- Salary statistics
- Portal crane driver
Portal crane driver
35 600 - 36 100 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Portal crane driver
What does a portal crane operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A portal crane operator mainly works with driving and maneuvering portal cranes, often within industries, ports, and construction sites where heavy loads need to be lifted and moved with precision. Tasks include following load schedules, securing goods, communicating with ground personnel, and performing checks on the crane’s function and safety. The environment can be challenging, as work is usually performed outdoors or in large industrial facilities, with high demands on safety and accuracy. Collaboration with other professionals and the ability to work methodically under time pressure are often required.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for portal crane operators has shown some fluctuations. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the salary increased to 37 200 SEK, corresponding to a growth of approximately 4.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a decrease to 36 100 SEK, a reduction of about 3%. Such variations may be due to changes in demand, economic factors, and possible shifts in collective agreements or labor market structure. Despite this, the salary for portal crane operators remains stable and competitive compared to similar professions in the industry and construction sector.
Portal crane operator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men earn 36 100 SEK; data for women is unavailable
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a portal crane operator, a combination of high school education, vocational courses, and practical experience is usually required. Many employers demand specific certificates or training proof for crane handling, and sometimes also forklift licenses or similar qualifications. Internships or trainee positions are common to gain necessary experience and safety awareness.
- Formal education: High school, preferably with a focus on industry or construction (3 years)
- Certifications: Crane operator license (crane training, 1–2 weeks)
- Practical experience: Practical experience via apprenticeship or trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Good physical health, safety consciousness, and technical understanding
- Tips: Choose training programs that offer lots of practical training and certification opportunities
Portal crane operators often work directly with advanced technology and digital control systems, requiring both technical interest and the ability to quickly adapt to new working methods. The industry is continuously modernizing, making this profession particularly interesting for those who appreciate technological development and variation in their workday.
Common benefits and compensations
For portal crane operators, it is common for employers to offer benefits such as shift allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes insurances and pension schemes. Some workplaces may also provide further training, extra vacation days, or bonuses linked to productivity and safety efforts.
Competition and challenges
The profession of portal crane operator involves competition for the most attractive positions, especially in regions with large industry or port activities. Job availability can vary depending on economic cycles and major infrastructure projects. A challenge is the high safety requirement, where mistakes can have serious consequences for both people and materials. Technological development demands continuous skills upgrading, and there are also physical and ergonomic strains involved. To remain competitive, formal education, practical experience, and willingness to adapt to new technological solutions are essential.
Tips for those who want to become portal crane operators
To succeed as a portal crane operator, it’s good to have a strong sense of safety and accuracy, which are crucial when handling heavy loads. An interest in technology facilitates understanding of crane control systems and digital tools, while good teamwork skills make communication with ground personnel smoother. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing work environments are also valuable, especially since work often takes place outdoors or in large industrial facilities. Practical experience and a willingness to learn through further training increase employment opportunities. Demonstrating responsibility and independence is appreciated by employers, especially in situations where quick decisions are needed. Lastly, being resilient under stress and able to maintain focus during high-paced periods is advantageous.
Key facts about portal crane operators
- Education level: High school vocational education
- Certification requirements: Crane operator license required
- Work environment: Industry, port, or construction site, often outdoors
- Available jobs: 379 within the profession of crane operators, etc.
- Technological development: Digital control systems and ongoing modernization
Career paths and future prospects
After gaining some experience, a portal crane operator can move on to more specialized roles, such as instructor, supervisor, or technical specialist in lifting technology. Some choose to further their education in related fields like machinery operation or maintenance engineering. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, no specific assessment is made for portal crane operators due to limited data, but currently, there are 379 available jobs in the profession, indicating ongoing demand. Technological advancements and increased safety and efficiency requirements can create new opportunities for those committed to skills development.
Frequently asked questions about portal crane operators
- What does a portal crane operator earn?
- The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 217 SEK. - What education is required to become a portal crane operator?
- High school vocational education and a certified crane operator license are required. - Are there many job opportunities for portal crane operators?
- Currently, there are 379 available jobs within the profession. - What qualities are important for a portal crane operator?
- Accuracy, safety consciousness, technical interest, and teamwork skills are central qualities. - What is the work environment like for portal crane operators?
- Work often takes place outdoors or in large industrial facilities, with high demands on safety and collaboration. - What benefits are common in this profession?
- Common benefits include shift allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes training opportunities.
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 Portal crane driver has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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