Processing engineer, construction and civil engineering

What does a planning engineer in construction and civil engineering do? – Tasks and work environment

A planning engineer in construction and civil engineering is responsible for planning, coordinating, and preparing technical projects within the construction sector. Tasks include compiling technical documentation, calculating material needs, scheduling work phases, and ensuring projects comply with applicable laws and regulations. Planning engineers often act as a link between project management, designers, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring all parts of the project are well prepared for execution. The work environment is varied and can include both office work and site visits, where coordination and problem-solving are key aspects of daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for a planning engineer in construction and civil engineering has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,900 SEK per month, increasing to 49 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 50 200 SEK per month. The total increase over three years is approximately 9%, which is a significant improvement compared to many other engineering professions. The development is driven by increased demand for technical skills in construction and civil engineering, especially as digitalization, automation, and sustainability requirements become more important in the industry. Salary ranges are also influenced by region, education level, and sector, with the public sector often offering competitive salaries for experienced specialists.

Planning engineer in construction and civil engineering salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 57,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, research degree)
• Highest salary men: 52,500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary men: 46,400 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 302 SEK
• Women: 47 300 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
• Men: 51 200 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a planning engineer in construction and civil engineering, a university or civil engineering degree in construction, urban planning, or similar fields is usually required. The profession demands high technical competence as well as the ability to work systematically and coordinate multiple actors simultaneously. Practical experience from the construction industry is often advantageous, as are knowledge of project management and digital tools.

• Education: Bachelor’s (3 years) or master’s (5 years) in construction, civil engineering, or equivalent
• Certifications: Courses in occupational health and safety, project management, and building standards
• Internship/Trainee: Internships during studies or trainee programs at construction companies
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility plus specific knowledge in mathematics and science subjects
• Tips for choosing: Focus on specializations that provide knowledge of digital tools and sustainability issues

Common benefits and compensation

Common benefits for planning engineers in construction and civil engineering include occupational pension, wellness allowance, insurance coverage, and sometimes bonus programs linked to project success. Some employers also offer flexible working hours, further training, and extra vacation days, especially for senior roles.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a planning engineer in construction and civil engineering is relatively balanced, with moderate opportunities according to the Employment Service’s forecast. The industry faces challenges related to rapid technological development, increased demands for digital competence, and changing regulations regarding sustainability and work environment. Staying updated on new working methods and legislation is essential to remain competitive. The demand for specialized engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, particularly in areas such as automation and energy efficiency. At the same time, economic fluctuations can influence investment levels in construction, affecting the number of available positions.

Tips for those who want to become a planning engineer in construction and civil engineering

To succeed as a planning engineer in construction and civil engineering, it’s good to combine analytical skills with practical problem-solving. Good communication facilitates collaboration between different professional groups and makes it easier to navigate complex project environments. A structured approach helps keep track of details and ensures nothing falls through the cracks during the preparation phase. Flexibility is important, as tasks and priorities can often change at short notice. Being solution-oriented and interested in technological innovations provides an advantage as the industry develops. The ability to handle time pressure and make quick decisions is also central to meeting project requirements. Finally, having a good understanding of digital tools and building standards is beneficial for meeting future demands for efficiency and quality.

Key facts about Planning Engineer, construction and civil engineering

• Education level: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction/engineering
• Work environment: Combination of office and construction site
• Demand: Moderate, expected to increase according to the Employment Service
• Work form: Usually full-time, sometimes project-based
• Special skills: Project management, building standards, digital tools

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to more senior roles such as project manager, technical specialist, or site supervisor within larger construction and civil engineering projects. Some choose to further their education in areas like construction management, sustainability, or digitalization to move into strategic roles. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that demand for engineers and technicians in construction and civil engineering is expected to grow over the next five years, especially due to increased need for technical skills in digitalization and automation. The labor market offers a wide range of job openings, with 378 advertised positions within the field, underscoring the stable demand in the sector.

Common questions about Planning Engineer, construction and civil engineering

• What does a Planning Engineer in construction and civil engineering earn?
  - The average salary is 50 200 SEK per month. The salary range varies between 41,400 SEK and 57,900 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for planning engineers?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a planning engineer?
  - Typically, a university or civil engineering degree in construction, urban planning, or related fields.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The Employment Service assesses that the demand is moderate today and is expected to increase over the next five years.
• What tasks does a planning engineer perform?
  - Planning, coordination, technical calculations, preparing work documentation, and collaboration between various stakeholders in construction projects.
• What benefits are common for planning engineers?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, insurance coverage, and opportunities for further training and flexible hours.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels can vary depending on region, employer, and sector (public or private).