Maintenance techniques, water purification

What does a water treatment maintenance technician do? – Tasks and work environment

Maintenance technicians in water treatment are responsible for ensuring the operation and maintenance of technical systems at water treatment plants. Tasks include monitoring, servicing, and repairing machinery, pumps, control systems, and other technical equipment used for water purification. The work also involves troubleshooting during operational disruptions, regular water quality checks, and documenting performed interventions. The work environment is often technically advanced and may include both indoor and outdoor work, sometimes with standby for urgent issues. Safety procedures are central due to working in environments with chemicals and high standards of hygiene and quality.

Salary development over time

The salary development for water treatment maintenance technicians has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 37 100 SEK, and for 2024 the average is 38 300 SEK. The total increase over the period is approximately 5.5%, corresponding to an annual salary increase of between 2.2% and 3.3%. This trend reflects ongoing demand for technical skills in the water treatment sector and an increased focus on sustainability and safe water resource management. Salaries are also influenced by education level and experience, with those holding longer education or working in the private sector often experiencing higher salary growth.

Water treatment maintenance technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 38 500 SEK, women 36 600 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Varies depending on location and sector, with higher salaries in metropolitan regions and within the private sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a water treatment maintenance technician usually involves technical high school education with a focus on operations, maintenance, or process industry, followed by post-secondary studies or vocational college education. Practical experience and technical certifications are often important for employment, especially in modern water treatment where automation and control systems play a significant role. Many employers view additional courses in electrical engineering, hydraulics, or control technology positively.

• Technical high school diploma: 3 years, preferably with a focus on operations or process technology
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college 2–3 years, e.g., operation technician or process technician
• Certifications: Safety training, hot work permits, electrical competence
• Internship/trainee: Often required within water treatment or process industry
• Prerequisites: Mathematics, technology, and science at high school level

Common benefits and compensations

Maintenance technicians in water treatment are often offered benefits such as wellness subsidies, extra vacation days, work clothing, and compensation for unsociable hours. Many employers also provide further training, skills development, and standby compensation for on-call work. Pension contributions and insurance are standard, especially within municipal and larger private employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a water treatment maintenance technician is assessed as moderate, with a relatively balanced labor market. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for operation technicians in heating and water plants, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include rapid technological development, increasing demands for environmental and quality control, and the need for continuous skills development. Automation and digitalization influence work tasks and may require existing staff to upgrade their skills to handle new systems. At the same time, generational changes mean many employers are seeking younger technicians with current education and digital competence.

Tips for those wishing to become a water treatment maintenance technician

To succeed as a water treatment maintenance technician, it is good to combine technical interest with problem-solving skills and meticulousness. The first step is to pursue a technical education and, during studies, seek internships in the water or process industry to gain insight into the profession's daily work. Being flexible and willing to learn new technical systems is valuable, especially as digitalization and automation rapidly change the work environment. Good teamwork skills facilitate daily tasks, as technicians often work together with other specialists. A structured approach and sense of responsibility are crucial for following safety routines and documenting work accurately. Demonstrating initiative and actively seeking further training also increases opportunities for career development in the industry.

Key facts about water treatment maintenance technicians

• Education level: High school diploma or vocational college (2–3 years)
• Work environment: Water treatment plants, both indoor and outdoor
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes shifts and standby
• Demand: Moderate, with an unchanged five-year forecast
• Special skills: Machinery maintenance, control and regulation technology, safety routines

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a water treatment maintenance technician can advance to roles such as supervisor, operations technician with a focus on process optimization, or technical coordinator. Further training in automation, environmental technology, or project management opens doors to more qualified positions and opportunities to work on larger development projects. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts show that demand for operation technicians at heating and water plants, where the profession is included, is expected to remain unchanged over five years, and the recruitment situation is considered balanced nationally. However, technological development and generational changes mean there are regularly many vacancies – currently over 480 within the profession.

Frequently asked questions about water treatment maintenance technicians

• What does a water treatment maintenance technician earn?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do. Men have an average salary of 38 500 SEK, women 36 600 SEK.
• What education is required to become a water treatment maintenance technician?
  - Technical high school education and preferably post-secondary education in operations or process technology.
• What does the job market look like for this profession?
  - The job market is balanced, and demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What tasks are included in the profession?
  - Servicing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing technical equipment at water treatment plants, as well as documentation and quality control.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Wellness subsidies, work clothing, overtime pay, further training, and pension contributions are common benefits.
• What is the hourly wage for a water treatment maintenance technician?
  - The average is 230 SEK per hour for hourly-paid employees.