What does an oil refinery operator earn?

An oil refinery operator has an average salary of 40,500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region.

How does one become an oil refinery operator?

The most common route is a high school education in technology or industry, sometimes supplemented with YH training in process technology and on-the-job practical training.

What are the working hours for an oil refinery operator?

Most work in shifts, which may include night shifts and weekends.

Are there salary differences between men and women?

Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.

What development opportunities are available?

Advancement to shift supervisor, operations technician, process developer, or specialization in maintenance and environmental areas is possible.

What is the job market like for oil refinery operators?

There are approximately 481 job openings in the profession, mainly in regions with larger refineries.

What are the most important qualities for an oil refinery operator?

Attention to detail, technical interest, responsibility, and stress resistance are particularly important.

Oil refiner salary

41 200 SEK

Process supervisors, chemical industry

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

38 000 - 43 000 SEK / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

Average salary 41 200 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 38 000 - 43 000 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does an oil refinery operator do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Oil refinery operator salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Oil refiner

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What does an oil refinery operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An oil refinery operator works with monitoring and operating process plants within the chemical industry, where crude oil is transformed into finished products such as gasoline, diesel, and other chemicals. The work involves controlling automated processes, adjusting machinery and instruments, and ensuring production meets quality and safety standards. Oil refinery operators often work in shifts, and the physical work environment can be demanding with high noise levels, chemical exposure, and the need for protective equipment. Collaboration with technicians, laboratory staff, and engineers is common to quickly address any operational issues.

Salary development over time

The profession of oil refinery operators has experienced steady and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK, which increased to 40 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 8% over a three-year period, which is slightly higher than the average for many other process industry professions. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for operational expertise within the energy sector and the industry’s need for technically skilled personnel with a focus on safety. Technological innovations and environmental requirements have also contributed to raising skill and salary levels for oil refinery operators.

Oil refinery operator salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 41 200 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 37,500 SEK/month (women), 39,300 SEK/month (men)
Highest salary: 38,600 SEK/month (women), 42,200 SEK/month (men)
Hourly wage: 243 SEK/hour
Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do
Regional differences: Salary levels vary slightly between regions, but higher wages are often found in areas with larger refineries and higher demand for process personnel.

Education and qualifications

To work as an oil refinery operator, a high school education in technology or industry is usually required, often complemented with post-secondary courses or training in process technology. Practical experience in similar process industries is highly meritorious, and many employers offer internal trainee programs for new hires. Certifications in safety and environmental areas are often mandatory, along with a good understanding of control systems and automation.

High school education: Industrial technical programs, 3 years
Post-secondary education: YH training in process technology, 2 years (meritorious but not always mandatory)
Certifications: Safety and environmental training, often on-site
Internship/trainee: Introductory programs or practical periods are often offered
Prerequisites: Technical interest, good physics, and teamwork skills

Many oil refinery operators quickly develop a deep understanding of industrial automation, making their work experience valuable even in other parts of the process industry and energy sector. This opens doors to roles such as operations technician, maintenance specialist, or process developer.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Oil refinery operators are often offered benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to production or safety targets. Occupational pension schemes, insurance coverage, and opportunities for further training are other common employment benefits.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an oil refinery operator is moderate, but since the industry demands high technical competence and safety awareness, the selection process is often thorough. A challenge is the rapid technological development, where new control systems and digitalization require continuous skills updating. Shift work and sometimes physically demanding environments can affect personal balance and require both physical and mental resilience. Safety is a central aspect and a vital part of daily routines, meaning carefulness and risk awareness must always be prioritized.

Tips for those aspiring to become an oil refinery operator

To succeed as an oil refinery operator, it’s good to combine a technical interest with carefulness and a strong sense of responsibility. Being solution-oriented helps with troubleshooting and quick decision-making in operational environments, while teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues and technicians. Flexibility is important due to shift work and changing tasks. Staying updated on safety procedures and new technology provides a competitive edge and demonstrates engagement. Finally, patience and stress resistance are valuable qualities, especially in emergency situations or during periods of high workload.

Key facts about oil refinery operators

Education level: High school or YH training in technology/industry
Work environment: Shift work in process plants with high safety requirements
Typical employment type: Privately employed salaried worker
Demand: Approximately 481 job openings in Sweden
Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the proportion of women is increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an oil refinery operator, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as shift supervisor, operations technician, or process developer. Some choose to specialize in maintenance, automation, or environmental work, while others move into training or safety management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, it’s difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for oil refinery operators, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group with limited data. However, the number of available positions indicates stable demand, especially in regions with larger refineries. Skills in digitalization and environmental technology are expected to become increasingly important for future career opportunities within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about oil refinery operators

What does an oil refinery operator earn?
- An oil refinery operator has an average salary of 41 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region.
How does one become an oil refinery operator?
- The most common route is a high school education in technology or industry, sometimes supplemented with YH training in process technology and on-the-job practical training.
What are the working hours for an oil refinery operator?
- Most work in shifts, which may include night shifts and weekends.
Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.
What development opportunities are available?
- Advancement to shift supervisor, operations technician, process developer, or specialization in maintenance and environmental areas is possible.
What is the job market like for oil refinery operators?
- There are approximately 481 job openings in the profession, mainly in regions with larger refineries.
What are the most important qualities for an oil refinery operator?
- Attention to detail, technical interest, responsibility, and stress resistance are particularly important.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 06:05:22

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31200 kr	36500 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	40100 kr
35-44	90%	35400 kr	41300 kr
45-54	92%	36800 kr	43100 kr
55-64	91%	37200 kr	43400 kr
Snitt	92%	35200 kr	41200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31200 kr	36500 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	40100 kr
35-44	90%	35400 kr	41300 kr
45-54	92%	36800 kr	43100 kr
55-64	91%	37200 kr	43400 kr
Snitt	92%	35200 kr	41200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31200 kr	36500 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	40100 kr
35-44	90%	35400 kr	41300 kr
45-54	92%	36800 kr	43100 kr
55-64	91%	37200 kr	43400 kr
Snitt	92%	35200 kr	41200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	30900 kr	36900 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	40500 kr
35-44	90%	35800 kr	42300 kr
45-54	92%	37300 kr	43800 kr
55-64	91%	37600 kr	44100 kr
Snitt	92%	35500 kr	41900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	30900 kr	36900 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	40500 kr
35-44	90%	35800 kr	42300 kr
45-54	92%	37300 kr	43800 kr
55-64	91%	37600 kr	44100 kr
Snitt	92%	35500 kr	41900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	30900 kr	36900 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	40500 kr
35-44	90%	35800 kr	42300 kr
45-54	92%	37300 kr	43800 kr
55-64	91%	37600 kr	44100 kr
Snitt	92%	35500 kr	41900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31800 kr	35500 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	38700 kr
35-44	90%	34100 kr	37900 kr
45-54	92%	35100 kr	40200 kr
55-64	91%	35300 kr	40000 kr
Snitt	92%	34100 kr	38400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31800 kr	35500 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	38700 kr
35-44	90%	34100 kr	37900 kr
45-54	92%	35100 kr	40200 kr
55-64	91%	35300 kr	40000 kr
Snitt	92%	34100 kr	38400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	96%	31800 kr	35500 kr
25-34	95%	34200 kr	38700 kr
35-44	90%	34100 kr	37900 kr
45-54	92%	35100 kr	40200 kr
55-64	91%	35300 kr	40000 kr
Snitt	92%	34100 kr	38400 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 Oil refiner has the SSYK code 8192, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.