Controller, blast furnace

What does a blast furnace controller do? – Tasks and work environment

A blast furnace controller is responsible for monitoring and controlling the blast furnace process in metal production, often within the steel or iron industry. The tasks include regulating temperature, pressure, and flows in the furnace to ensure consistent and efficient raw iron production. The work requires careful supervision of production data, performing inspections, and sometimes troubleshooting during operational disruptions. The work environment is typically industrial, with shift work, high temperatures, and noise; safety routines are central, and personal protective equipment is used continuously to minimize risks at the workplace.

Salary development over time

The salary for a blast furnace controller has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 37 700 SEK. In 2024, the average monthly salary has reached 39 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9% over the three-year period. This salary trend reflects increased demand for skills in process monitoring and general wage pressure within the industry, especially for professions with high demands on technical understanding and safety awareness. Gender differences persist, with men earning slightly higher salaries on average, but the gap is slowly narrowing. The positive salary trend can also be explained by the industry facing generational change and a need to attract new workforce.

Blast furnace controller salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (female, various sectors)
• Highest salary: 40,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 39 900 SEK, women 38,000 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, some variation between regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a blast furnace controller, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or process operation is usually required. Many employers value practical experience from similar roles within the industry, and internal training is often provided. Certifications in safety and process monitoring can be advantageous, as well as good knowledge of control and regulation technology.

• High school education: Industrial technology program, 3 years
• Internal training: On-the-job training and safety courses
• Certificates/courses: Process monitoring, Hot work, Work environment
• Internship: Internship within metal or process industry is recommended
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and good physics skills

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for blast furnace controllers often include shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes subsidized lunch. Work clothing and protective equipment are always provided, and some employers also offer additional pension contributions and opportunities for skills development.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a blast furnace controller is considered moderate, but regional differences depend on where industries are located. Since the profession requires both technical understanding and high safety awareness, it is important to stay updated on new processes and technological innovations. A challenge is that the work environment can be tough, with high demands on accuracy and endurance. The industry faces some generational change, which can create opportunities for newcomers but also increased competition from automation and digitalization of process industries. A limited number of training places and few internship opportunities may also affect the availability of qualified personnel.

Tips for those who want to become a blast furnace controller

To succeed as a blast furnace controller, it's important to be precise and have a strong safety mindset, as the work often takes place in environments with high risks. Technical interest facilitates learning about processes and control systems, while flexibility is needed to handle shift work and rapid production changes. Being resilient and stress-resistant is an advantage during long shifts and unexpected operational stops. It is also important to collaborate and communicate clearly with colleagues, as the work is often team-based. For those seeking advancement, taking initiatives for further education, such as automation or safety courses, is beneficial. Demonstrating responsibility and being solution-oriented is appreciated by employers and opens up more career opportunities within the industry.

Key facts about blast furnace controllers

• Salary range: 38,000–40,200 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (industry/technology), sometimes internal training
• Work form: Shift work within industrial environment
• Demand: 481 job openings in the profession
• Gender difference: Women earn 95% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

Within the first 3–5 years as a blast furnace controller, opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, process engineer, or specialist roles within process and quality monitoring. With additional experience, positions such as production planner or maintenance manager may also be possible. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service for process monitoring roles within metal production currently do not provide an exact outlook due to limited data. However, there are 481 job openings, indicating stable demand on the job market. Technological development and increased automation requirements may influence the profession in the future, but the need for qualified operators is expected to persist.

Frequently asked questions about blast furnace controllers

• What does a blast furnace controller earn?
  - The average salary is 39 700 SEK per month, with a range between 38,000 and 40,200 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in this profession?
  - Men earn an average of 39 900 SEK and women 38,000 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required?
  - High school education in industry or technology is most common, often supplemented with internal training and safety courses.
• What is the work environment like for blast furnace controllers?
  - The work environment is industrial, often with shift work, high temperatures, and noise; safety routines are very important.
• Are there good future prospects?
  - Currently, there are 481 job openings, but no exact forecast due to limited data.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, stress resistance, and teamwork skills are especially valuable.
• What is the hourly wage for a blast furnace controller?
  - The average hourly wage is 239 SEK.