Turbine fitter, installation, repair

What does a turbine fitter do – tasks and work environment

A turbine fitter works with the installation, repair, and maintenance of turbines in, for example, power plants, process industries, and maritime operations. Tasks include assembling, adjusting, and testing turbine components, as well as troubleshooting and fixing mechanical problems. The work is often carried out in teams with other specialists, where precision and safety are crucial. The work environment is typically technically advanced and may involve working at heights, in confined spaces, or in noisy industrial settings. Flexibility and attention to detail are key qualities for success, as tasks can range from planned maintenance to urgent repairs.

Salary development over time

The salary for turbine fitters in installation and repair has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,500 SEK per month, increasing to 37 900 SEK in 2023. By 2024, the average has risen further to 39 400 SEK. The total increase over the period is approximately 8%, which is slightly above the average for similar technical professions. This positive trend can be partly explained by stable demand for skilled fitters in the energy sector and industry, as well as increased requirements for technical competence. The shortage of experienced specialists has likely contributed to rising wages.

Turbine fitter salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Hourly wage: 237 SEK/hour
• Men's average salary: 39 500 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 38 500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 98% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a turbine fitter, a high school vocational education in industry, electrical, or energy technology is usually required. Many employers also seek post-secondary studies or certifications in mechanical engineering and maintenance, especially for more advanced installations and repairs. Practical experience from industry is highly valued, and internal training or trainee programs are often offered to build further skills.

• High school education: Industrial technology programs, electrical and energy programs (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college in mechanical engineering or maintenance (1–2 years)
• Certifications: SSG, hot work, crane and forklift licenses
• Practical training: Apprenticeship or trainee program at industrial companies
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of technology and mathematics, preferably experience with mechanical work

Common benefits and compensations

Turbine fitters are often offered benefits such as overtime pay, additional pay for night shifts, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes training support. When working in other locations, per diems or travel allowances may be included. In some cases, further education and skill development are part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a turbine fitter is considered moderate, with 479 available jobs in the profession according to the latest data. The job market is characterized by balance, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. One of the main challenges is staying updated on new technology and digitalization, as modern turbine systems are becoming increasingly advanced. At the same time, the work environment can be physically demanding and involve travel or shift work, which requires flexibility and endurance.

Tips for those wanting to become a turbine fitter in installation and repair

To succeed as a turbine fitter, it is helpful to have a technical interest and analytical skills, as troubleshooting and problem-solving are central to the work. Being precise and detail-oriented aids in assembly and inspection of machine parts. Flexibility and teamwork skills are important, as tasks are often performed in teams and sometimes under time pressure. Showing initiative and a willingness to continuously develop your skills, especially in new technology and safety routines, is also valuable. Physical endurance and stress resilience facilitate work in tough environments. Building a network within the industry and taking advantage of internships or further training can provide advantages in the job market.

Key facts about a turbine fitter in installation and repair

• Education level: High school diploma or vocational college
• Work environment: Industry, power plants, ships, often physically demanding
• Work type: Shift work and travel are common
• Demand: Moderate, 479 available jobs in the profession
• Special skills: Mechanical engineering, electrical safety, certifications

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession as a turbine fitter, there are good opportunities to move on to more specialized roles, such as supervisor, technical specialist, or maintenance planner. Some choose to further their education in automation or project management to work on larger industrial projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for maintenance mechanics and machine repairers, demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, technological development and increased automation place higher demands on skills development, making those who invest in further training and certifications more competitive in the job market.

Frequently asked questions about a turbine fitter in installation and repair

• What does a turbine fitter earn in installation and repair?
  - The average salary is 39 400 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience, sector, and education.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 39 500 SEK and women 38 500 SEK, which means women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a turbine fitter?
  - Typically, a high school education in industry, electrical, or energy technology, often supplemented with certifications or vocational training.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast indicates demand will remain unchanged over the next five years, with continued need for qualified fitters in the industry.
• What work environments are common?
  - Work is often performed in industrial environments, at power plants or ships, and may involve shift work and travel.
• What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 41,000 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education) and the lowest is 25,600 SEK (female, municipal sector).
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, additional pay for night shifts, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes training support.