Civil engineer, university engineer

What does a building engineer with a university degree do? – Tasks and work environment

A building engineer with a university degree primarily works with planning, leading, and following up on construction projects within both the public and private sectors. Common tasks include design, construction, calculations, project management, and quality control. The profession often involves close collaboration with architects, contractors, and other technical specialists. The work environment is varied and can include both office work and site visits to construction sites. The work requires a combination of technical competence, problem-solving skills, and good communication to manage complex projects and ensure that the construction process follows both technical and economic parameters.

Salary development over time

Salaries for building engineers with a university degree have shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,900 SEK per month, increasing to 49 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 50 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.4% over three years. This salary development reflects an increased demand for technical skills within the construction and civil engineering sector, especially considering technological development and automation. Market balance between supply and demand, as well as increased complexity in construction projects, also contribute to rising wages for experienced engineers in the field.

Building engineer, university engineer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 57,900 SEK/month (female, government sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 302 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 51 200 SEK, women 47 300 SEK (women earn 92% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan regions tend to have higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a building engineer with a university degree, a three-year education at college or university, focused on building technology or equivalent, is usually required. The program includes both theoretical and practical elements, including project work and internships. Further training and certifications can be valuable for specializing further or taking on leadership roles within the industry.

• Formal degree: Higher education degree in engineering, 3 years (180 hp)
• Certifications: For example, BAS-P/BAS-U or other industry-specific certificates
• Internship: Often includes workplace-based learning or project internships
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific courses in mathematics and physics
• Tips for choosing: Select programs with strong industry contacts and internship opportunities

Common benefits and compensation

Building engineers with a university degree are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for skills development. Travel allowances, mobile phones, computers, and sometimes car benefits are common, especially in senior roles or project management. The level of benefits can vary depending on the employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the construction and civil engineering sector is generally moderate, as the need for building engineers with higher education is large and expected to grow over time. Challenges in the profession often involve managing complex projects with high demands for coordination, quality, and sustainability. Rapid technological changes and increased requirements for digitalization mean continuous skills development is necessary. Additionally, workload can vary significantly between different project phases and employers, requiring flexibility and resilience.

Tips for aspiring building engineers with a university degree

To succeed as a building engineer with a university degree, it is beneficial to have an analytical mind and strong problem-solving skills, which facilitate handling complex technical challenges in projects. Being communicative and collaborative helps in contact with colleagues, contractors, and clients. A careful and structured work style is important for keeping documentation in order and ensuring projects follow applicable norms. Staying updated on the latest technology and industry trends strengthens your competitiveness. To stand out in recruitment, early gaining work experience through internships or summer jobs is recommended. Engagement and initiative are appreciated by employers, especially for larger projects or leadership roles. Finally, being flexible and adaptable is advantageous, as tasks often vary between different projects and workplaces.

Key facts about building engineers with a university degree

• Education level: Higher education degree in engineering (3 years)
• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Work environment: Varies between office and construction site
• Number of job openings: 379 (May 2024)
• Future outlook: Demand expected to increase over the next five years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, building engineers with a university degree can advance to roles such as project manager, site manager, or specialist in areas like sustainable building and BIM (Building Information Modeling). Opportunities to take on more qualified and leadership positions increase with additional experience and further education. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts indicate that job opportunities are moderate, but demand is expected to grow over five years, especially due to technological development and digitalization in the industry. The profession has a balanced recruitment situation nationally, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of labor at present. Those who invest in skills development and specialization in areas like energy efficiency or digital tools are well prepared for future career opportunities.

Common questions about building engineers with a university degree

• What does a building engineer with a university degree earn?
  - A building engineer with a university degree has an average salary of 50 200 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for building engineers?
  - Salaries have increased from 45,900 SEK in 2022 to 50 200 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 9.4%.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 51 200 SEK while women earn 47 300 SEK, meaning women earn 92% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a building engineer?
  - A higher education degree in building technology, typically three years at college or university, is required.
• What are the future prospects for building engineers?
  - Demand is expected to increase over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast.
• What tasks does a building engineer have?
  - Tasks include design, construction, project management, and quality control.
• Are there many job openings in this profession?
  - There are 379 job openings within the profession according to current statistics.