Construction technician

What does a Building Technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A Building Technician works with planning, leading, and following up on technical solutions within construction and civil engineering projects. The role often involves responsibility for design, construction, and quality assurance of buildings and infrastructure. Building Technicians collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure that projects meet technical requirements, deadlines, and budgets. The work environment varies between office work with drawings and calculations, and visits to construction sites for inspections and meetings. High demands are placed on problem-solving, accuracy, and the ability to work independently as well as in teams.

Salary development over time

The salary for Building Technicians has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,900 SEK per month, increasing to 49 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 50 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period amounts to approximately 9.4% over three years, which is slightly above the average for engineering professions. Salary development is driven by increased demand for technical skills, especially related to digitalization and sustainability requirements in the construction sector. Competition for experienced Building Technicians and specialists also positively influences salary levels, although regional differences may occur depending on project volume and labor market conditions.

Building Technician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 57,900 SEK/month (female, government sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 302 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 92% of what men do (men 51 200 SEK, women 47 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: May occur depending on project volume and labor market

Education and qualifications

To work as a Building Technician, a technical education at university or college level in construction, civil engineering, or urban planning is usually required. Practical experience from the construction industry is highly valued, and there are opportunities to supplement education with certifications or specialized courses. Both theoretical and practical knowledge are important for success in the role.

• Formal degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Construction Technology (3 years) or equivalent
• Certifications: Examples include BAS-P/BAS-U, responsible for inspections according to PBL
• Internship: Usually included during education
• Prerequisites: Science or technical high school programs are recommended
• Further education: Opportunities for specialization via courses or master's programs

Common benefits and compensations

Building Technicians are often offered collective agreement-based benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and wellness allowances. Other common compensations include flexitime, remote work options, professional development, and bonuses or profit sharing for major project successes. Company cars and mobile phones may also be included depending on the employer and role.

Competitions and challenges

The competition for positions as a Building Technician is considered moderate, with a balanced recruitment situation according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast. Technological development in the construction sector also demands increased digital skills and the ability to quickly adapt to new working methods. Challenges include rapid changes in building regulations, sustainability requirements, and increased project complexity. Flexibility and continuous skills development are crucial to meet future demands. Another challenge is staying updated on certification systems and new digital tools.

Tips for those aspiring to become a Building Technician

To succeed as a Building Technician, it’s good to have analytical thinking and an interest in problem-solving, as the role often involves finding technically sustainable solutions to complex issues. Precision is an important trait, especially when reviewing drawings and inspecting building details. Being communicative and collaborative facilitates work in cross-functional teams and contact with clients and contractors. It’s also wise to develop IT skills early, as digital tools and BIM modeling are becoming increasingly important. Practical experience from construction sites provides valuable insight into workflows and project management. Staying updated on legal requirements and industry standards also enhances competitiveness. Finally, being proactive and actively seeking new knowledge and project opportunities pays off.

Key facts about Building Technicians

• Education level: Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent (at least 3 years)
• Work environment: Alternates between office and construction sites
• Demand: Moderate, increasing over five years
• Special skills: Digital tools, sustainability certification, project management
• Number of job openings: 379 in related professions

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a Building Technician, good opportunities exist to advance to roles such as project manager, site supervisor, or specialist in areas like sustainable construction or digital project management. Some choose to further their education to become civil engineers or pursue managerial positions within construction companies. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that demand for Building Technicians and related roles is expected to grow over the next five years, especially due to technological development and automation investments. The number of available jobs is significant, indicating a stable job market for the profession in the future.

Common questions about Building Technicians

• What does a Building Technician earn?
  - The average salary is 50 200 SEK per month, but it can vary depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What is required to become a Building Technician?
  - A technical education at university or college level in construction engineering and practical experience are recommended.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for Building Technicians?
  - Demand is expected to increase over the next five years, especially for technical skills related to sustainability and digitalization.
• What tasks does a Building Technician perform?
  - Planning, design, quality control, and coordination within construction and civil engineering projects.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowances, flexitime, remote work, and professional development are common.
• Can Building Technicians work in different sectors?
  - Yes, opportunities exist in private, public, and government sectors as well as consulting firms.