Peat workers

What does a peat worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A peat worker's main task is to extract, handle, and process peat. Duties may include machine harvesting of peat on marshes, monitoring drying processes, and loading and transporting peat material to facilities or customers. The work is often outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require both physical strength and machine operation skills. The work environment is typically robust and can sometimes be demanding, especially during peak season when peat must be collected and processed quickly to maintain quality.

Salary development over time

The salary for peat workers has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,700 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 33 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 34 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. This salary development reflects a general trend within the construction and civil engineering sector where demand for labor is gradually increasing, and employers are trying to retain experienced staff through salary improvements. The increase may also be linked to inflation adjustments and a greater focus on work environment and conditions within the sector, although starting salaries remain relatively low compared to other professions in construction.

Peat worker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,300 SEK/month (female), 31,900 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, high school education)
• Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 31,300 SEK (90% of men's salary), men earn 34 800 SEK
• Regional differences: Currently no data available on regional variations

Education and qualifications

To work as a peat worker, usually no formal higher education is required, but a high school diploma in construction, civil engineering, or natural resource management is advantageous. Practical experience and the ability to operate machinery are important qualifications. Many employers offer internal training, and there are opportunities to develop skills through various courses and certifications in machine operation and safety.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering or natural resource management, 3 years
• Certifications: Machine operator licenses and safety training are advantageous
• Internship: On-the-job training provides valuable experience
• Prerequisites: Physical endurance and some technical understanding
• Additional: Self-study in machinery safety and environmental regulations is recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Peat workers are often covered by collective agreements that regulate holiday pay, overtime pay for inconvenient working hours, and sometimes per diems for work at remote locations. Other common benefits include work clothing, wellness allowances, and insurance through the employer. Some employers also offer further training in machinery safety and environmental protection.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a peat worker is currently relatively low, with a national surplus of labor within the construction and civil engineering workforce. However, forecasts indicate that demand is expected to increase over five years, which could lead to more opportunities for new applicants. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding tasks, work in changing weather, and sometimes long working hours during the season. Machinery safety and environmental requirements also impose high demands on accuracy and responsibility. Those who are flexible, resilient, and interested in practical outdoor work have good prospects for thriving and developing in the profession.

Tips for those wanting to become a peat worker

To succeed as a peat worker, it is beneficial to combine practical skills with curiosity about technology and machinery. Those with good physical condition and the endurance to work outdoors for long days have an advantage, especially during busy periods. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks and weather conditions are important qualities, as is attention to safety and environmental considerations. Being social and cooperative is also valuable since the work often takes place in small teams where communication is crucial. Actively seeking internships or summer jobs in related fields can provide a good start and valuable contacts in the industry. Finally, an interest in nature and the environment can contribute to job satisfaction and understanding of the profession's importance.

Key facts about Peat Workers

• Salary range: 31,300–35,200 SEK/month
• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education common, on-the-job training occurs
• Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, seasonal variations
• Demand: Limited opportunities today, increasing over 5 years

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a peat worker, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles within peat management or to further train in machine operation. Some choose to specialize in machinery maintenance or move into related professions within construction, civil engineering, or natural resource management. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, the labor market for manual workers in construction and civil engineering is currently saturated, but demand is expected to increase over five years. Those who develop broader skills, such as in environmental safety or machinery technology, have good opportunities to strengthen their position in the labor market. Currently, there are 379 job openings in the industry, indicating some turnover and demand for labor.

Common questions about Peat Workers

• What does a peat worker earn?
  - A peat worker has an average salary of 34 700 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for peat workers?
  - The highest salary is 35,200 SEK (male, private sector employee), the lowest is 31,300 SEK (female).
• How has the salary development looked?
  - Salaries have increased from 31,700 SEK (2022) to 34 700 SEK (2024), an increase of about 9.5%.
• Are there differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 31,300 SEK while men have 34 800 SEK on average – women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a peat worker?
  - High school education in construction, civil engineering, or natural resource management is common, but on-the-job training occurs.
• What is the job market like?
  - There is currently a surplus of labor, but demand is expected to increase over five years according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common occupational hazards?
  - Outdoor physical work, machinery, and weather variations pose the greatest risks.