Image that illustrates Cleaning worker, cleaning driver

Cleaning worker, cleaning driver

33 600 kr

Truck drivers etc.

28 900 - 35 500 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cleaning worker, cleaning driver

Average salary 33 600 kr
Males 33 700 kr
Females 32 900 kr

What does a sanitation worker do – tasks and work environment

Sanitation workers are responsible for collecting, transporting, and handling waste and recycling materials from households, businesses, and public places. The work involves driving garbage trucks, emptying containers, and ensuring waste is taken to the correct recycling facility or landfill. The work environment is characterized by outdoor physical work in varying weather conditions, often early mornings and sometimes evenings or weekends. Heavy lifting and working in traffic proximity are common, requiring good physical condition and safety awareness.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for sanitation workers has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 31,200 SEK per month, increasing to 32 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 7.7% over the period. The rise can be attributed to increased demand for labor in the waste and recycling sector and the need to retain skilled personnel in a demanding work environment. The trend also reflects general wage adjustments within the transport industry and a growing focus on environmental and sustainability work, emphasizing the profession's importance.

Sanitation worker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,900 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (male, various sectors)
  • Hourly wage (average): 202 SEK
  • Women’s salary as % of men’s: 98%
  • Average salary men: 33 700 SEK
  • Average salary women: 32 900 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as a sanitation worker, no formal higher education is usually required, but a B driver's license is a basic requirement, and a C driver's license is often necessary for operating heavier vehicles. Many employers offer internal training and introductory programs, but experience in similar work or in the transport sector is advantageous. Safety training and good physical condition are important parts of the qualification profile.

  • B driver's license: Basic requirement
  • C driver's license: Required for garbage trucks and heavier vehicles
  • Introductory training: Often mandatory with the employer
  • Work experience: Meritorious in transport or logistics
  • Safety training: Common upon employment

Many sanitation workers testify to the strong camaraderie and team spirit that develops in the profession – often, the same work team works together daily, making collaboration efficient and the work environment pleasant.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Sanitation workers are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to overtime pay, additional compensation, and occupational pensions. Wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes access to occupational health services are also common. Some employers additionally offer training opportunities and skill development in environmental and safety areas.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a sanitation worker can vary depending on region and economic conditions, but there is generally a stable demand for labor. The profession involves challenges such as physically demanding work, risky tasks, and exposure to weather and traffic. Recruitment can be difficult due to the need for proper driver’s licenses, and unemployment within the group is relatively high. Work environment requirements are high and constantly evolving, requiring adaptability and precision.

Tips for aspiring sanitation workers

To succeed as a sanitation worker, endurance is important, as the work is often physically demanding and performed regardless of weather. Attention to detail in each task contributes to safety and quality. Flexibility is key, as tasks can vary and schedules may change at short notice. Good teamwork skills facilitate daily work, and being social and able to work in teams makes the job easier. Additionally, being responsible and having good judgment regarding traffic and safety help the workday to run smoothly and reduce risks.

Key facts about Sanitation Workers, Waste Collectors

  • Salary range: 28,900–35,500 SEK/month
  • Educational requirements: B- and often C-drivers licenses, introductory training
  • Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, traffic proximity
  • Demand: 412 job openings nationwide (2024)
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 98% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a sanitation worker, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, transportation coordinator, or instructor within the waste and recycling industry. Some progress to other positions in logistics, environmental technology, or vehicle management. According to the Employment Service forecast, job opportunities in the profession are large, with expected stable demand over the next five years. The labor market is characterized by both high unemployment and difficulties in finding the right skills, especially with the requirement of a C driver's license. The industry is influenced by environmental regulations and technological development, opening new career paths for those combining experience with further education.

Common questions about Sanitation Workers, Waste Collectors

  • What does a sanitation worker earn?
    – The average salary is 33 600 SEK per month, with a range from 28,900 to 35,500 SEK.
  • Is a C driver's license required to work as a sanitation worker?
    – Yes, a C driver's license is usually required for operating garbage trucks and heavier vehicles.
  • What is the work environment like for sanitation workers?
    – The work is physical, performed outdoors, and often involves early mornings and working near traffic.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    – Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What benefits are common in this profession?
    – Collective agreements, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and occupational pensions are common.
  • What are the future prospects for sanitation workers?
    – The outlook is stable with large opportunities for employment in the coming years.
  • What education is required to become a sanitation worker?
    – A B driver's license is a basic requirement, C driver's license is needed for garbage trucks, and introductory training is often provided by the employer.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cleaning worker, cleaning driver is 35500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cleaning worker, cleaning driver is 28900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 98% 31300 kr 33000 kr
25-34 99% 31800 kr 33600 kr
35-44 95% 32300 kr 34000 kr
45-54 32200 kr 33800 kr
55-64 32200 kr 33800 kr
65-68 29700 kr 31200 kr
Snitt 98% 31900 kr 33600 kr
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 Cleaning worker, cleaning driver has the SSYK code 8332, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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