- Salary statistics
- Tunnel blaster
Tunnel blaster
43 500 - 46 000 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Tunnel blaster
What does a tunnelsprängare do? – Tasks and working environment
A tunnelsprängare works with preparing and executing blasting operations in rock, often in connection with infrastructure projects such as tunnel construction for roads, railways, or water pipelines. The work involves planning the blasts based on geological conditions, drilling holes for explosives, loading and detonating them, and ensuring that work complies with laws and safety regulations. Tunnelsprängare often work in shifts, and the environment can be noisy, dusty, and sometimes confined, with high demands on precision and safety. Collaboration with other professionals such as machine operators, engineers, and safety personnel is a natural part of daily work.
Salary development over time
The salary for tunnelsprängare has shown variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,800 SEK per month, which increased to 47 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has been slightly adjusted downward to 46 000 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.5% between 2022 and 2024, with a clear peak in 2023. Fluctuations can partly be explained by larger infrastructure projects affecting demand, as well as variations in the availability of qualified labor. The economic situation and regional differences in project volume may also influence salary development for tunnelsprängare.
Tunnelsprängare salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 46 000 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data missing
- Hourly wage: 277 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men earn 46 400 SEK, data for women is missing
- Regional differences: Data missing
Education and qualifications
To work as a tunnelsprängare, a high school education in construction and civil engineering, often with specialization in rock work, along with specific blasting certificates, is usually required. The education combines theoretical knowledge of blasting techniques and safety with practical experience under supervision. Employers may also require ongoing training and special courses depending on project complexity and safety requirements.
- High school education: Construction and civil engineering program with specialization in rock work (3 years)
- Certificates: Blasting certificates and other certifications for explosive materials
- Internship: Mandatory practical training or apprenticeship period
- Courses: Further training in safety and modern blasting techniques
- Prerequisites: Often B driving license and good physical condition
Tunnelsprängare often work underground, where communication and collaboration between different professionals are crucial for both safety and efficiency. Many describe the profession as both challenging and varied, since each blast requires careful planning and adaptation to the rock's unique conditions.
Common benefits and compensations
Tunnelsprängare are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to overtime pay, shift allowances, and per diems when working away from home. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, work clothes, and additional insurance coverage, especially given the risks associated with the profession. Training and ongoing education in safety issues are common benefits.
Competition and challenges
The demand for tunnelsprängare is largely driven by ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, making the job market sensitive to economic cycles. The skill requirements are high, with a strong focus on safety, which demands both education and experience. The job is physically demanding and involves underground work, sometimes in isolated environments and with irregular working hours. The availability of qualified blasters is limited, which can sometimes lead to competition for the most attractive jobs. The lack of specific statistics makes it difficult to give an exact picture of the competitiveness, but the relatively large number of available jobs indicates continued good demand.
Tips for those wanting to become a tunnelsprängare
To succeed as a tunnelsprängare, it is good to combine technical curiosity with meticulousness and a sense of responsibility. Working methodically and following safety routines is essential, especially since the profession demands high precision and risk assessment. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with other professionals in projects, while initiative and problem-solving are often needed to handle unexpected challenges in the field. Physical endurance is necessary as the work can be heavy and strenuous. Being communicative and clear contributes to safety at the workplace, and an interest in technological development can open doors to further training and specialization within the profession.
Key facts about tunnelsprängare
- Educational level: High school education with specific certifications
- Work environment: Underground, high safety standards, shift work
- Job market: Approximately 1437 available jobs within the profession (2024)
- Special skills: Blasting technology, risk assessment, geology
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience, a tunnelsprängare can advance to roles such as supervisor, blasting manager, or consultant within larger construction projects. Further education in project management or specialization in environmentally safe blasting can also be relevant. The employment agency’s forecasts for rock blasters do not provide specific assessments for tunnelsprängare due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs suggests continued good demand. The future is influenced by investments in infrastructure and construction, making the profession attractive for those seeking stability and development opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about tunnelsprängare
- What does a tunnelsprängare earn?
- The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 277 SEK. - What education is required to become a tunnelsprängare?
- A high school education in construction and civil engineering, along with blasting certificates and certifications, is required. - What is the working environment like for a tunnelsprängare?
- The work is often underground, in noisy and dusty environments, with high safety standards. - Are there many jobs for tunnelsprängare?
- There are approximately 1437 available jobs according to current statistics. - What is most important for someone wanting to work as a tunnelsprängare?
- Attention to detail, responsibility, and good physical ability are essential qualities. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Salary data for men exists (46 400 SEK/month), but data for women is missing. - What are the future prospects for tunnelsprängare?
- Projections are unavailable, but demand is expected to be good due to large infrastructure projects.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43500 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43500 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43500 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43800 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43800 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43800 kr | 46400 kr |
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 Tunnel blaster has the SSYK code 8115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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