How much does a Road machine driver make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Road machine driver

Road machine driver

35 600 kr

Construction machine operators etc.

33 100 - 37 400 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Road machine driver

Average salary 35 600 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 35 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 23 Vacant jobs ->

What does a road machine operator do? – Tasks and working environment

A road machine operator is responsible for operating and managing heavy machinery during the construction and maintenance of roads, streets, and other infrastructure projects. Tasks include operating excavators, wheel loaders, tracked excavators, and rollers, as well as performing basic maintenance and daily inspections of the machines. The work is often outdoors, sometimes under challenging weather conditions and at various sites. Road machine operators work closely with other construction professionals, where precision, safety, and good communication are crucial for successful outcomes.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for road machine operators have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 600 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total salary increase of approximately 2.6% over three years. The salary growth reflects ongoing demand for skilled road machine operators and the industry’s need to attract and retain staff, especially as recruitment challenges are described within the profession. Despite expectations that demand will remain stable, factors such as retirements and technological advancements influence salary trends in the field.

Road machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, over 3 years of post-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, regional sector, up to 2 years of high school education)
  • Hourly wage: 214 SEK/hour
  • Women’s salary as % of men’s: 99%
  • Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, while private sector employees earn less

Education and qualifications

To work as a road machine operator, a high school vocational education in construction and civil engineering with a focus on machinery operation is usually required. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed specialized machine operator training and hold relevant certificates. Practical experience and approved safety training are essential, and many workplaces offer further training and certification on-site to meet specific requirements.

  • High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, specialization in construction machinery operation (3 years)
  • Certificates: Certificates for specific machine types, e.g., excavator, wheel loader
  • Internships: Mandatory practical training during education
  • Safety training: Examples include occupational safety, safe lifting, and hot work
  • Further training: Certification and specialized courses depending on employer

Being a road machine operator often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and environments, requiring adaptability and good physical endurance. Many appreciate the freedom and variation in the workday, where no two days are the same. For those who enjoy machinery and seeing tangible results from their work, this profession can be particularly rewarding.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Road machine operators are often offered benefits such as per diems when working away from home, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and extra compensation for working under demanding conditions. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training. Pension schemes and insurance coverage are also regularly part of employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a road machine operator is characterized by high demand but also significant recruitment difficulties. Many experienced operators are retiring, and attracting new workers remains a challenge. Technological developments require increased digital skills and adaptability, especially as modern machinery often includes advanced control systems. The working environment can be physically demanding, and working hours irregular, which requires good health and flexibility. At the same time, the profession offers development opportunities for those willing to further their education and learn new machine types.

Tips for those aspiring to become a road machine operator

To succeed as a road machine operator, it’s beneficial to have a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently, as safety on the site often depends on the operator’s judgment. Attention to detail ensures tasks are performed correctly and efficiently, especially when handling large machines. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate quick changes in tasks and environments. For those interested in technology and learning new machinery, continuous training pays off, as the industry evolves rapidly. Good teamwork and communication with colleagues are essential for smooth project execution, and patience helps when working under tight deadlines.

Key facts about road machine operators

  • Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 33,100–37,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school vocational education with certificates
  • Work environment: Outdoors, varied environments and weather
  • Demand: Great employment opportunities, 379 job openings nationwide

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to site supervisor, machine operator coach, or specialize in advanced machinery types. Some choose to start their own business or take on consulting assignments in machinery contracting. According to forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, opportunities for employment as construction machinery operators, including road machine operators, are large, and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. Recruitment challenges are noted, which can benefit those with the right education and experience. The technological development in the field makes digital skills and interest in machine control increasingly important for future career advancement.

Frequently asked questions about road machine operators

  • What is the average salary of a road machine operator?
    - The average salary is 35 600 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a road machine operator?
    - High school vocational training in construction and civil engineering with machine operation certificates is standard.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn 99% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for road machine operators?
    - The labor market is expected to have great opportunities, with demand remaining stable over the next five years.
  • Who are the most common employers?
    - Major contracting firms, municipalities, and regional companies employ the most road machine operators.
  • What is the hourly wage for a road machine operator?
    - The average hourly wage is 214 SEK.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, responsibility, flexibility, and technical interest are especially valuable qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 10:30:40

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Road machine driver is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 37000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Road machine driver is 33100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 103% 31100 kr 31900 kr
25-34 98% 34000 kr 35300 kr
35-44 99% 35600 kr 36700 kr
45-54 36400 kr 37800 kr
55-64 33900 kr 35300 kr
65-68 33400 kr 34700 kr
Snitt 99% 34400 kr 35600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Road machine driver has the SSYK code 8342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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