- Salary statistics
- Chimney sweep
Chimney sweep
35 055 - 35 304 kr / month
Sanering och renhållning
Salary progression Chimney sweep
What does a chimney sweep do? – tasks and work environment
A chimney sweep is responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining chimneys, fireplaces, and ventilation ducts in both private homes and commercial properties. Tasks can range from sweeping flues to inspecting fireplaces, advising property owners, and checking fire safety. The work is often performed at heights and involves physically demanding tasks in dusty and confined environments. Safety procedures and protective equipment are central to the work environment to minimize risks when working on roofs and in ventilation systems.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for chimney sweeps has shown a slight but steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 34,873 SEK per month, rising the following year to 35 157 SEK and finally reaching 35 304 SEK in 2024. Overall, this represents an increase of approximately 1.2 % over the period, reflecting a calm salary development within the profession. Salary trends are primarily influenced by regional demand, availability of trained workers, and changes in fire safety regulations. Since chimney sweeping is a niche profession requiring specific certification, changes tend to be slow and occur alongside retirements and new recruits.
Chimney sweep salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35 304 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 212 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a chimney sweep, a vocational upper secondary education followed by an apprenticeship and certification in the sweeping trade is usually required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, with a focus on safety and technology related to fireplaces, chimneys, and ventilation. After completing education, supervised practical training is common before full certification is granted.
- Vocational education: Building and construction program, specialization in ventilation/sweeping (3 years)
- Apprenticeship: Practical guidance for at least 1 year
- Certification: A professional certificate is required for independent work
- Prerequisites: Good physical health and a head for heights
- Further education: Opportunities for specialization in fire safety and energy optimization
Many chimney sweeps gain a unique insight into building history and construction, as the work often involves visiting everything from old cottages to state-of-the-art villas. It offers a varied daily life and the opportunity to solve problems in different environments – something appreciated by many in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Chimney sweeps often have access to benefits such as work clothing, protective gear, and wellness allowances. Many employers also offer additional insurances, training opportunities, and flexible working hours. In some cases, compensation for unsociable hours or special assignments, especially on-call duties, may be provided.
Competition and challenges
The profession is characterized by a relatively small job market with limited training places and a slow generational change. Competition for available positions varies between regions, especially in metropolitan areas where demand for certified personnel may be higher. Challenges include physically demanding work, exposure to soot and dust, and staying updated on changing fire safety regulations and technical solutions. Since the profession is specialized, ongoing skills development is often necessary to meet new requirements within energy and environmental areas.
Tips for those wishing to become a chimney sweep
To succeed as a chimney sweep, it is good to be meticulous and responsible, as the tasks often involve safety and fire prevention. An interest in technology and buildings is helpful, as the work requires understanding ventilation systems and fireplaces. Good physical condition is important because the job involves working at heights and in confined spaces. Social skills and a service-oriented attitude are valued since the profession involves a lot of customer contact and advice. Flexibility and problem-solving skills make it easier to handle challenges at different workplaces. A willingness to learn continuously is also an advantage, as regulations and technology evolve. Following safety routines and being careful with protective equipment are crucial for working safely and effectively.
Key facts about Chimney Sweep
- Average salary: 35 304 SEK/month
- Education pathway: Vocational upper secondary education + apprenticeship
- Work environment: Physically demanding work at heights and in confined spaces
- Number of job openings: 123 (May 2024)
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years of experience, a chimney sweep can advance to supervisory roles, become a fire safety inspector, or further specialize in energy and ventilation. Some choose to start their own business or work with training and consulting in fire safety. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, detailed statistics on future prospects are lacking due to limited data, but the profession is considered relatively stable. The number of available jobs in May 2024 was 123, indicating some demand within the sanitation and cleaning sector.
Frequently asked questions about Chimney Sweep
- What is the average salary of a chimney sweep?
- The average salary is 35 304 SEK per month. - How does one become a chimney sweep?
- The most common path is vocational upper secondary education with an apprenticeship and certification. - What is the work environment like for chimney sweeps?
- The work often takes place on roofs and in confined spaces, requiring good physical health and a head for heights. - What personal qualities are important?
- Meticulousness, responsibility, service-mindedness, and good physical condition are important qualities. - Are there many job openings for chimney sweeps?
- As of May 2024, there were 123 available jobs in the profession. - What are the future prospects?
- No specific forecast exists, but the profession is considered stable due to ongoing needs for fire safety and sweeping.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31700 kr | 31700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33900 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39100 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31700 kr | 31700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 33900 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39100 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30700 kr | 30700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34100 kr | 34200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39100 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30700 kr | 30700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 34100 kr | 34200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39100 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 35200 kr | 35400 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 Chimney sweep has the SSYK code 7133, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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