How much does a Cleaning machine operator make

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  2. Cleaning machine operator
Image that illustrates Cleaning machine operator

Cleaning machine operator

35 600 kr

Construction machine operators etc.

33 100 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cleaning 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 sanitation machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A sanitation machine operator is responsible for driving and handling various types of machinery within waste management and sanitation. Tasks can include emptying trash bins, transporting waste to recycling centers, operating garbage trucks, sweepers, and other specialized vehicles for street and square cleaning. The work is often performed outdoors, regardless of weather, requiring high safety and precision standards. Operators work both independently and in teams, with many starting early in the morning. Physical endurance and good teamwork skills are important qualities in this profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for sanitation machine operators has shown a stable and slightly increasing trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, which increased to 34 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has further risen to 35 600 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 2.6% over the period. This salary trend reflects a continued demand for the profession and is influenced by collective bargaining, labor market needs, and skill requirements. Despite modest increases, the trend indicates stability and some competition for skilled operators within the sanitation sector.

Sanitation machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, regional sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 214 SEK
  • Women earn: 35 200 SEK/month (99% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 35 600 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a sanitation machine operator usually involves an upper secondary vocational education in transport or vehicle and transport programs, followed by internships and sometimes internal training at the employer. To operate heavy machinery, a valid driver’s license with the appropriate class is required, and some employers also require specific machine operator certificates. Prior experience in similar work and technical knowledge are advantageous and can facilitate employment.

  • Upper secondary vocational education: Vehicle and transport program, 3 years
  • License requirements: C or CE category depending on the machine type
  • Machine operator certificate: Often a requirement for certain vehicles
  • Internship: Usually practical training or apprenticeship during education
  • Internal training: Available at larger employers

The work of a sanitation machine operator offers great variation – from city center streets to industrial areas and natural environments. The ability to quickly adapt to different environments and new technical solutions is therefore an important asset for those who want to thrive and develop in this profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Sanitation machine operators often have access to collectively agreed benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation, wellness allowance, work clothing, and protective equipment. Overtime pay and shift allowances are common, especially for working during inconvenient hours or weekends. Some employers also offer training support and opportunities for further education within the company.

Competition and challenges

The profession of sanitation machine operator is characterized by a stable labor market with good employment opportunities, but recruitment difficulties are reported in some regions. The main challenges include physical strain and monotonous work, especially during winter months when weather conditions can be demanding. Additionally, good stress management and strict adherence to safety routines are required. Technological advances, with more digital tools and specialized machinery, also demand ongoing training and adaptability. Despite these challenges, the work environment is often social and varied, and demand for skilled operators is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.

Tips for those interested in becoming a sanitation machine operator

To succeed as a sanitation machine operator, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills and a positive attitude toward physical work. Attention to detail and safety awareness are crucial, as the job often involves handling heavy machinery and working in traffic environments. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different tasks and environments ease daily work, especially since workdays can vary greatly. Teamwork and social skills are important, as the work is often performed in teams requiring smooth cooperation. Taking initiatives for further training or expanding machine competence can increase employability, and punctuality and a strong work ethic are advantages for managing early mornings and sometimes long shifts.

Key facts about sanitation machine operators

  • Salary range: 33,100–37,400 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Education level: Upper secondary vocational education, often with C/CE license
  • Work environment: Outdoors, varying environments and hours
  • Demand: Excellent opportunities for employment nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining a few years of experience, opportunities exist to advance to supervisor roles, training positions for machine operators, or specialize in more advanced machinery and vehicles. Some choose to further their education in logistics or environmental technology to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Employment Service forecast, demand for construction machinery operators – including sanitation machine operators – remains high and is expected to stay steady over the next five years. The high turnover in the profession, with many leaving for other roles, contributes to ongoing recruitment needs. With 379 available jobs nationwide, there are good opportunities for employment and career development.

Frequently asked questions about sanitation machine operators

  • What is the average salary of a sanitation machine operator?
    - The average salary is 35 600 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 35 200 SEK, which is 99% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a sanitation machine operator?
    - Typically, upper secondary vocational education in transport and a C/CE license are required.
  • What is the job market like for sanitation machine operators?
    - The job market is good with 379 available jobs nationwide, and demand remains unchanged according to forecasts.
  • What are the most common benefits in this profession?
    - Collectively agreed benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and overtime pay are common.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
    - The highest salary is 37,400 SEK (female, regional sector), and the lowest is 33,100 SEK (male, private sector employee).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 21:33:48

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cleaning 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 Cleaning 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
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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 machine operator has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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