Automation technician, installation and service of industrial robots

What does an automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots do? – Tasks and work environment

An automation technician specializing in installation and service of industrial robots is responsible for installing, commissioning, programming, and maintaining automated robot systems within the industry. Tasks include troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing robots in production environments, requiring both technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The profession is often practiced in manufacturing plants, where the work environment can vary—from cleanrooms to noisy workshops. Contact with production teams, engineers, and sometimes customers is a natural part of daily work, and working hours may include shifts depending on operational needs.

Salary development over time

The salary for automation technicians in installation and service of industrial robots has increased significantly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,700 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 39 200 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 40,800 SEK, representing an increase of over 14% over three years. This positive salary trend reflects growing demand for technical skills in automation, driven by increased industry investments in robotics and efficiency. Education level and specialization influence salary levels, and employers compete for skilled technicians by offering higher wages and better conditions. The trend indicates that the profession has become more attractive, especially for those with post-secondary education and experience in advanced automation.

Automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40,800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,800 SEK/month (men), 40,400 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 45,700 SEK/month (men), 40,800 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 245 SEK/hour (hourly worker, based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots, a technical high school education with a focus on automation, electrical engineering, or mechatronics is usually required. Many employers also seek post-secondary education, such as from vocational college or university, along with practical experience from industry. Certifications and specialized courses in robot systems and programming are advantageous and can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

• Technical high school: Electrical and energy programs, automation, or mechatronics
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college 2–3 years, or university engineering programs
• Certifications: Specialized courses in robot programming, safety, and troubleshooting
• Internship: Industry internships during education are often a requirement
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of mathematics, technology, and computer use
• Tips: Choose an education with strong industry links and opportunities for internships or traineeships

Common benefits and compensations

Automation technicians in installation and service of industrial robots are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include overtime pay, training allowances, and sometimes bonuses linked to projects or performance. Access to work clothing, tools, and technical equipment is standard, and some employers also offer employee discounts or company cars for extensive travel.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots is characterized by fierce competition for the most qualified positions, especially in larger tech companies and industries with advanced robotics. At the same time, there is generally good demand for the profession, reflected in the relatively high number of job openings. Challenges often include rapid technological development, which raises knowledge requirements. Flexibility and readiness for shift work are necessary, as well as the ability to handle stressful situations during emergency downtime. The lack of standardized training for certain robot systems can also mean much on-the-job learning.

Tips for those wanting to become automation technicians in installation and service of industrial robots

To succeed as an automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in technology and a strong desire to continually develop your skills. Precision is crucial, as installation and troubleshooting of advanced robot systems require great accuracy. It is also important to be solution-oriented and able to handle unexpected problems quickly, especially during production stops. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues, engineers, and customers in the industry. Adaptability and flexibility are valuable qualities, as the work may involve shift work or travel between different production sites. Actively seeking further education and certifications in robotics provides advantages in the job market. Finally, being communicative is a strength, as clear information is often essential for an efficient and safe workflow.

Key facts about automation technicians in installation and service of industrial robots

• Education level: High school diploma + vocational college or university
• Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work and travel
• Demand: 481 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: Programming and troubleshooting of industrial robots
• Typical employment: Full-time, often project-based

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots can advance to roles such as lead technician, supervisor, project manager, or specialist in robot programming. There are also opportunities to work in technical sales, training, or consulting within industrial automation. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for this specific role due to limited data, but overall demand in the profession remains good. The rapid technological development and industry focus on automation suggest that the skill set will remain attractive in the future. The number of available jobs indicates a stable job market, especially for those with specialized skills and relevant education.

Frequently asked questions about automation technicians in installation and service of industrial robots

• What does an automation technician in installation and service of industrial robots earn?
  - The average salary is 40,800 SEK per month, with hourly wages for hourly workers at 245 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn 99% of what men do, with an average salary of 40,400 SEK compared to 40 900 SEK for men.
• What education is required for the profession?
  - At least a high school diploma with a technical focus, often complemented with vocational college or university.
• What tasks are included?
  - Installation, programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial robots in production environments.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Forecasts are unavailable but demand is strong, with 481 job openings in the profession.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No specific information about regional differences is available for this profession.
• What career paths are available after a few years?
  - Opportunities include becoming a specialist, supervisor, project manager, or taking roles in technical sales and training.