Inspection engineer, car testing

What does a vehicle inspection engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A vehicle inspection engineer in vehicle testing is responsible for inspecting and assessing the road safety and environmental impact of vehicles according to applicable laws and regulations. The job involves conducting technical inspections, identifying possible deficiencies and faults, and reporting and documenting the results. The work environment includes both indoor work in workshops and outdoor work on test tracks. The profession requires precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to interact professionally with customers, as contact with vehicle owners and professional drivers is a natural part of the daily routine.

Salary development over time

The profession of vehicle inspection engineer has shown clear salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 43 800 SEK, representing an approximate 15% increase. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 43 000 SEK, a slight decrease compared to the previous year but still significantly higher than 2022. The strong salary growth between 2022 and 2023 can be linked to increased demand for technical skills and a general market pressure for safety inspectors. The slight decline in 2024 may be due to market adjustments or changes in the composition of employees in the profession. Despite this, the overall trend is positive and indicates good conditions for those choosing this career path.

Vehicle inspection engineer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 43 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (woman, private sector worker, high school education)
• Highest salary: 55,600 SEK/month (man, public sector, research education)
• Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
• Women/men: Women earn 47 800 SEK (114% of men's 41 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: No data on regional variation available

Education and qualifications

To work as a vehicle inspection engineer, a technical high school education with a focus on vehicles or equivalent experience is generally required. Subsequently, internal training and certification provided by the employer are often undertaken, including practical components. The industry values technical knowledge highly, and some knowledge of vehicle electronics and vehicle technology is an advantage. To become a certified inspection engineer, certain government requirements and certification exams must also be met.

• Technical high school education: Vehicle or electrical program, 3 years
• Employer-led certification training: Often 3–6 months
• Internship: Usually during education or in trainee programs
• Prerequisites: Valid B driver's license and passing grades in Swedish and mathematics
• Continuing education: Ongoing courses and certification exams

Common benefits and compensations

Employees working as vehicle inspection engineers in vehicle testing are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, opportunities for skills development, occupational pension, and insurances. Bonus programs linked to performance and quality may also be available, along with flexible working hours depending on the workplace setup. Work clothing and protective equipment are always provided by the employer.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession of vehicle inspection engineer is considered moderate, partly because the profession requires specialized technical competence and certification. A challenge is to stay updated with constantly changing regulations and technologies in the automotive industry, especially concerning electric and hybrid vehicles. Another challenge involves the work environment, where work in noisy and sometimes cold environments can occur. Since the profession is part of a larger occupational group, there is some competition from other safety inspectors, but the specific niche of vehicle testing maintains demand for the right skills. The availability of job openings is good, with 191 registered positions within the profession.

Tips for those wanting to become a vehicle inspection engineer

To succeed as a vehicle inspection engineer, it is beneficial to have analytical skills and a technical interest, which makes it easier to interpret inspection reports and understand vehicle construction. Precision is crucial, so always double-check measurement values and follow guidelines exactly. Good communication skills facilitate contact with customers and colleagues, especially when explaining technical faults or suggesting measures. Being flexible and adaptable is also important since tasks and vehicle types can vary daily. Finally, being solution-oriented and able to handle stressful situations, such as high workload or complex faults during inspections, is an advantage.

Key facts about vehicle inspection engineers

• Education level: Technical high school + employer-led certification
• Work environment: Workshop and test track, both indoors and outdoors
• Work arrangement: Full-time, daytime or shift work
• Demand: 191 available jobs in the profession
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 14% more than men

Career paths and future prospects

After approximately 3–5 years as a vehicle inspection engineer, experienced personnel can advance to specialist roles within heavy vehicles, supervisory positions, or internal trainers. Some choose to broaden their skills towards environmental inspections or advanced vehicle diagnostics. According to employment agency forecasts, it is difficult to give an exact future outlook for the profession due to limited data, but signs indicate continued demand, especially as vehicle technology rapidly evolves and the need for qualified inspections increases. The industry’s shift towards electrified and more complex vehicles makes technical competence even more valuable. The number of advertised jobs remains good, providing relatively favorable employment opportunities in the long term.

Common questions about vehicle inspection engineers

• What does a vehicle inspection engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 43 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and employer.
• How does one become a vehicle inspection engineer?
  - A technical high school education is required, followed by internal certification training with the employer.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 47 800 SEK, which corresponds to 114% of men's average salary of 41 800 SEK.
• What are the job responsibilities of a vehicle inspection engineer?
  - Responsibilities include technical vehicle inspections, fault reporting, and customer interaction.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is neutral, but the number of available jobs is relatively high, and technical skills are in demand.
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 55,600 SEK (public sector, research education), and the lowest is 37,400 SEK (private sector, high school education).
• What are common benefits?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension, insurances, and work clothing.