Car electrician

What does a Car Electrician do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A car electrician works with the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems in vehicles. Tasks include diagnosing and fixing issues with starter motors, generators, batteries, lighting, control systems, and other electronic components. As vehicles become more advanced and electrified, the role has expanded to include work with hybrid and electric cars, advanced safety systems, and connected vehicles. The work environment varies between workshops, car dealerships, and service centers, involving both physical work and technical problem-solving. A car electrician often collaborates with other specialists, especially during major repairs or modifications.

Salary development over time

Salaries for car electricians have steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 kronor per month, rising to 37 400 kronor in 2023. During 2024, the average has increased further to 39 700 kronor, corresponding to an approximately 7.8% increase over this three-year period. This positive trend can be partly explained by the increased demand for technical expertise in the automotive industry, especially with the electrification of vehicles and higher requirements for advanced troubleshooting. At the same time, a shortage of qualified car electricians has helped push up wages, particularly in regions with a large automotive industry or higher living costs. The wage gap between men and women persists, indicating ongoing challenges with gender equality in the profession.

Car Electrician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 700 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 35,300 kr/month
• Highest salary: 44,700 kr/month
• Hourly wage (average): 239 kr
• Gender differences: Men 40 100 kr, women 35,500 kr (women earn 88% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and demand for skills in the automotive industry.

Education and qualifications

To work as a car electrician, a high school education focusing on vehicles and electrical engineering is usually required. Many employers also seek certifications or documented experience in troubleshooting and electronics. Practical experience through apprenticeships or internships is often a requirement for employment, especially at larger workshops and dealership chains.

• High school education: Vehicle and transport program with specialization in passenger car technology, 3 years
• Certifications: Examples include Electrical competence or specialized courses in high-voltage and hybrid technology
• Practical experience: Apprenticeship or internship during education is common
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of electrical theory and technology
• Further education: Opportunities for specialization in electric cars and advanced vehicle diagnostics

Common benefits and compensations

Car electricians are often covered by collective agreements, which include benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and overtime pay. Employers may also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, further training, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or productivity. The opportunity for skills development is especially common in larger workshops and chains.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a car electrician is generally moderate but varies depending on region and specialization. Increased demands for digital and technical skills mean that employers seek candidates with up-to-date knowledge of electric cars and advanced electrical systems. A challenge is the rapid technological change, which requires continuous education and adaptation. At the same time, there is some uncertainty regarding future demand related to developments in the automotive industry, where automation and electrification influence the job market. Access to trained workforce remains limited, making skills development and flexibility crucial for long-term employability.

Tips for those who want to become a Car Electrician

To succeed as a car electrician, it is good to have an interest in technology and problem-solving, while precision and patience are essential qualities. It is recommended to delve early into electrical theory and digital vehicle technology, and actively seek internships to gain practical experience. The ability to quickly learn new technical solutions and be flexible to changes are important factors for staying relevant in the profession. Continuously furthering education, especially in electric and hybrid technology, opens opportunities for more advanced tasks and higher wages. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues and customers, often leading to better work results. Finally, it is important to be proactive and take responsibility for your own skills development to meet industry demands.

Key facts about Car Electricians

• Education level: High school, 3 years
• Work environment: Workshop environment with technical and physical tasks
• Demand: 481 job openings in the industry group industrial electricians
• Special skills: Electric and hybrid technology, advanced vehicle diagnostics
• Common employment form: Full-time, often daytime but sometimes shift work

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a car electrician can develop into a lead technician, diagnostics manager, or workshop supervisor. There are also opportunities to specialize in electric cars, hybrid technology, or advanced vehicle diagnostics, which often lead to higher wages and greater responsibility. Some choose to further educate themselves as trainers, technical support, or salespersons of vehicle diagnostic equipment. According to the Employment Service, an exact forecast for car electricians is unavailable, but within the industry group industrial electricians, demand remains steady with a total of 481 job openings. The rapid technological development and electrification of the vehicle fleet suggest continued good opportunities for those with the right skills and willingness to develop further.

Frequently asked questions about Car Electricians

• What is the average salary of a Car Electrician?
  - The average salary for a car electrician is 39 700 kronor per month.
• What education is required to become a Car Electrician?
  - A high school education in vehicle and electrical engineering is most common.
• How do gender differences look in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 40 100 kronor, while women earn 35,500 kronor, which means women earn 88% of men's salary.
• Are there good job prospects for Car Electricians?
  - There are 481 job openings in the industry group industrial electricians, and demand remains stable.
• What tasks does a Car Electrician perform?
  - Tasks include installation, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems in vehicles.
• How has the salary development looked over time?
  - Over the past three years, the average salary has increased from 36,800 to 39 700 kronor per month.
• What is the highest salary for a Car Electrician?
  - The highest salary is 44,700 kronor per month, belonging to a man with a high school education working as a private employee.