Car inspector

What does a vehicle inspector do? – Tasks and work environment

Vehicle inspectors work with inspecting vehicles, drivers, and transport documents to ensure compliance with laws and regulations within road traffic. The job often involves working outdoors on roads, where inspections of commercial traffic, passenger cars, and heavy vehicles are carried out. In addition to field inspections, administrative tasks, documentation, and sometimes training of other authorities or companies are included. Vehicle inspectors work closely with police and other agencies, which can sometimes make the work environment challenging and require good communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations.

Salary development over time

The salary level for vehicle inspectors has developed clearly over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,100 SEK per month. During 2023, the average salary increased to 43 800 SEK, representing an increase of about 15% compared to the previous year. In 2024, the salary has stabilized around 43 000 SEK. The rapid increase between 2022 and 2023 can be partly explained by increased demand for safety expertise and the fact that the profession includes several specialized roles. The following year shows a slight decrease, which may be due to market adjustments and changes in collective agreements. The trend indicates that salaries for vehicle inspectors are competitive and above the average for similar professions within security and surveillance.

Vehicle inspector salary – comprehensive 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, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 259 SEK
• Average male salary: 41 800 SEK/month
• Average female salary: 47 800 SEK/month
• Women earn: 114% of what men do
• Regional differences: Information not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a vehicle inspector, a high school education is usually required, supplemented with specific training in traffic inspection and vehicle technology. Many employers also require experience from the transport or vehicle industry and good knowledge of applicable legislation. Internal training and certifications are common, especially for new inspectors. Practical experience is highly valued and often supplemented with continuous skills development.

• High school education: Recommended is the Vehicle and Transportation program (3 years)
• Specialized government training: Mandatory for employment
• Certifications: Often required courses in traffic law and vehicle control
• Internship: Internships or trainee positions are common at the start
• Prerequisites: Driver's license and good physical condition are often necessary

Common benefits and compensations

Among vehicle inspectors, benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for skills development through internal or external courses are common. Many employers also offer compensation for unsociable working hours, as well as occupational pensions and insurances. Work clothing and sometimes company cars may be included depending on tasks and geographic area.

Competition and challenges

The job market for vehicle inspectors is characterized by some competition, especially since the number of positions is often limited to larger cities and regions with extensive traffic flows. One of the biggest challenges is staying updated with constantly changing traffic regulations and technological innovations in the vehicle industry. Additionally, high demands are placed on objectivity, accuracy, and the ability to handle pressured situations. Physically demanding work in varying weather conditions and interactions with stressed drivers can also be taxing. Despite this, the profession attracts with the opportunity to contribute to increased traffic safety and societal benefit.

Tips for those who want to become a vehicle inspector

To succeed as a vehicle inspector, it is good to combine a technical interest with strong communication skills. Being thorough and having an eye for detail helps during inspections and documentation. Flexibility is an important trait, as the workday can vary greatly depending on traffic flow and the type of checks. The ability to make quick decisions and act calmly under pressure facilitates handling unexpected problems. A willingness to continuously learn, especially about legislation and vehicle technology, is crucial to stay relevant in the profession. Social competence and respectful treatment of drivers and colleagues are also important. Finally, good physical fitness is an advantage in fieldwork, where the work environment can sometimes be demanding.

Key facts about Vehicle Inspectors

• Education level: Usually high school + government training
• Work environment: Outdoors on roads, sometimes in varying weather conditions
• Number of job openings in the field: 191
• Typical work form: Full-time, shifts, and sometimes on-call

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a vehicle inspector, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as trainer within the authority, technical expert, or supervisor. Some choose to broaden their skills to other areas within traffic and vehicle inspection or further qualify as traffic police. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that, due to limited data, an exact assessment of future prospects cannot be provided, but demand for safety inspector roles in general is considered stable. The availability of job openings in the field is good, with 191 advertised positions.

Frequently asked questions about Vehicle Inspectors

• What does a Vehicle Inspector earn?
  - A vehicle inspector has an average salary of 43 000 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 47 800 SEK per month, which is 114% of men's average salary of 41 800 SEK.
• What education is required to become a vehicle inspector?
  - Usually, high school education in vehicles/transportation plus specialized government training is required.
• What are the duties of a vehicle inspector?
  - Duties include vehicle inspections, documentation work, and collaboration with authorities.
• What is the work environment like for vehicle inspectors?
  - The work environment often involves outdoor work along roads, sometimes under harsh weather conditions and varying working hours.
• Are there good future prospects?
  - Forecasts are unavailable for the profession, but the current number of job openings in the field is 191.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for skills development.