Garbage collector salary

Garbage Collector: A Profession with Stable Salary and Job Market

Working as a garbage collector means being part of an important societal function. It involves collecting and transporting waste to various recycling centers or landfills. The profession requires driving skills and good physical condition, as the work often includes heavy lifting and outdoor work in all weather conditions. A garbage collector is a type of truck driver, and as such, the profession is part of a broader occupational group within transportation, distribution, and warehousing.

Salary for a Garbage Collector

As a garbage collector, you can expect a stable income. The average salary is 32 500 SEK per month. However, there are some differences between genders; men earn an average of 32 600 SEK, while women earn 31 700 SEK, meaning that women earn 97% of what men do in this profession. The salary development has been positive, with an increase from 31 200 SEK to 32 500 SEK since the last measurement. For hourly garbage collectors, the average hourly wage is 195 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Range and Disparities

There is a salary range within the profession where the highest salary for a male garbage collector is 34200 SEK and for a female is 32000 SEK. The lowest salary for a man is 32000 SEK, while the lowest for a woman is 31100 SEK. These differences may be due to employment status, experience, and educational level. For example, the highest salary belongs to a male who is a privately employed executive, while the lowest salary for a woman belongs to someone with at most two years of high school education.

Education and Skill Requirements

To become a garbage collector, a high school education with a focus on transportation or equivalent competence is usually required. It is also necessary to have a heavy truck driver's license, and many employers also require a CPC, Certificate of Professional Competence. Training may sometimes be offered by the employer, which can be an advantage for those interested in entering the profession without prior experience.

Working Conditions and Benefits

Working conditions for garbage collectors may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. The work requires good physical condition and readiness to work outdoors year-round. Benefits that are sometimes offered include paid training and, in some cases, work clothes. However, benefits such as a paid cell phone or remote work are uncommon, as the job tasks require physical presence.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to forecasts from the Employment Service, the job prospects for garbage collectors are good. The profession is expected to have ample job opportunities, and demand is projected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where it is simultaneously difficult to recruit the right skills, while unemployment in the profession is high.

Challenges and Competition

One of the biggest challenges in the profession is the physical strain and the varying working conditions. Competition can be tough, especially in areas with high unemployment, but for those with the right education and driving experience, there are good opportunities to find work. It is also important to consider safety in the workplace, as it often involves working in traffic and with heavy machinery.

Summary

Being a garbage collector is a profession with stable salaries and good future prospects. With an average salary of 32 500 SEK and a relatively even gender distribution in the salary structure, the profession offers a secure income. Educational requirements include a heavy truck driver's license and, in some cases, a CPC, which can be a threshold for newcomers. Despite physical challenges and weather impact, it is a profession of great importance to societal function and a job market that is expected to be stable in the coming years.