Electrician, industry

What does an electrician in the industry do? – Tasks and work environment

An electrician within the industry is responsible for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems in factories, production facilities, and other industrial environments. Tasks include both preventive and emergency service of machines, control systems, and power distribution. Industrial electricians often work with advanced control systems, automation, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which require technical skills and precision. The work environment varies and can involve working at heights, in confined spaces, or in noisy environments where safety regulations must be carefully followed. Shift work and on-call duties may occur, especially in industries operating around the clock.

Salary development over time

The salary level for electricians in the industry has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK per month, which increased to 37 400 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 39 700 SEK, representing an increase of about 7.9 % over the period. This salary development reflects an increased demand for qualified electricians in the industry, driven by technological advancements and the need for maintenance in increasingly automated production. The market's focus on energy efficiency and safety has also contributed to raising skill requirements and wages. Despite the positive trend, gender differences persist, with women earning on average 88 % of men's salaries.

Electrician in the industry salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,300 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
• Women: 35,500 SEK/month (88 % of men's salary)
• Men: 40 100 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but variations occur depending on industry and region.

Education and qualifications

To work as an electrician in the industry, a high school education with a focus on the electrical and energy program is generally required, along with internships in industrial environments. Further training in automation, control technology, and certifications for electrical installations are often advantageous and sometimes necessary depending on the employer's requirements. Industry-specific courses and experience in industrial operations increase employment opportunities and career development.

• High school education: Electrical and Energy Program (3 years)
• Certifications: Electrical authorization and sometimes certificates for high voltage or automation
• Internship: On-the-job training (OJT) during education
• Further training: Courses in PLC, automation, and control systems
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in mathematics, physics, and technology

Common benefits and compensations

Electricians in the industry are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and insurances. Many employers also provide work clothing, tool allowances, and opportunities for skills development. Shift and overtime premiums are common, especially for work outside regular hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an industrial electrician varies depending on the region and economic climate, but the demand for skilled professionals is generally high, which is also reflected in salary trends. A challenge is the technological development within automation and digitalization, which requires continuous skills updating. Safety requirements and complex work environments demand high precision and responsibility. Additionally, shift work and on-call duties can strain work-life balance. Women's representation in the profession remains low, affecting both salary structures and workplace climate.

Tips for those wanting to become an industrial electrician

To succeed as an industrial electrician, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with a meticulous and solution-oriented attitude. Being organized helps with troubleshooting and maintaining complex systems, while good communication skills facilitate teamwork with colleagues and other professionals. Flexibility is an important trait, as tasks can vary greatly from day to day, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technical solutions is crucial to stay updated. A strong safety mindset is always necessary, especially when working with high voltages and in risky environments. Investing in further education, such as automation or PLC systems, provides a competitive edge and higher earning potential. Finally, building a network within the industry is valuable for staying informed about new opportunities and trends.

Key facts about electricians in the industry

• Education level: High school (Electrical and Energy Program, 3 years)
• Work environment: Industrial facilities and production environments
• Work form: Shift work common, sometimes on-call
• Gender distribution: Predominantly male, women underrepresented
• Demand: 481 job openings identified within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an industrial electrician, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as lead installer, technician specializing in automation, or supervisor. With further training and experience, roles like project manager or engineer may also become available. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for industrial electricians, but there is generally high demand for skilled professionals in installation, operation, and maintenance sectors. The ongoing technological development in the industry is expected to continue driving the need for qualified electricians, especially in areas like energy efficiency and industrial automation.

Frequently asked questions about electricians in the industry

• What does an electrician in the industry earn?
  - The average salary is 39 700 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, region, and employer.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 40 100 SEK, while women have an average salary of 35,500 SEK.
• What education is required to become an industrial electrician?
  - The Electrical and Energy Program at high school is the most common route, along with internships and sometimes certifications.
• What is the work environment like for an industrial electrician?
  - The work environment is often technically advanced and can involve shift work as well as work in noisy or confined spaces.
• What is the highest salary for electricians in the industry?
  - The highest salary is 44,700 SEK per month and applies to a male with high school education working as a private employee.
• Are there good job opportunities?
  - Yes, there are 481 available jobs within the profession according to the latest data.
• What benefits are common?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, insurances, and shift and overtime premiums are common benefits.