- Salary statistics
- Plumber salary
Plumber salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
37 100 - 42 800 SEK / month
Women earn 88% of what men do.
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Salary progression Plumber
What does a plumber do? – Tasks and work environment
A plumber, or HVAC installer, works with the installation, repair, and maintenance of water, heating, and drainage systems in everything from homes to large industrial facilities. Tasks can include everything from laying new pipes in new constructions to fixing urgent leaks or replacing old pipelines. The work environment varies; some tasks are indoors in confined spaces, while others are outdoors or at heights. The profession requires precision, technical understanding, and problem-solving skills under time pressure. Work is often team-based, but independent planning and execution are common.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, plumbers have experienced steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK per month, rising to 41 400 SEK in 2023. The positive trend has continued, and in 2024, the average salary is 42 300 SEK, which represents an increase of approximately 12.5% over the period. This development can be explained by the high demand for skilled HVAC technicians, combined with a clear recruitment shortfall and increased requirements for technical specialist skills in the industry. The market has also been influenced by large investments in the construction sector and increased focus on energy efficiency, further driving up salary levels.
Plumber salaries – a complete overview
- Average salary: 42 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data varies, but the average is around 42 300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 249 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 42 500 SEK/month, data on women is not available
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and demand
Education and qualifications
To work as a plumber, a vocational education in HVAC and property management is usually required, followed by an apprenticeship and certification. The educational path combines theory with extensive practical training, providing the technical and practical skills necessary for the profession. Further training and specialized courses can lead to certifications in areas such as welding, gas, or refrigeration.
- High school education: HVAC and property management program, 3 years
- Apprenticeship: About 2 years as an employed apprentice after high school
- Certification: Industry certification for HVAC technicians is required for full qualification
- Adult education/ Vocational college: Alternative routes for adults
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility from compulsory school
Many plumbers specialize in areas such as energy efficiency or installation of modern heat pump systems, making the profession both dynamic and future-oriented. Technological developments have increased the need for digital competence and understanding of smart systems, which is becoming increasingly important in the job market.
Common benefits and compensations
Plumbers are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness subsidies, and sometimes work clothing. Some employers also offer training grants and additional insurance coverage for work at heights or in risky environments. Compensation for unsociable hours and on-call allowances are common, especially during urgent call-outs.
Competition and challenges
The profession of plumber is characterized by high demand and a pronounced shortage of qualified professionals. Competition for jobs is therefore low, but requirements for competence and certification are high. Technological innovations and changing building regulations demand continuous further education. At the same time, the profession involves physical challenges, such as working in confined spaces and heavy lifting. Managing varying work environments and sometimes stressful situations is also an important part of the daily work.
Tips for those wishing to become plumbers
To succeed as a plumber, it is good to have a technical interest and a problem-solving attitude, as unexpected challenges often arise during work. Precision is crucial to ensure quality and safety in installations, so that the customer receives a durable result. Being service-minded and able to communicate clearly with both customers and colleagues facilitates teamwork and builds trust. Physical endurance and strength are also important qualities, as the work can be heavy and require working in uncomfortable positions. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new techniques or work methods provide an advantage in the industry. Finally, curiosity and willingness to continuously further educate oneself are beneficial, as developments in the HVAC field are rapid.
Key facts about plumbers
- Education level: High school diploma + apprenticeship and certification
- Work environment: Varied, both indoors and outdoors, often physically demanding
- Demand: Very high, shortage of qualified plumbers nationwide
- Work form: Employed by a company or self-employed
- Special skills: Installation, troubleshooting, energy efficiency
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a plumber can advance to supervisor, project manager, or start their own business within the HVAC industry. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas such as energy optimization, environmental technology, or advanced troubleshooting. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities are very good, with continued high demand and little competition for positions. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but the shortage of qualified professionals will persist, making it a future-proof choice. Currently, there are 379 job openings in the HVAC and plumbing sector, highlighting the significant need in the labor market.
Frequently asked questions about plumbers
- What does a plumber earn?
- A plumber has an average salary of 42 300 SEK per month according to current statistics. - How does one become a plumber?
- The career path involves completing the vocational programs in HVAC and property management at the upper secondary level, followed by an apprenticeship period and certification. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 42 500 SEK/month; data on women is not available. - What is the job market like for plumbers?
- The demand is very high and there is a shortage of qualified plumbers nationwide. - What occupational health and safety risks are there?
- Physically demanding work environment, heavy lifting, and working in confined spaces are common. - Can a plumber start their own business?
- Yes, many plumbers choose to become self-employed after gaining a few years of experience. - What specializations exist within the profession?
- Examples include energy efficiency, installation of heat pump systems, and advanced troubleshooting.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 41400 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41900 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43500 kr | 44300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41000 kr | 42000 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 41300 kr | 42300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 37400 kr | |
| Snitt | 36100 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 37400 kr | |
| Snitt | 36100 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 41400 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41900 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43500 kr | 44300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41100 kr | 42000 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 41300 kr | 42300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 41400 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41900 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43500 kr | 44300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41100 kr | 42000 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 41300 kr | 42300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 41400 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 42000 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43600 kr | 44400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41300 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 41500 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 37400 kr | |
| Snitt | 36100 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 37400 kr | |
| Snitt | 36100 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 41400 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 42000 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43600 kr | 44400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41400 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 41500 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 41400 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 42000 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43600 kr | 44400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41400 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 41500 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 36900 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 36900 kr | 37500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 36900 kr | 37500 kr |
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 Plumber has the SSYK code 7125, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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