Suction and rinsing car driver

What does a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Suction and jetting truck drivers are responsible for operating and managing specialized vehicles equipped to suck, flush, and transport various types of waste, sludge, and other materials from, for example, sewage systems, wells, or industrial facilities. The work environment can vary and is often challenging, as work is performed outdoors in different weather conditions and sometimes in confined or hard-to-reach spaces. The profession requires both technical understanding of vehicles and equipment, as well as precision and safety awareness when handling potentially hazardous substances and environments.

Salary development over time

Salary development for Suction and Jetting Truck Drivers has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,200 SEK per month and increased to 32 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, there was a further increase to 33 600 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 7.7% over three years. This development can be explained by continued demand for qualified drivers in specialized transportation, adjustments in collective agreements, and overall wage growth within the transport sector. The shortage of trained personnel and increased certification requirements also contribute to upward pressure on wages in the profession.

Suction and Jetting Truck Driver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,900 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (male, various sectors, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 202 SEK (average, hourly employee, based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 33 700 SEK, women 32 900 SEK (women earn 98% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data unavailable for specific regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver, a vocational truck driving education and relevant certificates for handling specialized vehicles and waste are usually required. The training combines theoretical knowledge in transport and environment with practical experience in vehicle operation. Internships and on-the-job introductions are common to ensure the driver masters both technology and safety procedures.

• Vocational driver training: High school (Transport program) or adult education
• CE driving license: Required for heavy trucks
• YKB (Professional competence certificate): Mandatory for commercial transport
• Workplace introduction/internship: Commonly offered
• Competency certificate for handling hazardous waste: Often advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

For suction and jetting truck drivers, benefits such as overtime pay, shift allowances, per diems, wellness contributions, and workwear are common. Some employers also offer further training and opportunities for specialization in environmental safety and advanced transportation.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Suction and Jetting Truck Drivers is characterized by a paradox: there are both recruitment difficulties and relatively high unemployment within the profession. This is often due to the need for specific certificates and experience, which means not all job seekers are qualified. The work environment can be physically demanding and sometimes involves working during inconvenient hours. At the same time, the profession demands high safety and accuracy standards, especially when handling hazardous waste. However, demand for labor is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service forecast, providing stable future prospects.

Tips for those wanting to become a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver

To succeed as a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with a sense of responsibility and good physical condition. Being precise and following safety routines provides security in the work, especially when handling hazardous waste. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are important, as tasks can vary daily and require quick decisions. Good cooperation with colleagues and customers also facilitates the work environment, which is often social and outward-facing. Early acquisition of a CE driving license and professional competence certificate gives an advantage in the job market, as does taking the initiative to do internships or summer jobs in transportation. Lastly, the ability to work independently and take responsibility for both vehicles and equipment is valued, and employers are often willing to invest in further training for engaged employees.

Key facts about Suction and Jetting Truck Drivers

• Education level: High school vocational training with additional certificates
• Work environment: Varied, often outdoors and physically demanding
• Demand: Stable outlook, many job openings
• Typical employment: Full-time with shifts or on-call
• Special skills: Handling hazardous waste and specialized vehicles

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver, there are opportunities to advance to team leader, instructor, or specialist in advanced transportation. Some choose to further their education in environmental technology or logistics, which can lead to roles such as operations manager or technical coordinator within larger companies. According to the Employment Service forecasts, job opportunities within the profession remain large, and demand is expected to stay stable over the next five years. Despite some competition in the job market, those with the right education and experience have good chances of finding employment, especially as there are currently over 400 available positions in the field.

Frequently asked questions about Suction and Jetting Truck Drivers

• What is the average salary of a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver?
  - The average salary is 33 600 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver?
  - High school vocational training, CE driving license, and YKB are common requirements.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for Suction and Jetting Truck Drivers?
  - Demand is stable and there are many job openings nationwide.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 35,500 SEK, and the lowest is 28,900 SEK per month.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Overtime pay, shift allowances, per diems, wellness contributions, and workwear are common.
• What makes the work of a Suction and Jetting Truck Driver unique?
  - The variation in tasks and environments, as well as the need for technical and social skills, make the profession special.