Electronics remover

What does an electronics decontaminator do? – Tasks and work environment

An electronics decontaminator works with cleaning, repairing, and restoring electronic equipment damaged by fire, water, or other contaminants. Tasks often include disassembling electronic devices, carefully cleaning components, and testing and verifying functionality after decontamination. The work is performed both in workshop settings and on-site at customer locations, where the decontaminator must quickly analyze the extent of damage and suggest measures. Collaboration with insurance companies and other technical experts is common. The work environment is characterized by high demands for accuracy, safety, and sometimes working under pressure, especially when it involves saving valuable equipment after major accidents or incidents.

Salary development over time

The salary for electronics decontaminators has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average salary rose to 31 800 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 7%. In 2024, the average salary has reached 35 000 SEK, representing a further increase of 10% compared to the previous year. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for specialized decontamination services as more companies and private individuals rely on advanced electronics. Additionally, higher requirements for technical skills and certifications have contributed to raising salary levels within the profession. The salary development also reflects a general appreciation of the decontamination workforce, where electronic decontamination has become an increasingly important niche.

Electronics decontaminator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,900 SEK/month (female, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 210 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Women: 32,000 SEK/month (90% of men's salary)
• Men: 35 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as an electronics decontaminator, a typical requirement is high school education in electrical or technical programs, often complemented with specific courses or certifications in decontamination and ESD safety. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers offer internal training or trainee positions for new hires. The industry demands precision, technical interest, and the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with various types of electronics.

• High school education: Electrical or technical programs, 2–3 years
• Certifications: Courses in decontamination, ESD safety, and environmental management
• Internship/trainee: Common as an introduction
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of electronics and troubleshooting
• Tips for choosing: Select high school tracks with electronics or technical focus

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for electronics decontaminators include wellness allowances, work clothing and protective equipment, and sometimes compensation for unsocial hours. Some employers also offer training support and opportunities for certification courses as part of employment. In addition to base salary, there may be supplements for on-call work or urgent interventions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for electronics decontaminators is relatively specialized, which can present both opportunities and challenges. Since the profession requires specific knowledge of electronics and decontamination, there are a limited number of candidates, but the number of available positions is not as large as for broader occupational groups. Rapid technological development demands continuous skills upgrading. Another challenge is that work often occurs under time pressure and with high demands for precision, especially when decontaminating valuable or sensitive equipment. The lack of an exact future forecast makes it especially important to stay updated in the field.

Tips for those who want to become an electronics decontaminator

To succeed as an electronics decontaminator, it’s good to have a genuine interest in technology and electronics, as the profession requires both knowledge and curiosity about how different devices work. Precision is crucial, as small errors can lead to major damage to sensitive components, so training your attention to detail early is wise. Problem-solving skills are needed daily, especially when you must quickly identify and fix faults under stress. Flexibility and adaptability are helpful because work environments can vary between workshops and urgent customer interventions. Good teamwork skills are appreciated, as electronics decontaminators often work in teams and need to communicate clearly with technicians and customers. A willingness to continuously further education is also a big advantage, given how quickly technology evolves. Finally, patience and stress resistance are important traits when unexpected problems need to be solved under pressure.

Key facts about electronics decontaminators

• Education level: High school (electrical or technical programs)
• Work environment: Workshop, customer environment, and sometimes cleanrooms
• Typical work form: Full-time, sometimes on-call and urgent assignments
• Demand: 123 available jobs in the decontamination workforce
• Special knowledge: Electronics, ESD safety, troubleshooting

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an electronics decontaminator, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as technical project manager for larger decontamination projects or trainer in electronics protection and decontamination. Some choose to move into related areas, such as technical support or maintenance of advanced electronics. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the decontamination workforce, it’s difficult to make an exact assessment of future job market prospects for electronics decontaminators, but the number of available positions indicates a certain demand. Technological development and increased reliance on electronics suggest that the need for qualified decontamination personnel will likely persist, especially as more workplaces invest in sensitive equipment and want to minimize losses from damages.

Common questions about electronics decontaminators

• What does an electronics decontaminator earn?
  - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 210 SEK.
• How does the salary development look for electronics decontaminators?
  - Salaries have increased from 29,700 SEK (2022) to 35 000 SEK (2024).
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn 32,000 SEK and men 35 500 SEK, which means women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an electronics decontaminator?
  - High school education in electrical or technical programs, preferably supplemented with courses in decontamination and ESD safety.
• What does the job market look like for electronics decontaminators?
  - There are 123 available jobs, but no exact forecast is available.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for electronics decontaminators?
  - The highest salary is 35,600 SEK (male, regional sector), the lowest is 30,900 SEK (female, various sectors).
• What work environments does an electronics decontaminator encounter?
  - Workshop, customer environment, and sometimes specially adapted cleanrooms.