- Salary statistics
- Machinist, lift
Machinist, lift
35 600 - 36 100 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Machinist, lift
What does a lift operator do – tasks and working environment
A lift operator primarily works with operating and managing various types of lifts and height-working machinery at construction sites, industries, and large events. Tasks include maneuvering lifts to transport materials and people to high altitudes, performing inspections and maintenance of equipment, and ensuring work is carried out according to safety regulations. The working environment varies but is often outdoors and may involve working at great heights and in different weather conditions. High demands are placed on safety awareness, precision, and technical understanding to prevent accidents and injuries.
Salary development over time
The salary for lift operators has fluctuated over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month, rising to 37 200 SEK in 2023. This represented an increase of about 4.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary decreased to 36 100 SEK, a decline of just over 3%. These fluctuations can be explained by variations in demand for labor, changes in project volumes within the construction industry, and possible collective bargaining movements. The profession is also affected by regional differences and seasonal variations, where salaries may vary depending on the availability of major construction projects and the overall economic situation.
Lift operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Only data for men (36 100 SEK), no specific data for women
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a lift operator, a high school diploma in construction/engineering or equivalent is usually required, along with specific machine operator training. In addition to basic education, certification to operate lifts is often necessary, which can be obtained through both theoretical and practical components. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed internships or trainee programs.
- Basic education: High school diploma in construction/engineering (3 years)
- Certification: Lift operation certificate (e.g., according to SS-ISO 18878)
- Internship: Strongly recommended, often via apprenticeship systems
- Prerequisites: Driver’s license (B), some technical understanding
- Online courses: Available as supplementary theory
Working as a lift operator requires not only technical skills but also good communication abilities, as collaboration with other occupational groups on site is crucial for safety and efficiency.
Common benefits and compensations
Lift operators often have access to collective agreement benefits such as overtime pay, per diems for work in other locations, occupational pension, and insurance. Other common benefits include work clothing, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development provided by the employer.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a lift operator is characterized by a relatively small job market, with the number of available positions varying depending on the construction cycle and major projects. A challenge is that specific certificates and training are required, which can limit the pool of qualified candidates. Job availability is also influenced by seasonal variations, with higher demand during the building season. Automation and increased safety regulations may also change the nature of the profession and impose new requirements. Despite this, there are good opportunities for those who are flexible, willing to further educate themselves, and adaptable to changing work environments.
Tips for aspiring lift operators
To succeed as a lift operator, it’s beneficial to have an interest in technology and the ability to quickly learn new machinery. Attention to detail is important, as safety routines and inspections must always be strictly followed. Being cooperative and communicative facilitates teamwork and contributes to a safe working environment. Flexibility is also advantageous, as tasks and environments can vary daily. Demonstrating responsibility and punctuality is appreciated by employers, especially when working under time pressure. Practical experience, such as internships or summer jobs, provides an advantage in employment. Finally, staying updated on new safety regulations and techniques in the industry is highly recommended.
Key facts about Lift, machine operator
- Educational requirements: High school diploma and lift certification
- Work environment: Outdoors, often at high elevations and construction sites
- Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes seasonal
- Demand: 379 available jobs within the occupational group (2024)
- Special skills: Machine handling and safety routines
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, lift operators can advance to more qualified roles, such as site supervisor or trainer in machine safety. There are also opportunities to broaden skills to other crane and machinery professions or to specialize in specific types of lifts and machinery. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the crane operator group, no precise assessment is available due to limited data, but with 379 available jobs, there is a certain demand. Future prospects depend on the development of the construction sector and investments in infrastructure, creating opportunities for those willing to further educate themselves and adapt to new technical requirements.
Frequently asked questions about Lift, machine operator
- What does a lift operator earn?
- The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month according to the latest statistics. - What education is required to become a lift operator?
- High school education in construction/engineering and lift certification are required. - Are there many job openings for lift operators?
- There are 379 available jobs within the occupational group of crane operators and others. - What is the working environment like for lift operators?
- The working environment is often outdoors, at high elevations, with a strong focus on safety. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Attention to detail, sense of responsibility, technical interest, and good communication skills are important. - Can you further train as a lift operator?
- Yes, there are opportunities for further training and obtaining more advanced certificates.
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, lift has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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