Roadmaster

What does a vägmästare do? – Tasks and work environment

A vägmästare is responsible for operation, maintenance, and supervision of roads and related infrastructure. Tasks include planning and monitoring road maintenance, ensuring traffic safety, and coordinating contractors and technical staff. The vägmästare performs regular inspections, handles damage reports, and suggests improvements. The role requires both administrative work and fieldwork in varying weather conditions, often with on-call duties outside of regular hours during emergencies. The work environment can be challenging but offers great variation and opportunities for independent work.

Salary development over time

Vägmästare have experienced steady positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,900 SEK per month, increasing to 49 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 50 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.4% over three years. The salary increase has been driven by increased demand for technical expertise in construction and civil engineering, as well as a growing need for specialists capable of managing technological development and automation in road maintenance. Market balance and a general skills shift within the sector have also contributed to rising wages, especially for those with higher education and experience. Clear differences between sectors and education levels are reflected in salary statistics, with the highest salaries found among individuals with research degrees in the public sector.

Vägmästare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (woman, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 57,900 SEK/month (woman, government sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 302 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do (47 300 SEK/month vs 51 200 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a vägmästare, a technical education in construction and civil engineering is usually required, often at vocational college or university level. Practical experience is highly valued, and additional courses in road technology, work environment, and project management are advantageous. Some employers also require certifications or training in traffic safety and safety regulations. The ability to combine theory and practice is central, and many vägmästare have started as technicians or work leaders in the field.

• Vocational college: Construction and civil engineering, 2–3 years
• University or college degree: Civil or university engineer, 3–5 years
• Certifications: Traffic safety, BAS-U/BAS-P, work environment
• Practical experience: Experience from construction or civil engineering projects is recommended
• Prerequisites: Technical high school education or equivalent

Common benefits and compensation

Vägmästare are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and flexible working hours. In some cases, compensation for standby duties and access to company cars or work vehicles are provided. Larger employers may also offer internal training programs and skills development as part of employment.

Competition and challenges

Competition for vägmästare positions is considered balanced, but the job market is influenced by economic cycles and infrastructure investments. Technological changes and increased demands for digitalization mean that the profession is evolving rapidly, requiring continuous skills development. A challenge is attracting more women to the profession, as salary gaps and a traditionally male-dominated work environment still exist. For those who are flexible and willing to further their education, there are good opportunities to establish and advance within the field.

Tips for those wanting to become vägmästare

To succeed as a vägmästare, it is beneficial to combine technical knowledge with analytical skills, aiding in problem-solving and maintenance planning. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and external contractors, while leadership and a sense of responsibility are crucial when coordinating work teams under pressure. Staying updated on new technical solutions and regulations in road maintenance provides an advantage and increases career prospects. Flexibility and stress resistance are valued qualities, as the work environment is often dynamic and may require quick responses to urgent issues. Practical experience from construction or civil engineering projects is valuable and can be complemented with targeted courses in traffic safety and work environment. Those curious and eager to develop in leadership have good chances to take on broader responsibilities and lead larger projects over time.

Key facts about vägmästare

• Salary range: 41,400–57,900 SEK/month
• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 92% of men's salary
• Education level: Vocational college or university engineer
• Demand: 379 job openings nationwide within the profession

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a vägmästare, opportunities open up for roles such as project manager, work supervisor, or specialist in traffic and road maintenance. With experience and further education, supervisory roles in larger infrastructure projects become accessible. The Employment Service's forecasts indicate moderate opportunities for engineers and technicians in construction and civil engineering, with increased demand expected over the next five years. This is driven by technological development, automation, and a growing need for digital road management skills. The balanced labor market means that proper education and experience provide good career prospects, especially for those willing to specialize or take on more responsibility.

Frequently asked questions about vägmästare

• What is the average salary of a vägmästare?
  - A vägmästare has an average salary of 50 200 SEK per month.
• What is the highest salary for a vägmästare?
  - The highest salary is 57,900 SEK per month and belongs to a woman with a research degree in the public sector.
• What education is required to become a vägmästare?
  - The most common education is vocational college or university engineer within construction and civil engineering, often supplemented with certifications.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for vägmästare?
  - Demand is expected to increase over the next five years, especially for those with technical skills and experience.
• What are the most common benefits for vägmästare?
  - Occupational pension, wellness benefits, work clothing, flexitime, and sometimes company cars are common benefits.
• What is the hourly wage for vägmästare?
  - The average for hourly paid vägmästare is 302 SEK per hour.