Inspection engineer, safety

What does a Safety Inspection Engineer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A safety inspection engineer is responsible for inspecting, assessing, and ensuring that technical installations, buildings, and work environments meet current safety standards and regulations. The work often involves evaluating fire protection, electrical installations, machinery, and other critical systems to prevent accidents and minimize risks. The work environment is varied and can include both office work and site visits at workplaces, industries, or public buildings. The inspection engineer works closely with technicians, contractors, and authorities to ensure compliance and contribute to a safer work environment for everyone involved.

Salary development over time

The salary for safety inspection engineers has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,100 SEK, which increased to 43 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the salary has stabilized somewhat at 43 000 SEK, representing an approximate 13% increase from 2022 to 2024. The largest raise occurred between 2022 and 2023, while 2024 shows signs of a slowdown in salary growth. This trend may be due to increased demand for safety expertise in line with stricter regulations and a growing focus on occupational health and safety issues. Salary changes also reflect the high level of competence required for the role and the competition for qualified professionals in the safety field.

Safety Inspection Engineer Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 43 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 55,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 259 SEK
• Women earn: 47 800 SEK/month (114% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 41 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations is currently unavailable

Education and Qualifications

The path to becoming a safety inspection engineer typically involves a technical university degree, preferably with a focus on construction, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. The industry places high demands on both formal education and practical experience, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed relevant certification courses. Internships or trainee programs are common, and for certain specialized areas, specific certificates or authorizations are required.

• Formal degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (3 years) with a technical focus
• Certifications: For example, in fire safety, electrical safety, or machinery safety
• Internship: Often required for work experience or practical training during studies
• Prerequisites: Technical background and approved high school grades
• Tips for choosing: Select a program with a clear focus on safety and regulations

Common benefits and compensations

Among safety inspection engineers, common benefits include company cars, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. Some employers also offer bonus schemes or pension contributions beyond collective agreement levels, as well as flexible working hours and remote work depending on tasks.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a safety inspection engineer is moderate to good, depending on the job market and geographic area. A particular challenge is that the profession requires both deep technical expertise and meticulous interpretation of regulations, which demands ongoing training. Since the work often involves responsibility for safety-critical assessments, it can be stressful and require quick decision-making. Additionally, the role is influenced by constantly changing laws and technical standards, making the ability to quickly acquire new knowledge essential. The availability of jobs within the field is good, but competition for the most attractive positions can be high.

Tips for aspiring safety inspection engineers

To succeed as a safety inspection engineer, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a structured approach and a genuine interest in technology. Being meticulous is a great asset, especially when interpreting and applying complex safety regulations. Clear and pedagogical communication with both technicians and non-technical persons makes a significant difference in collaborations and reporting. Drive and curiosity help keep up with new regulations and technical solutions, which is an advantage in the profession. The ability to work independently and take initiative is highly valued, but teamwork skills are also important when conducting inspections and safety assessments. Gaining internships early during studies provides valuable experience and can open doors to future employment.

Key facts about Safety Inspection Engineer

• Education level: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (3 years) recommended
• Work environment: Alternates between office work and on-site inspections
• Demand: 191 available jobs in the field
• Gender distribution: Women earn on average 114% of men's salaries
• Special skills: Regulations, technical standards, and certifications

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a safety inspection engineer can advance to senior roles, such as specialists in fire safety, electrical safety, or machinery safety. There are also opportunities to move into project management, supervisory roles, or training within the safety industry. Projections from the Employment Service show that there is currently insufficient data for a detailed assessment of future prospects, but with 191 available jobs in the field, demand remains good. Digitalization and increased complexity of regulations are expected to drive the need for qualified safety inspection engineers in the future as well.

Frequently asked questions about Safety Inspection Engineer

• What does a Safety Inspection Engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 43 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.
• What education is required to become a safety inspection engineer?
  - A technical university degree, often a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (3 years), is most common and is often supplemented with certifications.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 114% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for safety inspection engineers?
  - There are 191 available jobs in the field, indicating a good demand.
• What are the main tasks involved in the role?
  - The work includes inspection, risk assessment, and reporting on technical installations and the work environment.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Company cars, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development are common.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 55,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree), and the lowest is 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education).