Waste treatment engineer salary

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  2. Waste treatment engineer salary
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Waste treatment engineer salary

39 600 SEK

Operations technicians at heating and water plants

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

33 400 - 43 700 SEK / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

Average salary 39 600 SEK/month Monthly gross salary
Salary range 33 400 - 43 700 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Calculate take-home pay for Waste treatment engineer 39 600 SEK/month prefilled Calculate gross salary for Waste treatment engineer Start from net pay More salary pages Browse more roles Open jobs for Waste treatment engineer 57 matching jobs in Installation & drift/underhåll

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Salary trend About the role What does a water treatment plant operator do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Water treatment plant operator salary – complete overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Waste treatment engineer

Average salary 39 600 kr
Males 39 800 kr
Females 37 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 57 Vacant jobs ->

What does a water treatment plant operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A water treatment plant operator is responsible for running water and wastewater treatment facilities. Tasks include monitoring and controlling plant processes, inspecting and maintaining technical systems, as well as sampling and analyzing water quality. The role also involves troubleshooting, repairs, and documenting operational data. Work often involves shifts and contact with both automated systems and manual handling, requiring accuracy and technical interest. The work environment varies and can include indoor work in control rooms and outdoor work at different parts of the plant.

Salary development over time

The salary trend for water treatment plant operators has been stable and positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increasing to 38 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 39 600 SEK in 2024. The total increase during this period is approximately 5.5%, reflecting ongoing demand for the profession and general wage growth in technical operations. The trend can partly be explained by increased requirements for technical competence, digitization, and a greater focus on environmental and sustainability work within the water sector. Salary levels are also influenced by collective agreements, regional labor market differences, and employment type.

Water treatment plant operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 39 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
  • Men (average): 39 800 SEK/month
  • Women (average): 37 500 SEK/month
  • Women’s share of men’s salary: 94%
  • Regional differences: Salaries vary across the country, with larger cities and the private sector often offering slightly higher compensation.

Education and qualifications

To work as a water treatment plant operator, a technical high school education is usually required, often focusing on water and environmental technology or process industry. Many employers also prefer candidates with vocational college education in water technology or equivalent. Practical experience and good knowledge of electricity, control, and regulation technology are advantageous and can be decisive for employment.

  • Technical high school: 3 years, specialization in water and environmental technology/process
  • Vocational college: 2 years, water technology or process engineering
  • Certifications: Courses in occupational safety, security, and chemical handling
  • Internship: Extended internships or trainee programs within the water sector
  • Prerequisites: Passed grades in mathematics, natural sciences, and technology

Many water treatment plant operators have the opportunity to work with advanced automation and digital control systems in modern facilities, making the profession particularly interesting for those who want to combine environmental commitment with technological development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Water treatment plant operators are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, reduced working hours, and opportunities for skill development. In municipal and private sectors, additional compensation for shift work, pension contributions, and insurance are also part of the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The job market for water treatment plant operators is characterized by balance, with the number of available positions matching the supply of qualified workers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, despite some influence from technological development and automation. Challenges in the profession include the need for continuous skills development, adaptation to new environmental requirements, and the ability to handle urgent operational disruptions. Competition may be greater in metropolitan areas where salary levels are higher, while smaller towns may offer more permanent positions but with lower wages.

Tips for aspiring water treatment plant operators

To succeed as a water treatment plant operator, it’s beneficial to have a technical interest and analytical skills, which aid in troubleshooting and process optimization. Precision is crucial for following safety routines and accurately documenting operational data. Being flexible and stress-resistant helps during shift work and unexpected disruptions, while good teamwork skills are important for working efficiently in a team. It’s also advantageous to be service-minded and environmentally engaged, as the job involves contact with colleagues and environmental issues. Actively seeking internships and further education in water technology increases chances of employment, especially if you show interest in new technical solutions and digitization.

Key facts about water treatment plant operators

  • Salary range: 30,700–42,200 SEK/month
  • Educational level: High school/vocational college (2–3 years)
  • Work environment: Shift work, both outdoors and indoors
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities, 481 available jobs in the profession
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of men’s salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a water treatment plant operator, opportunities open for advancement to operations manager, process engineer, or supervisor within the water sector. Further education in environmental technology, automation, and process control can lead to more specialized roles or consulting assignments. The Swedish Public Employment Service estimates that demand for process technicians at heating and water plants will remain unchanged over five years, with a balance between supply and demand. However, technological development and increased environmental requirements mean that competence in digitization and sustainability will become increasingly important for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about water treatment plant operators

  • What is the average salary of a water treatment plant operator?
    - The average salary is 39 600 SEK per month.
  • What is the highest salary for a water treatment plant operator?
    - The highest salary is 42,200 SEK per month, applicable to a male private sector employee with post-secondary education.
  • What are the gender differences within the profession?
    - Women earn 94% of what men do, with an average salary of 37 500 SEK compared to men's 39 800 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a water treatment plant operator?
    - Technical high school or vocational college in water technology or process industry is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for water treatment plant operators?
    - The job market is balanced with approximately 481 available positions and moderate opportunities for employment.
  • What does shift work involve for water treatment plant operators?
    - Shift work involves working different hours, including nights and weekends, often with extra overtime pay.
  • Are there opportunities for further education and career development?
    - Yes, further education in environmental technology and automation offers good chances for advancement within the water sector.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 13:53:16

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Waste treatment engineer is 43700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 41100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Waste treatment engineer is 33400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31200 kr 32900 kr
25-34 94% 36400 kr 38700 kr
35-44 95% 37600 kr 39800 kr
45-54 94% 38000 kr 40200 kr
55-64 96% 38100 kr 40100 kr
65-68 38000 kr 39000 kr
Snitt 94% 37500 kr 39600 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 Waste treatment engineer has the SSYK code 8191, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

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

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* Updated with 2026 taxes

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