Vehicle Engineer, Swedish Transport Administration

What does a vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration do? – Tasks and work environment

A vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration is responsible for ensuring that vehicles used on Swedish roads, railways, and within public transport meet high standards for safety, environment, and technology. Tasks include technical analysis of vehicles, preparing regulatory documentation, inspections, and collaboration with external actors and suppliers. Project management, development of vehicle control routines, and advising other authorities are also common. The work environment is varied, combining office work with field inspections, requiring both technical skills and good communication abilities.

Salary development over time

Salaries for vehicle engineers at the Swedish Transport Administration have shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,100 SEK per month, which increased to 43 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized somewhat and amounts to 43 000 SEK. This development represents an increase of about 13% from 2022 to 2023, followed by a slight decrease of around 2% the following year. The temporary salary increase can be linked to increased demand for safety expertise and technical competence within public transport and railways, while recent slowdown may be due to normalization after previous investments and changes in the external environment. The salary structure of the profession is also influenced by education level and experience, where specialists and those with doctoral degrees tend to be at the higher end of the scale.

Vehicle Engineer, Swedish Transport Administration salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school diploma)
• Highest salary: 55,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 259 SEK
• Men earn: 41 800 SEK/month
• Women earn: 47 800 SEK/month
• Women earn: 114% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration, a university or master’s degree in vehicle technology, mechanical engineering, or similar is usually required. Many employers also value experience from the vehicle industry, knowledge of regulations, and familiarity with project work and cross-functional collaboration. Additional merits include certifications in safety or environmental management and a good understanding of digital analysis tools.

• Formal degree: University or master’s degree (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Safety and environmental certificates can be advantageous
• Internship: Internships or trainee programs in the vehicle sector are recommended
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of mathematics, physics, and technology
• Online courses: Courses in vehicle diagnostics and regulations can strengthen competence

Common benefits and compensations

Vehicle engineers at the Swedish Transport Administration are often offered competitive pension conditions, flexible working hours, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, skills development, extra vacation days, and the possibility of remote work when needed. Occupational pension and insurance coverage are standard within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration is considered moderate, but challenges include high demands for technical competence and the continuous development of regulations and technology. Since the profession is part of a broader occupational group, there are relatively many job openings, but specialized roles can be harder to fill. Changes within the transportation system, digitalization, and sustainability requirements mean that the role evolves quickly, requiring ongoing skills development. At the same time, those with experience in both vehicle technology and regulations have significant career opportunities within the agency.

Tips for aspiring vehicle engineers at the Swedish Transport Administration

To succeed as a vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with analytical skills and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines. Being meticulous and having a structured approach makes it easier to work with regulations and safety issues, while strong communication skills are important for explaining technical decisions to colleagues and partners. Curiosity and a desire to stay updated on new technologies provide an advantage in a rapidly changing industry. Initiative and independence are also valuable qualities, especially when leading projects or driving improvement initiatives. Early internships or trainee positions in the vehicle sector can provide valuable experience and contacts, increasing employment prospects. Building a network within the industry and participating in relevant training can also be crucial for securing an attractive position.

Key facts about Vehicle Engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration

• Educational level: University or master’s degree (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Combination of office and fieldwork
• Work setting: Public sector, often project-based
• Demand: 191 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women have higher average salaries than men (114%)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration, many advance to roles such as senior specialist, project manager, or leader of technical teams. Many also choose to deepen their expertise in areas like vehicle regulations, sustainability issues, or digitalization of transportation systems. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the profession is part of a broader group with good availability of jobs – recently, a total of 191 job advertisements were posted. Due to limited data, no precise assessment of future job opportunities for this specific role is made, but technological development and increased safety and environmental demands suggest continued need for qualified engineers with a focus on vehicles.

Frequently asked questions about Vehicle Engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration

• What does a Vehicle Engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration earn?
  - The average salary is 43 000 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
• Is there a pay gap between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 47 800 SEK while men earn 41 800 SEK, which means women earn approximately 114% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a vehicle engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration?
  - A university or master’s degree in vehicle technology, mechanical engineering, or similar is usually required.
• What is the job market like for vehicle engineers?
  - Currently, there are 191 job openings, but competition for specialized roles can be high.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Vehicle Engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration?
  - The highest salary is 55,600 SEK (male, public sector, doctoral degree) and the lowest is 37,400 SEK (female, private sector, high school diploma).
• What benefits are common for vehicle engineers at the Swedish Transport Administration?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development.
• What does a typical workday look like?
  - The workday often includes both office work with technical analyses and field inspections, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders.