Electronics fitter, manufacturing

What does an electronics assembler in manufacturing do? – Tasks and work environment

Electronics assemblers in manufacturing are responsible for assembling, testing, and inspecting electrical and electronic components, ranging from circuit boards to advanced industrial equipment. Tasks often include soldering, wiring, assembling small parts, and troubleshooting electronic modules. The work is usually performed on production lines or in specialized assembly environments where precision and concentration are crucial. The environment is often technically advanced and may require the use of magnification tools, ESD protection, and specialized tools, with the pace varying depending on production volume and delivery deadlines.

Salary development over time

The salary for electronics assemblers in manufacturing has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, which increased to 31 400 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 32 600 SEK per month. This represents a salary increase of just over 7.5% over the period. The trend reflects a continued demand for skilled electronics assemblers, especially as technology advances within Swedish industry. A shortage of qualified workers and increased demands for technical expertise have likely contributed to the positive salary trends, although the pace of wage growth is moderate compared to some other industrial sectors.

Electronics assembler in manufacturing salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 34,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Average salary men: 33 200 SEK/month
• Average salary women: 31 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 94% of men's salaries
• Hourly wage (average): 196 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as an electronics assembler in manufacturing, a high school education with a technical focus is generally required, often supplemented with practical components and sometimes post-secondary courses. Employers value both formal qualifications and experience with practical electronics work, especially in industrial production. Certifications and specialized training can provide advantages during hiring.

• High school: Electrical and Energy Program, 3 years
• Post-secondary courses: YH training or technical courses, 1–2 years
• Certifications: ESD protection, soldering, IPC standards
• Internship: Common within education and valuable for employment
• Prerequisites: Technical understanding and accuracy
• Tips: Combine practical training with courses in modern electronics to enhance employability

Common benefits and compensation

Within the profession, benefits such as shift allowances, overtime pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to production targets are often offered. Additionally, collective agreement-based insurances and occupational pensions are common, along with opportunities for skills development and further training provided by the employer.

Competition and challenges

The job market for electronics assemblers in manufacturing is characterized by a paradoxical situation where many are educated, yet recruitment difficulties persist for employers. This is partly due to high demands for technical precision and partly because many leave the profession for further education or other industries. However, demand is expected to remain large and stable in the coming years, offering good employment prospects. Challenges include automation, increased technical complexity, and the need for continuous skills upgrading.

Tips for those who want to become an electronics assembler in manufacturing

To succeed as an electronics assembler, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with a high degree of accuracy, as small mistakes can have significant consequences for the final product. Resilience and stress tolerance during periods of high production pace are advantageous, as are good teamwork skills for effective collaboration. Early internships are recommended to gain insight into the work environment and industry-specific requirements. Continuously updating knowledge about new techniques and standards in electronics facilitates both employment and career development. Initiative and responsibility are valued, which can open doors to more advanced tasks or leadership roles over time.

Key facts about Electronics Assembler in manufacturing

• Education level: High school education (Electrical and Energy Program) most common
• Work environment: Production line or specialized workshop environment
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time, shift work is common
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Special skills: Soldering, ESD protection, IPC standards

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as an electronics assembler in manufacturing, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, quality inspector, or production technician. Some choose to further their education in automation, product development, or technical roles, which can lead to higher salaries and greater responsibilities. The employment service's forecasts indicate that demand for assemblers of electrical and electronic equipment is expected to remain large and stable over the next five years, with an unchanged outlook for the job market. However, recruitment remains challenging for employers, as many leave the profession, requiring both experience and technical skills. Currently, there are 1437 job openings in the industry, highlighting the significant demand in the labor market.

Frequently asked questions about Electronics Assembler in manufacturing

• What does an Electronics Assembler in manufacturing earn?
  - The average salary is 32 600 SEK per month. Women earn an average of 31 300 SEK, men 33 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become an electronics assembler in manufacturing?
  - The most common is a high school education with a technical focus, often the Electrical and Energy Program.
• What is the job market like for electronics assemblers?
  - Opportunities for employment are considered large and stable in the coming years.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, the highest salaries are found within the regional sector, while privately employed managers have slightly lower wages.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Benefits include shift allowances, wellness contributions, overtime pay, and occupational pensions.
• Which qualities are important for an electronics assembler?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, teamwork, and stress tolerance are key qualities.
• What are the career prospects?
  - Opportunities exist to advance to team leader, quality inspector, or production technician.