Smoke divers

What does a smoke diver do? – Tasks and work environment

A smoke diver is a specialized firefighter trained and equipped to work in smoke-filled and hazardous environments, such as during fires in buildings or industrial sites. Tasks include rescuing people and animals, extinguishing fires, ventilating buildings, and handling dangerous substances. Smoke divers often work in teams and must make quick decisions under extreme pressure. The work environment is physically demanding, with high temperatures, limited visibility, and risk of exposure to toxic gases. Protective gear and strict safety routines are essential parts of daily work to minimize risks.

Salary development over time

The salary for smoke divers has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34 900 SEK per month, increasing to 36 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 37 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 7% during the period. This development reflects increased demand for skilled firefighters and smoke divers, as well as higher costs for skill development and safety requirements. The salary increase has been slightly higher than the average wage growth in the public sector, possibly due to greater emphasis on work environment and conditions within rescue services. Despite this, gender pay gaps are evident, with women earning 93 % of men's salaries. Regional variations exist, with urban areas often offering slightly higher wages due to higher living costs and greater workload.

Smoke diver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,300 SEK/month (male, private sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 225 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 93 % of men's salaries (34 900 SEK vs. 37 600 SEK)
• Regional differences: Higher wages in metropolitan areas, lower in smaller municipalities

Education and qualifications

To work as a smoke diver, completion of firefighter training and specialized smoke diver training is required, including both theoretical and practical components. The basic firefighter training is supplemented with certification for smoke diving, and employers often set high demands for physical and mental suitability. Internships and further training are common to maintain competence and safety.

• Full-time firefighter (SMO): Post-secondary education, approximately 2 years
• Certified smoke diver training: Mandatory course, often within employment
• Internship and physical suitability tests: Part of the recruitment process
• Annual refresher courses: To maintain certification and skills
• Prerequisites: Approved high school education and normal color vision

Common benefits and compensations

Smoke divers often have access to benefits such as shift and night work supplements, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and occupational pension schemes. In some cases, compensation for call-outs, specialized training, and opportunities for skill development are offered. Protective clothing and personal equipment are always provided by the employer.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a smoke diver varies between regions and municipalities, with larger cities often having more applicants per vacancy. The physical and mental demands are high, leading to natural screening during recruitment. Challenges include working under extreme pressure, making quick decisions, and managing risky situations without compromising safety. Changing requirements for work environment and technology also demand continuous training. Additionally, shift work and on-call duties can pose challenges for work-life balance.

Tips for aspiring smoke divers

To succeed as a smoke diver, combining physical strength with mental endurance and teamwork skills is important. Good physical condition and a strong willingness to train regularly are crucial, as the profession requires top fitness year-round. Resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital, as each rescue can be life-saving. Being communicative and attentive during collaboration with colleagues enhances safety for both the team and those being rescued. Flexibility and adaptability in changing working conditions are also key, along with a desire for continuous education and staying updated on new methods and safety routines. Finally, a genuine commitment to helping others is often the greatest motivation in this profession.

Key facts about Smoke Divers

• Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 29,800–41,300 SEK/month
• Education level: Post-secondary firefighter training + certified smoke diver training
• Work environment: Physically demanding, smoke- and heat-exposed environments
• Available jobs in the profession: 191

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining some experience as a smoke diver, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles such as team leader or incident commander within rescue services. Some choose to specialize further, for example in hazardous materials, training, or occupational safety. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is no complete assessment for the profession of smoke diver, but within the firefighter group, 191 job openings are reported, with stable demand, especially in larger cities and expanding regions. Future prospects are influenced by local budgets and societal changes, but competent and experienced smoke divers generally have good opportunities for continued employment and development.

Frequently asked questions about Smoke Divers

• What is the average salary of a smoke diver?
  - A smoke diver has an average salary of 37 400 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for smoke divers?
  - The highest salary is 41,300 SEK and the lowest is 29,800 SEK per month.
• How does one become a smoke diver?
  - By completing firefighter training (SMO) and certified smoke diver training, and passing physical and medical tests.
• Is there a salary difference between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93 % of what men do in the profession.
• What are the most common tasks for a smoke diver?
  - Rescue work in smoke-filled environments, fire extinguishing, ventilation, and handling hazardous substances.
• What is the work environment like for smoke divers?
  - The work environment is physically and psychologically demanding with high safety standards.
• What are the future prospects for smoke divers?
  - There are 191 job openings in the profession, but no precise forecast according to the Employment Service.