How much does a Waterworks machinist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Waterworks machinist
Image that illustrates Waterworks machinist

Waterworks machinist

38 300 kr

Operations technicians at heating and water plants

30 700 - 42 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Waterworks machinist

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 38 500 kr
Females 36 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 21 Vacant jobs ->

What does a waterworks operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A waterworks operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and monitoring water treatment plants and related systems. Tasks include ensuring the water purification process functions optimally, inspecting and adjusting machinery and processes, as well as troubleshooting any operational issues. The role also involves sampling, reporting, and documenting water quality, along with preventive maintenance of technical equipment. The work environment is often technically oriented and can involve indoor work in control rooms as well as outdoor work at facilities, with varying working hours and sometimes standby duties.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for waterworks operators has developed steadily. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, which increased to 37 100 SEK in 2023 and reached 38 300 SEK in 2024. This salary increase corresponds to a total growth of approximately 5.5% over three years, with a slightly faster increase between 2023 and 2024. The trend reflects a general demand for technical expertise in the water and environmental sectors, while the job market has remained relatively stable. Salary development is also influenced by technological advancements and requirements for higher education levels within the profession, which can contribute to increasing salary levels over time.

Waterworks operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, high education)
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, high education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
  • Women’s salary as % of men’s: 95%
  • Men’s average salary: 38 500 SEK
  • Women’s average salary: 36 600 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as a waterworks operator, a technical upper secondary education focusing on operations technology, electrical engineering, or process technology is generally required. Many employers prefer candidates with additional postgraduate education or relevant certifications in water treatment or VA technology. Practical experience in operation and maintenance is advantageous and often a requirement for independent work.

  • Technical upper secondary education: Electrical, operations technology or process technology (3 years)
  • Post-secondary courses: Water and environmental technology
  • Certifications: Examples include water treatment or occupational safety certifications
  • Internship: Industry experience through internships or trainee programs
  • Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and interest in environmental issues

Many waterworks operators work in small teams where close collaboration and quick problem-solving are essential. The role combines technical interest with a significant responsibility for society’s water supply, making the work often varied and socially important.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and compensation for standby duties are often offered. Some employers also provide work clothing, training, and opportunities for flexible working hours and pension contributions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for waterworks operators is characterized by a balance, with supply and demand for labor being evenly distributed. There are approximately 481 job openings within the profession, indicating continued stable demand. Over the next five years, neither significant increase nor decrease in recruitment is expected, partly due to technological development and automation. Challenges in the profession can include shift work, standby duties, and the need for quick troubleshooting during operational disruptions. At the same time, continuous skills development is required to keep up with technological changes and new regulations.

Tips for those who want to become a waterworks operator

To succeed as a waterworks operator, it’s important to combine technical knowledge with a strong sense of responsibility. Precision is crucial, especially when monitoring and troubleshooting water treatment processes to ensure water quality. Being collaborative is an advantage, as the work often takes place in teams and requires good communication. Flexibility and stress resilience help with shift work and urgent operational issues, while curiosity and a willingness to learn facilitate staying updated with new technology and regulations. An interest in environmental and societal issues also provides extra motivation and understanding of the profession’s importance.

Key facts about waterworks operators

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 30,700–42,200 SEK/month
  • Education level: Technical upper secondary education, often supplemented with postgraduate courses
  • Work environment: Shift work and standby duties at technical facilities
  • Demand: Moderate, with a balance between supply and demand

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a waterworks operator can advance to more specialized roles such as process operator, operations supervisor, or technical coordinator. There are also opportunities for further education in VA technology and stepping into leadership roles or overall responsibility for operation and maintenance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the occupation of heating and water plant technicians, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, technological development and increased automation mean that digital skills and ongoing training will become more important, offering further development opportunities for those who wish to advance.

Frequently asked questions about waterworks operators

  • What is the average salary of a waterworks operator?
    - The average monthly salary is 38 300 SEK.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a waterworks operator?
    - The highest salary is 42,200 SEK, and the lowest is 30,700 SEK.
  • Are there differences between men and women in the profession?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 95% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a waterworks operator?
    - Technical upper secondary education and preferably postgraduate courses in water or environmental technology.
  • What are the future prospects for waterworks operators?
    - Demand is expected to remain unchanged with a balanced job market.
  • Do waterworks operators usually work daytime hours?
    - Shift work and standby duties are common.
  • How many job openings are there for waterworks operators?
    - There are approximately 481 job openings in the profession in Sweden.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 11:51:56

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Waterworks machinist is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Waterworks machinist is 30700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30500 kr 32600 kr
25-34 95% 35200 kr 37600 kr
35-44 94% 36400 kr 38600 kr
45-54 99% 36900 kr 38800 kr
55-64 93% 36800 kr 38800 kr
65-68 36400 kr 37500 kr
Snitt 95% 36300 kr 38300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Waterworks machinist has the SSYK code 8191, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics