How much does a Peat machine operator make

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  2. Peat machine operator
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Peat machine operator

35 600 kr

Construction machine operators etc.

33 100 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Peat machine operator

Average salary 35 600 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 35 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 23 Vacant jobs ->

What does a peat machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A peat machine operator is responsible for producing, handling, and transporting peat using specialized machinery within the peat industry. Tasks include operating and maintaining heavy machines such as peat harvesters, tractors, and loaders, often in fields where peat is extracted. The work is largely outdoors and can involve long days in varying weather conditions. Safety and precision are crucial, as the machines are powerful and require careful attention to avoid accidents. Collaboration with other machine operators and site managers is a natural part of the daily routine.

Salary development over time

The salary for peat machine operators has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it rose to 34 900 SEK, which is an increase of about 0.6%. In 2024, the average salary continued upward to 35 600 SEK, an increase of nearly 2% from the previous year. This positive trend can partly be explained by high demand for operators in the construction sector and general wage adjustments in the industry. Despite being a smaller and specialized group, salary development has been stable, and differences between genders are minimal. The industry's need for qualified operators and recruitment challenges likely contribute to this trend.

Peat machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 214 SEK
  • Women: 35 200 SEK/month (99% of men's salary)
  • Men: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on sector and education level

Education and qualifications

To work as a peat machine operator, a high school education with a focus on vehicles or construction machinery is usually required. Practical experience with machinery is highly valuable, and many employers also require specific machine operator certificates. A combination of technical understanding, safety awareness, and hands-on training facilitates quick entry into the profession.

  • High school education: Vehicle and transport program, specialization in construction machinery (3 years)
  • Machine operator certificate: Certification required for certain machine types
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning during education is common
  • Post-secondary courses: Merit for specialization and safety training
  • Experience: Practical machine handling experience is preferred during hiring

Peat machine operators often work on peatlands that can be difficult to access and environmentally sensitive. A good understanding of soil properties and weather conditions is essential for working efficiently and sustainably.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Peat machine operators often have access to benefits such as per diems when working elsewhere, overtime pay for inconvenient hours, and work clothing provided by the employer. Some workplaces also offer wellness allowances and opportunities for further training in machinery safety and environmental considerations.

Competitions and challenges

The profession of peat machine operators is characterized by a paradoxical job market where there are great opportunities for work nationally, yet recruitment difficulties are common. Many leave the profession, creating a constant demand for new operators with the right skills. The work can be physically demanding and often involves long days in challenging environments, requiring endurance and precision. Additionally, continuous adaptation to new safety routines and environmental regulations can be challenging for both new and experienced operators.

Tips for those who want to become peat machine operators

To succeed as a peat machine operator, it is good to have a strong sense of responsibility and an interest in machinery. Being precise helps prevent accidents and ensures machines function properly throughout the workday. Good teamwork skills are important since the work often takes place in teams where communication and coordination are crucial. Flexibility is helpful when tasks and weather conditions change, and endurance is needed to handle long outdoor workdays. For those who are solution-oriented and enjoy practical work, there are many opportunities for development through further training and specialization. Showing interest in environmental issues and sustainability is also an advantage, as these topics are becoming increasingly important in the industry.

Key facts about peat machine operators

  • Salary range: 33,100–37,400 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education, often with certification
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often on peatlands and in varying weather
  • Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a peat machine operator, opportunities open up to advance to supervisory roles, such as site manager or machine supervisor within the peat or construction industries. Some choose to further their education as instructors or safety coordinators, while others broaden their skills to include other types of construction machinery. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for construction machine operators, job opportunities are expected to remain very good, with demand remaining stable over the next five years. Currently, there are 379 job openings in the profession, underscoring the strong job market for peat machine operators.

Frequently asked questions about peat machine operators

  • What is the average salary of a peat machine operator?
    - The average monthly salary is 35 600 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 35 200 SEK, which is 99% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a peat machine operator?
    - High school education with a focus on vehicles or construction machinery and practical training are most common.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The job market is considered very good, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What does the work environment look like for a peat machine operator?
    - Work is carried out outdoors, often on peatlands, with heavy machinery and varying weather conditions.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - It is common to advance to roles such as supervisor, machine manager, or to further education in construction.
  • How many job openings are there within the profession?
    - Currently, there are 379 job openings for construction machine operators.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 07:48:25

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Peat machine operator is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 37000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Peat machine operator is 33100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 103% 31100 kr 31900 kr
25-34 98% 34000 kr 35300 kr
35-44 99% 35600 kr 36700 kr
45-54 36400 kr 37800 kr
55-64 33900 kr 35300 kr
65-68 33400 kr 34700 kr
Snitt 99% 34400 kr 35600 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 Peat machine operator has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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