Bus electrician

What does a bus electrician do? – Tasks and working environment

A bus electrician primarily works with installation, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems in buses. Tasks include ensuring everything from lighting and door control to climate systems and more advanced control systems function properly. The work is often performed in a workshop environment but can also take place out in the field, for example during urgent breakdowns. Bus electricians need a good understanding of both traditional electrical engineering and modern electronics, as vehicle electronics in buses are becoming increasingly advanced. The working environment is technical and practical, with demands for accuracy and safety awareness.

Salary development over time

The salary for a bus electrician has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 37 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8% during this period. This salary improvement can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized electricians within the vehicle industry, as well as a growing need for competence related to electrification and sustainability in public transportation. The market for bus electricians is also influenced by technological development, with new bus models featuring more advanced electronics demanding higher skill levels and further training.

Bus electrician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,300 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 40 100 SEK, women 35,500 SEK (women earn 88% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Specific differences are not available, but variations occur depending on employer and location.

Education and qualifications

To work as a bus electrician, a high school education within the electrical and energy program is usually required, preferably with a focus on vehicles or electrical engineering. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many employers also seek additional courses or certifications in vehicle electronics. Further training and specialization can be obtained via vocational colleges or on-the-job training. Knowledge of electronics and troubleshooting is a significant advantage.

• High school education: Electrical and energy program, 3 years
• Certifications: Courses in vehicle electronics and electrical systems
• Internship: Work-based internships during training are common
• Prerequisites: Interest in technology and problem-solving
• Further education: Possible via vocational colleges or employer-led training

Common benefits and compensations

Bus electricians are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness subsidies, and insurance. Other common compensations include overtime premiums for work during unsociable hours, work clothing, and opportunities for further training and skill development. Some employers also offer bonus programs or special allowances for certified specialized skills.

Competition and challenges

The profession of bus electrician is characterized by a growing need for technical competence, especially within electrification and advanced vehicle control. At the same time, there is some competition for jobs, particularly in regions where public transportation is expanding rapidly. A challenge is keeping up with rapid technological development, as new bus models and electric vehicles require higher specialization and ongoing training. It is also important to be able to work independently and in teams, as tasks often require collaboration between different professional roles. Some physical strain may occur, and work can be stressful during urgent breakdowns or maintenance periods.

Tips for those who want to become a bus electrician

To succeed as a bus electrician, it is good to have a genuine interest in technology and problem-solving, as troubleshooting and repair are central parts of the profession. Being precise and methodical helps you work safely and efficiently, especially when handling electrical installations under time pressure. Good teamwork skills are valuable since many tasks require close dialogue with colleagues and other specialists. Flexibility and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new technical solutions are also important traits, especially as the industry develops rapidly. Taking initiatives for further education and certifications gives you a competitive advantage and increases your chances of higher salary and advanced tasks. Lastly, being service-minded is an advantage, as the work often involves contact with customers and other professional groups within public transportation.

Key facts about bus electricians

• Education level: High school education (3 years), electrical and energy program
• Work environment: Workshop and fieldwork
• Occupational group: Industrial electrician
• Demand: 481 available jobs within the occupational group
• Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the proportion of women is slowly increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a bus electrician, there are good opportunities to develop into more qualified roles, such as supervisor, technical specialist, or instructor in vehicle electronics. Some choose to further their education in electric vehicles or move into other parts of public transportation maintenance departments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for industrial electricians, no specific assessment is made for bus electricians due to limited data, but signs indicate continued demand, especially considering the ongoing electrification of public transportation. Currently, there are 481 available jobs in the field, indicating a stable job market despite regional differences.

Frequently asked questions about bus electricians

• What is the average salary of a bus electrician?
  - A bus electrician has an average monthly salary of 39 700 SEK.
• What does the salary difference between men and women look like?
  - Men earn an average of 40 100 SEK while women earn 35,500 SEK, which means women earn 88% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a bus electrician?
  - High school education within the electrical and energy program, preferably with a focus on vehicles or electrical engineering, is most common.
• Are there many job openings for bus electricians?
  - Yes, there are 481 available positions within the occupational group of industrial electricians, which includes bus electricians.
• What is the highest salary for a bus electrician?
  - The highest reported salary is 44,700 SEK per month, applicable to a man with high school education and private employment.
• Does a bus electrician mainly work in a workshop or out in the field?
  - Most work is performed in a workshop environment, but field calls occur during urgent issues.
• What personal qualities are important as a bus electrician?
  - Precision, technical interest, and teamwork skills are especially valuable qualities.