How much does a Pile machine operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Pile machine operator
Image that illustrates Pile machine operator

Pile machine operator

35 600 kr

Construction machine operators etc.

33 100 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Bygg & anläggning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pile machine operator

Average salary 35 600 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 35 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 23 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Pålmaskinförare do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Pålmaskinförare is responsible for operating machines used to drive piles into the ground, a crucial part of foundation work in projects such as bridge construction, high-rise buildings, or other large-scale construction projects. Tasks include preparing machines, reading blueprints, following safety regulations, and working closely with other trades on the construction site. The work is often outdoors and can involve varying environments, sometimes under harsh weather conditions, requiring good physical condition and concentration. Precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to solve problems quickly are central qualities in this profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for Pålmaskinförare has shown steady positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 SEK in 2023, and further to 35 600 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 2.6% over the period. The salary increase can be linked to increased demand for skilled operators within the construction industry, as well as collective bargaining agreements and a certain shortage of qualified labor. The trend indicates a stable job market with good prospects for salary growth, especially for those with experience and specialized skills in heavy machinery.

Pålmaskinförare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 214 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn on average 35 200 SEK/month, men 35 600 SEK/month (99%)
  • Regional differences: Highest salary in the regional sector, lowest in the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Pålmaskinförare, a high school education in construction and civil engineering, often with specialization in construction machinery, is usually required. In addition to basic training, employers often require certification in machine operation and practical experience on construction sites. Internships and apprenticeships are common steps toward employment as a Pålmaskinförare.

  • High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, 3 years
  • Machine operator certification: Specialized training for pile-driving and other heavy machinery
  • Internship/apprenticeship: Usually 6–12 months on-site
  • Prerequisites: B driver's license, good physical condition, and technical interest
  • Additional skills: Work on road course, safety training

Many Pålmaskinförare work seasonally, with intensive periods during spring, summer, and autumn when ground conditions are most suitable for foundation work. During winter, tasks may vary or include other machine operation roles within the construction sector.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Pålmaskinförare are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as additional vacation days, per diems for work away from home, reduced working hours, and occupational pension. Other common compensations include overtime pay for unsociable hours, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses linked to project progress or efficiency.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Pålmaskinförare is characterized by high demand and a shortage of qualified workers, which can provide good job opportunities for those with the right education and experience. At the same time, the role often involves physically demanding work under varying weather conditions, requiring endurance and flexibility. Competition for the most attractive positions can be intense, especially in larger projects or regions with many ongoing constructions. The profession also involves certain risk levels, with strict safety regulations that must be followed. Long-term success requires ongoing training and the ability to adapt to new technology and methods.

Tips for aspiring Pålmaskinförare

To succeed as a Pålmaskinförare, having a genuine technical interest and a desire to work practically outdoors is beneficial. Being careful and responsible is crucial, as safety on the site must always come first. Flexibility and problem-solving skills will quickly be appreciated, as the work environment and tasks can vary. Good teamwork and communication skills are essential since the work is often performed in teams with different trades. It’s also advantageous to be resilient under stress and able to make quick decisions, especially when facing unexpected challenges. Continuous training and staying updated on new machines and techniques will strengthen opportunities for employment and salary development.

Key facts about Pålmaskinförare

  • Salary range: 33,100–37,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school with certification
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often on construction sites
  • Demand: Great opportunities for nationwide employment
  • Typical employment: Full-time, seasonal variation occurs

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Pålmaskinförare can advance to more specialized machine operator roles, site supervisor, or project manager within construction projects. There are also opportunities to further train in other heavy machinery or take on responsibilities for training new operators. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for construction machine operators is expected to remain high and stable over the next five years, although competition may occur during economic downturns. Overall, there are good future prospects with many job openings, where technical skills and experience are essential for advancing in the career.

Frequently asked questions about Pålmaskinförare

  • What does a Pålmaskinförare earn?
    - A Pålmaskinförare has an average salary of 35 600 SEK per month, with a salary range between 33,100 and 37,400 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a Pålmaskinförare?
    - High school education in construction and civil engineering, along with certification for machine operation, are common requirements.
  • What is the job market like for Pålmaskinförare?
    - The job market is considered very good with high demand for qualified Pålmaskinförare nationwide.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 99% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What are common employment benefits?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, per diems, overtime pay, and wellness allowances.
  • What is the work environment like for a Pålmaskinförare?
    - The work environment is often outdoors and can be physically demanding, with varying weather conditions and sites.
  • Are there opportunities for further training?
    - Yes, there are good opportunities to further train in heavy machinery or move into supervisory roles.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 16:05:45

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pile machine operator is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 37000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pile machine operator is 33100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 103% 31100 kr 31900 kr
25-34 98% 34000 kr 35300 kr
35-44 99% 35600 kr 36700 kr
45-54 36400 kr 37800 kr
55-64 33900 kr 35300 kr
65-68 33400 kr 34700 kr
Snitt 99% 34400 kr 35600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Pile machine operator has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics