How much does a Tower crane operator make

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Tower crane operator

36 100 kr

Crane operators etc.

35 600 - 36 100 kr / month

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Tower crane operator

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 100 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does a tower crane operator do? – Tasks and work environment

Tower crane operators play a central role on construction sites, responsible for safely and efficiently lifting and moving building materials using tower cranes. Tasks include operating the crane from the cab or remote control, communicating with ground personnel, and monitoring loads and surroundings to prevent accidents. The work environment features high altitudes, weather exposure, and constant vigilance, with safety always in focus. Tower crane operators need a good understanding of site logistics and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Salary development over time

The salary for tower crane operators has fluctuated slightly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month. In 2023, the average increased to 37 200 SEK, representing a roughly 4.8% increase. In 2024, the average salary has decreased slightly to 36 100 SEK, a decline of 2.9% from the previous year. This variation can be explained by changes in demand within the construction sector, regional differences, and the availability of large projects. Overall, salary levels remain relatively stable over time but are influenced by economic cycles and investments in the construction industry.

Tower crane operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available, but the typical range is 33,000–39,000 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Only salary data for men is available (36 100 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Data not available, but variations occur between urban and rural areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a tower crane operator, a combination of formal education, practical experience, and specific certifications is required. The entry route often involves high school construction and civil engineering programs with advanced courses, or adult education targeting crane operation. Employers typically require both theoretical knowledge and documented practical experience, along with a valid professional license.

  • High school education: Construction and civil engineering program (3 years) with a focus on machinery operation
  • Professional license: Crane operator training and certification according to TYA or equivalent
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning during education
  • Prerequisites: Passing grades in mathematics and Swedish, along with aptitude tests
  • Additional courses: Safety training, first aid (HLR), and work environment courses

Communication between tower crane operators and ground personnel often occurs via radio and clear hand signals. Well-coordinated collaboration is crucial for safety and efficiency on the entire work site.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Tower crane operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide overtime pay, holiday allowances, and additional benefits. Employers may also offer wellness stipends, work clothing, and safety equipment. Some workplaces may include training grants and insurance coverage for accidents or illnesses.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a tower crane operator varies by region and economic cycle in the construction industry. During periods with many large projects, demand increases, while economic downturns may reduce available positions. Challenges in the profession include high safety requirements, physical and mental endurance, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Technological innovations and automation may also impact the job market in the future, making continuous skill updates important.

Tips for aspiring tower crane operators

To succeed as a tower crane operator, developing technical skills and strong concentration is essential. Precision is critical for handling lifts at height and in challenging environments, so practicing a methodical work approach during training is recommended. Good teamwork and communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues, especially when instructions must be followed quickly. Flexibility and stress resilience are vital, as workdays can vary and unexpected situations may arise. Regular safety training and staying updated on new procedures strengthen employability and professional competence. An interest in technology and machinery is an advantage, as modern crane equipment is often computer-controlled. Finally, a high sense of responsibility is crucial, as safety for colleagues and materials depends heavily on the crane operator’s judgment.

Key facts about tower crane operators

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour
  • Education: High school or adult education with professional license
  • Number of job openings: 379 (within the profession)
  • Work environment: Construction sites, often at high altitudes and outdoors

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining some experience, tower crane operators can handle more advanced lifts, train as supervisors, or specialize in specific types of cranes. Opportunities include becoming instructors for new crane operators or working as safety coordinators on larger projects. The future outlook is somewhat uncertain, as the profession is part of a larger occupational group with limited specific forecasts, but according to the Employment Service, there are currently 379 job openings in Sweden. The profession is influenced by the construction cycle and regional infrastructure investments, making flexibility and further training advantageous for long-term employment.

Frequently asked questions about tower crane operators

  • What does a tower crane operator earn?
    - The average salary for a tower crane operator is 36 100 SEK/month according to recent data.
  • How to become a tower crane operator?
    - The path goes via high school construction and civil engineering programs or adult education, along with specialized crane operator training and practical experience.
  • Are there jobs for tower crane operators?
    - Yes, there are currently 379 job openings in the profession of crane operators and others in Sweden.
  • Do you need a certificate to work as a tower crane operator?
    - Yes, a valid professional license and certification are required to work on construction sites.
  • What are the working hours for a tower crane operator?
    - Working hours are often daytime, but shifts and overtime may occur depending on project needs.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work involves high-altitude outdoor work in varying weather conditions, requiring safety awareness and physical endurance.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Only salary data for men is available, making it difficult to assess potential gender differences.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 07:45:43

Occupation
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 35600 kr 36100 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Tower crane operator has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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