Image that illustrates Tank cleaner

Tank cleaner

32 700 kr

Sanitation and recycling workers

27 700 - 35 000 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Sanering och renhållning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Tank cleaner

Average salary 32 700 kr
Males 32 800 kr
Females 31 900 kr

What does a tank cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment

A tank cleaner works on cleaning and maintaining various types of tanks, cisterns, and containers used in industry, transportation, and sanitation. Tasks often include flushing, brushing, and using chemical cleaning agents to ensure tanks are free from deposits, hazardous substances, and odors. The work is performed both manually and with specialized equipment. Tank cleaning can occur in tight, enclosed spaces, which requires high safety standards and protective gear. The work environment is often humid and may involve contact with chemicals, making knowledge of safety regulations essential.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for tank cleaners has shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 30,100 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 32 100 SEK, representing an increase of about 6.6%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 32 700 SEK, a further increase of 1.9% from the previous year. This salary growth reflects increased demand for the profession, along with ongoing improvements in working conditions and safety standards. Salary increases have also been influenced by adjustments within the sanitation and recycling sectors and union negotiations. Despite positive trends, clear differences still exist between employers and regions.

Tank cleaner salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (women), 28,700 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 35,000 SEK/month (women), 34,000 SEK/month (men)
  • Hourly wage: 196 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 31 900 SEK, men earn 32 800 SEK – women reach 97% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: May occur but are often small within larger employers

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a tank cleaner usually involves high school education with a focus on remediation and sanitation, but many employers also offer internal training. Formal requirements vary, but basic education in workplace safety and security is always required. Practical experience, certifications for working in confined spaces, and a driver’s license can be advantageous.

  • High school education: Specialization in remediation, sanitation, or similar (3 years)
  • Certifications: Work in confined spaces, Hot work
  • Internship: Often included as part of employment or traineeship
  • Driver’s license: Usually a requirement for category B
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition, safety awareness, proficiency in Swedish (spoken and written)

Many tank cleaners work in teams and must quickly adapt to different environments and workplaces – from industrial plants to port areas. Flexibility and teamwork skills are therefore highly valued in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Tank cleaners are often offered benefits such as shift differentials for irregular hours, wellness allowances, work clothing, and access to protective equipment. In some cases, additional compensation may be provided for work under particularly risky or demanding conditions. Larger employers may include pension contributions and health insurance as standard benefits.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a tank cleaner is relatively low, as the demand for trained personnel remains stable and the number of available jobs is healthy. At the same time, the profession presents certain challenges, including physical strain, working in confined spaces, and contact with chemicals. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding the right skills, while the proportion of workers leaving the profession or working part-time is relatively high. Occupational health and safety requirements place significant demands on both employers and employees.

Tips for those interested in becoming a tank cleaner

To succeed as a tank cleaner, endurance and good physical condition are important, as the tasks are often demanding and may involve heavy lifting. Attention to detail is crucial, especially when cleaning tanks with high hygiene standards or handling hazardous substances. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate working at different sites and shifts. Being communicative and able to work well in a team is also essential, as safety and workflow often depend on good team spirit. An interest in technology and a willingness to learn new equipment make it easier to quickly get started and develop in the profession.

Key facts about tank cleaners

  • Salary range: 27,700–35,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 32 700 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, certification for confined spaces
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, often in confined spaces
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 123 job openings (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a tank cleaner can advance to roles such as supervisor, trainer in occupational safety, or specialize in working with particularly demanding tanks and industrial environments. Some choose to further their education in remediation, environmental technology, or process industry and take on roles with greater responsibility. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate strong opportunities for employment within the sanitation and recycling workforce, with demand expected to remain stable over the next five years. The recruitment situation involves both high demand and some turnover, providing good chances for employment and career development within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about tank cleaners

  • What does a tank cleaner earn?
    - The average salary is 32 700 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 196 SEK.
  • What is the salary range for tank cleaners?
    - Salaries range from 27,700 SEK to 35,000 SEK per month depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • Are there differences in salary between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 31 900 SEK, which is 97% of men's salary (32 800 SEK).
  • What education is required to become a tank cleaner?
    - High school education in sanitation or remediation is recommended, along with certification for work in confined spaces.
  • How is the job market for tank cleaners?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with 123 job openings in May 2024.
  • What qualities are important in the profession?
    - Good physical condition, attention to detail, flexibility, and teamwork skills are key to success.
  • What occupational hazards exist?
    - Risks include working in confined spaces, contact with chemicals, and physically demanding tasks.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Tank cleaner is 35000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Government sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 34000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Tank cleaner is 27700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 28700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 102% 29500 kr 30800 kr
25-34 98% 31200 kr 32600 kr
35-44 97% 32100 kr 33500 kr
45-54 95% 32000 kr 33200 kr
55-64 97% 31700 kr 32600 kr
65-68 31000 kr 32400 kr
Snitt 97% 31400 kr 32700 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Tank cleaner has the SSYK code 9610, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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