Maintenance manager, chemical engineering

What does a maintenance manager in chemical engineering do? – Tasks and work environment

A maintenance manager in chemical engineering is responsible for leading and developing maintenance work in chemical production facilities. The role involves ensuring that machinery, process equipment, and plants operate optimally and meet safety and quality standards. Tasks include planning preventive maintenance, analyzing operational disruptions, leading personnel, and coordinating efforts with other departments such as production and engineering. The environment is often industry-based, involving proximity to process plants and sometimes shift work or standby duties during emergencies. The role requires ongoing contact with suppliers, contractors, and authorities to meet legal requirements and industry standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for a maintenance manager in chemical engineering has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,200 SEK per month, increasing to 42 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary continued upward to 43 600 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.5% during the period. This salary development reflects increased demand for technically skilled leaders in the industry and the need for specialized competence to meet technical and regulatory requirements. Changes in the labor market, investments in industry, and technological development have also contributed to rising salaries within the profession.

Maintenance manager, chemical engineering salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 262 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salary (men 44 000 SEK, women 43,300 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a maintenance manager in chemical engineering, a post-secondary education in chemistry, chemical engineering, or industrial technology is usually required. Many have a university or master's degree, supplemented with experience in operations, maintenance, or production. Practical experience and leadership skills are highly meritorious, as well as knowledge of process control, work environment, and safety issues. Further training in project management or maintenance strategies can be advantageous for career advancement.

• Post-secondary education: University or master's degree in chemistry/chemical engineering (3–5 years)
• Certifications: For example, within maintenance, occupational health and safety, or project management
• Internship/trainee: Practical experience in industrial maintenance is highly valued
• Leadership training: Meritorious for managerial roles
• Prerequisites: Technical education at high school level or higher

Common benefits and compensations

Maintenance managers in chemical engineering are often offered competitive benefits beyond the base salary, such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowance, and health insurance. Performance-based bonuses, company cars or access to company vehicles, and opportunities for skills development and further training within the company are also common.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for maintenance managers in chemical engineering is relatively narrow, and competition for the most qualified positions can be fierce. Since the role requires both technical expertise and leadership ability, continuous skill development is important to meet industry demands. A challenge is staying updated with new technologies and digital solutions while safety and environmental standards are tightening. The shortage of experienced candidates means employers are often willing to invest in further training for the right person. Balancing operational reliability and cost efficiency is a central challenge in the profession.

Tips for those aspiring to become a maintenance manager in chemical engineering

To succeed as a maintenance manager in chemical engineering, it is good to combine technical interest with analytical skills so that troubleshooting and problem-solving become natural parts of the work. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with staff and external suppliers, while leadership abilities are required to motivate and develop the team. Being organized helps with planning maintenance efforts and budgeting, while flexibility and adaptability make it easier to adjust to new technology and changing working conditions. Engagement in work environment and safety issues is also crucial for creating a safe and efficient operation.

Key facts about maintenance managers in chemical engineering

• Salary range: 31,900–45,100 SEK/month
• Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
• Education level: Post-secondary education (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Industrial environment with high safety requirements
• Job openings in the profession: 564

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a maintenance manager in chemical engineering, there are good opportunities to advance to senior management roles, such as operations manager, technical director, or plant manager. Experience in maintenance work and leadership is also advantageous for roles in project management or development within the process industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's job forecasts, it is not possible to give an exact assessment due to limited data, but the profession has 564 job openings, indicating relatively good demand. Skills in digitalization, maintenance strategies, and work environment issues also strengthen future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about maintenance managers in chemical engineering

• What is the salary of a maintenance manager in chemical engineering?
  - The average salary is 43 600 SEK per month, with a range between 31,900 and 45,100 SEK.
• What education is required to become a maintenance manager in chemical engineering?
  - Typically, a university or master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or similar field.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - No exact forecast exists, but there are 564 job openings, indicating demand.
• What benefits are common for maintenance managers in chemical engineering?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, bonus, wellness allowance, and extra vacation days.
• What is the highest salary in the profession?
  - The highest reported salary is 45,100 SEK per month for a man employed privately.
• What is the lowest salary in the profession?
  - The lowest reported salary is 31,900 SEK per month for a woman in the public sector.