Oil depot technician

What does an Oljedepåtekniker do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Oljedepåtekniker is responsible for operation, maintenance, and monitoring of facilities where petroleum products are stored and handled. Tasks include inspecting and repairing technical equipment, sampling oil quality, troubleshooting operational issues, and documenting work processes. Safety procedures are central, as work often takes place in environments with flammable substances. Oljedepåtekniker typically work at depots, refineries, or larger industrial sites and often work in shifts, which can involve evenings, nights, and weekends.

Salary development over time

The profession of Oljedepåtekniker has experienced steady and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,500 SEK per month, increasing to 37 900 SEK in 2023, which is approximately a 3.8% increase. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 39 400 SEK, an increase of about 4%. This growth can be explained by continued demand for technical skills within the energy sector, as well as increased safety and environmental standards. Although the profession is part of a broader group of maintenance mechanics, specialization in oil depots has contributed to a slightly higher salary growth than similar technical professions.

Oljedepåtekniker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 237 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 98% of men's salary (38 500 SEK/month compared to 39 500 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an Oljedepåtekniker usually involves technical upper secondary education, often with specialization in operation, maintenance, or automation. Many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary studies in technology or process industry, and it is common to supplement with specialized safety and environmental courses. Practical experience from industrial operations is highly meritorious, and some workplaces offer internal trainee programs for new employees.

• Technical upper secondary diploma: 3 years, specializing in operation, maintenance, or automation
• Post-secondary studies: YH education or university courses in technology (1–2 years)
• Safety and environmental courses: Examples include hazardous goods, gas measurement, environmental management
• Internship or trainee: Common at larger depots and refineries
• Prerequisites: Good physical health, technical interest, and precision

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, and sometimes additional insurances are often offered. Some employers also cover training and professional development, as well as staff discounts and bonus opportunities for goal achievement. Occupational pension schemes and collective agreements are common in the industry.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Oljedepåtekniker is characterized by balance, with the number of available jobs roughly equal to the number of applicants. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for maintenance mechanics and machine repairers, job prospects are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. A key challenge is technological development and increased automation within the energy sector, which requires continuous skills development. At the same time, strict safety regulations and shift work demand high responsibility and flexibility from workers.

Tips for aspiring Oljedepåtekniker

To succeed as an Oljedepåtekniker, it is important to be precise and organized, as safety is always paramount when working with flammable substances. An interest in technology facilitates understanding of complex systems and machinery used at depots, and problem-solving skills are crucial during urgent operational disruptions. The ability to work independently and in teams is vital, particularly during shift work where tasks must often be coordinated efficiently. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself are valuable traits, as the industry continuously evolves technically. Good communication skills help foster good collaboration with colleagues and management, and stress resilience is necessary during periods of high workload. Finally, being solution-oriented and interested in environmental and safety issues is advantageous.

Key facts about Oljedepåtekniker

• Salary range: 25,600–41,000 SEK/month
• Education level: Upper secondary diploma, often supplemented with YH or university courses
• Work environment: Shift work in industrial environments with high safety standards
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 481 job openings within the profession
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 98% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as an Oljedepåtekniker, there are good opportunities to take on more advanced roles, such as supervisor, operations technician, or safety and environmental officer at the depot. Further education can also lead to careers in project management or specialist roles within process and energy technology. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook for maintenance mechanics and machine repairers is stable, with unchanged demand over the next five years. This means the profession continues to offer secure employment, though competition may be moderate, and advancement primarily occurs through further education and specialization.

Frequently asked questions about Oljedepåtekniker

• What is the average salary of an Oljedepåtekniker?
  - The average salary for an Oljedepåtekniker is 39 400 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in the profession?
  - Women earn on average 38 500 SEK, which corresponds to 98% of men's average salary of 39 500 SEK.
• What education is required to become an Oljedepåtekniker?
  - Technical upper secondary education is common, preferably supplemented with YH or university courses in technology or process industry.
• What work environments are typical?
  - Oljedepåtekniker often work at depots, refineries, or industrial facilities, with shift work and high safety standards.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is assessed as moderate and unchanged over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an Oljedepåtekniker?
  - The highest salary is 41,000 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years), the lowest is 25,600 SEK (female, municipal sector, upper secondary education).
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No specific regional salary data is available for the profession at this time.