- Salary statistics
- Vinschman
Vinschman
35 600 - 36 100 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Vinschman
What does a winch operator do? – Tasks and work environment
A winch operator primarily works with maneuvering and monitoring winches during lifting operations in construction, industry, and civil engineering. Tasks include ensuring safe lifts, communicating with crane operators and other supervisors, and ensuring loads are handled according to safety regulations. The work often takes place at construction sites, ports, or larger industrial environments where heavy lifting is a daily part of operations. The work environment can be noisy and requires high attention, with safety and teamwork being crucial to prevent accidents.
Salary development over time
The average monthly salary for a winch operator has ranged between 35,500 and 37 200 kronor over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 kronor, then increased to 37 200 kronor in 2023. During 2024, the salary has slightly decreased to 36 100 kronor, which is approximately a 3% decrease from the previous year. This variation is mainly explained by changes in demand for labor within the construction and civil engineering sectors, as well as temporary fluctuations in large projects. Overall, the salary level remains stable but is influenced by economic cycles and regional infrastructure investments.
Winch operator salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 36 100 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 217 kr
- Gender differences: Only data for men (36 100 kr), no specific data for women
- Regional differences: Limited information, variation may occur depending on the labor market
Education and qualifications
To work as a winch operator, a vocational education in construction or civil engineering is usually required, often supplemented with courses in lifting techniques and safety. Practical experience from similar work and a good understanding of work environment risks are highly meritorious. Many employers also require certificates for lifting and handling heavy machinery.
- Vocational training: Construction and civil engineering programs (3 years)
- Certifications: Overhead crane and crane operation, safe lifts
- Internship: Usually internship or apprenticeship with an established employer
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition, safety awareness, basic knowledge of Swedish
- Tips: Additional courses in work environment and risk management increase employability
A winch operator role requires collaboration with crane operators and other team members to ensure safe and efficient work. Clear and quick communication can often be the difference between a smooth lift and a risky situation. High demands are placed on concentration and multitasking, especially in large projects with multiple lifts happening simultaneously.
Common benefits and compensation
Winch operators are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for shift work, per diems when working in other locations, and access to work clothing and safety equipment. Other common compensations may include wellness allowances and opportunities for skills development provided by the employer.
Competition and challenges
Demand for winch operators varies depending on the development of the construction and civil engineering sectors and regional infrastructure investments. The profession has a relatively limited job market, and competition can be high during economic downturns or when fewer projects are ongoing. Safety requirements are high, and the work environment can be physically demanding, requiring both knowledge and precision. Technological changes and increased automation may also influence the profession long-term. Staying updated on new safety regulations and techniques is crucial for long-term employability.
Tips for those who want to become a winch operator
To succeed as a winch operator, it is important to develop strong safety awareness and be meticulous in every task. Good teamwork skills are essential, as the work is often performed in teams requiring clear communication with crane operators and other workers. An interest in technology facilitates understanding of machine functions and troubleshooting. Physical endurance is also important, as the work environment can be demanding and shifts may be long. Continuing education in safety and new techniques increases employment opportunities. Flexibility and adaptability are necessary to handle various tasks and environments quickly. Finally, stress resistance is an asset, especially in tight schedules and complex lifting situations.
Key facts about winch operators
- Average salary: 36 100 kr/month
- Hourly wage: 217 kr
- Education level: Vocational training and certification
- Work environment: Construction sites and industry, often outdoors
- Job openings in the profession: 379
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a winch operator, there are opportunities to advance to more responsible roles such as supervisor, crane operator, or safety coordinator at larger workplaces. Some choose to further specialize in lifting operations or machinery management. According to the Employment Service, it is difficult to give an exact forecast for the future of the profession, as winch operators are part of a broader occupational group with uncertain projections due to limited data. However, the number of job openings for crane operators and similar roles indicates continued demand, especially when large construction and infrastructure projects are underway.
Frequently asked questions about winch operators
- What is the average salary of a winch operator?
- A winch operator has an average monthly salary of 36 100 kronor. - What is the work environment like for a winch operator?
- The work environment is often outdoors at construction sites or industrial facilities, with a focus on safety and teamwork. - What education is required to become a winch operator?
- Vocational training in construction or civil engineering combined with certification for safe lifting and crane operation is required. - Are there many job openings for winch operators?
- Currently, there are 379 job openings within the profession. - What personal qualities are important for a winch operator?
- Safety awareness, teamwork skills, accuracy, and stress tolerance are especially important. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The outlook is uncertain, but demand follows the development of the construction and civil engineering industry.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 35600 kr | 36100 kr |
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 Vinschman has the SSYK code 8343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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