Road workers

What does a Vägarbetare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Vägarbetare primarily works on building, maintaining, and repairing roads, streets, and other types of infrastructure. Tasks can include everything from digging, excavation, and asphalt laying to installing road signs and barriers. The work is often outdoors and involves heavy machinery, hand tools, and various building materials. The environment is physically demanding and can involve working in changing weather conditions and sometimes under time pressure, especially during larger projects or urgent repairs. Safety routines and precision are crucial to minimize risks for both the work team and traffic participants.

Salary development over time

The salary for Vägarbetare has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,600 SEK per month, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 38 700 SEK. The total increase between 2022 and 2024 is approximately 8.7%, which is slightly higher than the average for many other construction and civil engineering professions. This salary development can partly be explained by continued high demand for skilled workers in the civil sector and general shortages in the construction industry. Increased requirements for certifications and safety training also contribute to raising salary levels.

Vägarbetare salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,800 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 233 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 91% of what men do (35 300 SEK/month vs 38 900 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary levels can vary depending on region and labor market demand

Education and qualifications

To work as Vägarbetare, a high school diploma in construction and civil engineering programs is generally required, often with specialization in civil works. Additional qualifications may include machine operator certificates, safety training, and sometimes specific courses for work on roads. Practical experience and good physical fitness are highly meritorious, and many employers value documented practice or apprenticeship periods. Some tasks also require a driver’s license and the ability to work irregular hours.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, 3 years
• Certifications: Work on road, machine operator license
• Practical training: Apprenticeship or practical training during education
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, some technical understanding, driver’s license often advantageous
• Courses: Safety training, work environment

Common benefits and compensations

For Vägarbetare, it is common to receive benefits such as per diem allowances when working in other locations, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and extra compensation for working under difficult conditions. Several employers also offer wellness contributions, work clothing, and opportunities for skill development through further training and certifications. In some cases, bonuses linked to project completion and results are also offered.

Challenges and competition

The competition for Vägarbetare positions is assessed as moderate, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts. The labor market is characterized by balance, meaning there is currently neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor in the profession. Challenges often include the physically demanding work, high safety requirements, and sometimes irregular working hours. The ability to quickly adapt to new workplaces and tasks is important, as well as effective teamwork. Climate change and increased environmental demands also place higher requirements on sustainable methods and material choices within the industry.

Tips for those who want to become Vägarbetare

To succeed as Vägarbetare, it is good to be both resilient and flexible, as the profession often involves physical work in varying weather conditions. A careful mindset and safety awareness are crucial, as many tasks require precision and vigilance to minimize risks. Being cooperative and communicative is an advantage, since work is often done in teams where clear dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for smooth project flow. Showing initiative and a proactive attitude is appreciated by employers, especially in larger projects where pace can be high. Technical interest and willingness to learn new machinery or methods increase opportunities for development within the profession. Finally, punctuality and a sense of responsibility are important traits, as work often must be completed according to strict schedules and safety regulations.

Key facts about Vägarbetare

• Education level: High school diploma, vocational program
• Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding
• Work form: Project-based and team work
• Demand: Moderate, forecasted increase within 5 years
• Special skills: Machine operator certificate and safety certification

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession as Vägarbetare, there are opportunities to advance to senior roles, such as supervisor within civil engineering or specialized machine operator. With further education and experience, roles like site manager or project leader within larger construction projects can also become relevant. According to the latest forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, the demand for civil engineering workers is expected to increase over the next five years, providing good opportunities for continued employment and development. The labor market is currently balanced, and there are 379 job openings within the profession, indicating a stable and attractive job market for Vägarbetare.

Common questions about Vägarbetare

• What does a Vägarbetare earn?
  - A Vägarbetare has an average salary of 38 700 SEK per month. Women earn on average 35 300 SEK and men 38 900 SEK.
• How has the salary development looked for Vägarbetare?
  - The salary has increased from 35,600 SEK (2022) to 38 700 SEK (2024), which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.7%.
• What education is required to become Vägarbetare?
  - A high school diploma in construction and civil engineering programs is most common, often supplemented with certificates and practical experience.
• Are there salary differences depending on region?
  - Salary levels vary depending on region and demand, with larger cities and expanding areas often offering slightly higher wages.
• What career opportunities are available for Vägarbetare?
  - With experience, Vägarbetare can advance to supervisor, machine operator, or site manager within construction and civil engineering.
• What is the job market like for Vägarbetare?
  - The prognosis is good with moderate demand today and an expected increase over the next five years.
• What are the common benefits for Vägarbetare?
  - Common benefits include per diem allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and opportunities for further training.