Car foreman

What does a Car Workshop Manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A Car Workshop Manager is responsible for the daily operations of a car repair shop and often leads a team of mechanics and technicians. Tasks include planning and distributing work, ensuring quality and safety standards are met, and communicating with customers about service and repairs. The role also requires an eye for business development and profitability, with a work environment characterized by a fast pace, problem-solving, and close collaboration with staff and customers. Car Workshop Managers typically work in modern workshop environments where technical equipment and digital systems are a natural part of daily work.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for Car Workshop Managers have shown a clear upward trend, although some fluctuations have been noted. In 2022, the average salary was 39,400 SEK per month, which increased to 42 800 SEK in 2023, an increase of about 8.6%. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 42 200 SEK, representing a slight decrease compared to the previous year but still a clear increase over the three-year period. The salary development reflects both increased demand for qualified supervisors in car service and a greater focus on technical competence as vehicles become more advanced. The market has also been influenced by economic conditions and the overall shortage of experienced workshop managers, contributing to rising wages.

Car Workshop Manager salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 42 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (men), 42,400 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 54,400 SEK/month (men), 42,900 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 254 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 103% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Car Workshop Manager, a technical high school diploma in vehicle technology is usually required, supplemented with experience from workshop work and preferably further education in leadership or vehicle technology. Many employers value postgraduate studies in engineering or economics and appreciate practical experience combined with strong leadership skills. Certifications and specialized courses can also be advantageous for competing for the most attractive positions.

• High school diploma: Vehicle and transport program (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Technical university courses or YH (vocational college) training (1–3 years) are advantageous
• Certifications: Examples include leadership training or certificates in vehicle technology
• Practical experience: Several years working as a mechanic or technician is recommended
• Leadership skills: Courses or experience in personnel management are often required

Common benefits and compensations

Car Workshop Managers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses linked to workshop results. Other common perks include further training, car benefits, or staff discounts on services and spare parts. Compensation models may vary depending on the employer and sector, but working conditions are generally secure and covered by collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Car Workshop Manager is moderate but requires strong technical and leadership skills. The shift toward electric and digitally connected vehicles means that the role is changing and requires continuous skills development. A challenge is to stay updated with new technology while managing staff and customer relations professionally. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is also a known challenge, especially in metropolitan areas. However, with an increasing number of cars on the road and technological innovations, demand for skilled Car Workshop Managers is expected to remain strong in the future.

Tips for aspiring Car Workshop Managers

To succeed as a Car Workshop Manager, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with leadership skills and good communication. Actively pursuing further education and certifications in both vehicle technology and management provides a competitive edge. Precision and organization are crucial for managing staff and workshop flow, while problem-solving skills help handle unexpected situations quickly. A genuine interest in cars and technology facilitates daily work, and being attentive to customer needs helps build long-term relationships and satisfied clients. Having the courage to initiate improvements and being open to industry changes are qualities appreciated by employers.

Key facts about Car Workshop Managers

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in vehicle technology
• Work environment: Workshop environment with high pace and technical equipment
• Work form: Full-time, often with personnel responsibility
• Demand: 550 job openings in the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn slightly more than men in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of Car Workshop Manager, there are good opportunities to advance to larger workshops or to positions such as regional manager, service manager, or technical specialist. Some choose to start their own workshop or further their education in leadership and business development. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued strong demand for supervisors in vehicle service, especially considering technological shifts and increasing need for qualified personnel. Those investing in further education in electric vehicles or digital diagnostics have particularly good future prospects, as these skills are becoming increasingly important in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Car Workshop Managers

• What does a Car Workshop Manager earn?
  - The average salary is 42 200 SEK per month. The highest salary is 54,400 SEK and the lowest is 41,600 SEK, depending on experience and education.
• How to become a Car Workshop Manager?
  - Most commonly, it requires a high school diploma in vehicle technology, several years of experience, and leadership training or certification.
• Are there gender pay differences?
  - Yes, women earn on average 103% of what men do within the profession, which is uncommon in the industry.
• What benefits are common?
  - Occupational pension, wellness grants, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses or car benefits are common perks.
• What does the future look like for Car Workshop Managers?
  - Demand is good, especially for those with knowledge of electric vehicles and new technology. There are about 550 job openings in the profession.
• What career paths are available?
  - Opportunities include regional manager, service manager, or starting your own business after a few years of experience.