flexibility is valuable, especially since shift work and rapid changes in operating conditions are common. Being curious and continuously acquiring new knowledge in technology and digital systems makes it easier to adapt to more automated work environments. Finally, stress tolerance is an important trait, as urgent faults sometimes require quick and well-founded decisions under pressure.

Key facts about machine operators in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants

• Education level: High school or vocational college with a technical focus
• Work environment: Shift work, both control rooms and physical environments
• Demand: Moderate, 481 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Typical employment: Permanent employment with collective agreement and overtime pay

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, or heating plants, opportunities open up for more advanced roles such as operations technician, supervisor, or process engineer. Further education and experience can lead to positions like operations manager or specialist within energy and water processes. The employment agency's forecast indicates that demand for the profession remains unchanged, with moderate job opportunities and balanced recruitment. Technological development and increased automation mean that continuous skills development becomes increasingly important. Despite some rationalization, the need for qualified operational machine operators is expected to persist, especially in larger facilities and municipal companies.

Common questions about machine operators in power plants, waterworks, and heating plants

• What does a machine operator in power plants, waterworks, or heating plants earn?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• How do gender differences in salary look?
  - Women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become a machine operator?
  - High school education with a technical focus and preferably supplementary vocational college or certifications.
• What does the job market look like for machine operators?
  - Opportunities are considered moderate and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the working hours for machine operators?
  - Shift work is common, often with overtime pay and sometimes night and weekend work.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for machine operators?
  - The highest salary is 42,200 SEK and the lowest is 30,700 SEK, depending on gender, sector, and education.
• Are there opportunities for further education within the profession?
  - Many employers offer further training and certifications to keep up with technological changes.