Excavator repairer

What does an excavator repairer do? – Tasks and work environment

An excavator repairer works with maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing excavators and heavy construction machinery. Tasks range from routine servicing to extensive repairs of engines, hydraulics, electronics, and control systems. The work is often performed on-site at customer locations, construction sites, or in workshop environments. The work environment can be demanding, involving heavy lifting, outdoor work, and exposure to oil, dirt, and noise, requiring high safety and precision standards.

Salary development over time

Salaries for excavator repairers have shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average was 31,900 SEK per month, increasing to 33 200 in 2023 and further to 34 400 in 2024. This development corresponds to an overall increase of approximately 7.8% over three years. The salary increases can partly be explained by an increased demand for qualified repairers in the construction and civil engineering sectors, as well as a growing need for skills related to modern machinery technology. Despite good salary growth, disparities remain between genders and regions, with salary levels varying depending on employer and specialization.

Excavator repairer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 207 SEK
• Men (average): 34 500 SEK/month
• Women (average): 32 500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 94% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary levels are generally slightly higher in the regional sector, especially for men, while the public sector tends to be somewhat lower.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an excavator repairer typically involves a high school education in vehicle or mechanical engineering, often with a focus on heavy vehicles or construction machinery. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many employers also require specific certifications or completed courses in hydraulics, electronics, and safety. Success in the profession requires both technical skills and a problem-solving attitude.

• High school education: Vehicle and Transport Program, 3 years
• Practical training: Apprenticeships or internships during education
• Certifications: Courses in hydraulics, electrical systems, and work environment safety
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and passing grades in mathematics and technology
• Further education: Opportunities for specialization via vocational colleges or industry-specific courses

Common benefits and compensations

Excavator repairers are often offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, compensation for unsocial hours, and sometimes access to a company car. Many employers also provide further training and certification support, as well as insurance and pension contributions beyond collective agreements. Fieldwork may also include per diems and travel allowances.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an excavator repairer is moderate, but the labor market is characterized by a paradox: while many unemployed within the profession are reported, recruitment difficulties are also common, especially for qualified repairers with specialized skills. The challenge often lies in finding individuals with the right technical background and practical experience with modern machinery. The work environment can be physically demanding and stressful at times, particularly during urgent repairs or outdoor work in harsh weather conditions. The industry is also affected by economic fluctuations in construction and civil engineering, which can create periods of higher or lower demand.

Tips for those wanting to become an excavator repairer

To succeed as an excavator repairer, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in technology and machinery, along with a problem-solving mindset that allows you to quickly identify and fix faults. Precision and responsibility are important qualities, especially since repairs often impact safety at the workplace. Practical experience, preferably through internships or summer jobs, facilitates entry into the industry and understanding of daily work. Being flexible and having good communication skills is an advantage, as the work often involves collaboration with other trades on construction sites. Continual training in new technology and machinery models increases the chances of a long and varied career. Finally, initiative and willingness to take responsibility for both individual and team tasks are highly valued.

Key facts about excavator repairers

• Education level: High school, often with a focus on vehicle or mechanical engineering
• Work environment: Field-based and workshop-based, often in varied environments
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Special skills: Hydraulics, electrical systems, and troubleshooting heavy machinery
• Typical work mode: Full-time, sometimes with on-call duty or irregular hours

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an excavator repairer, there are opportunities to advance to team leader, technical specialist, or instructor within machinery service. Some choose to specialize in specific machine models or transition to related roles such as service technician or machine operator. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a good labor market for the profession, with significant job opportunities and an expected unchanged demand over the next five years. However, there is a paradoxical situation where recruitment difficulties persist despite some unemployment, highlighting the importance of the right skills and up-to-date training. Recently, the industry had 481 job openings, reflecting ongoing demand in the labor market.

Common questions about excavator repairers

• What is the average salary of an excavator repairer?
  - The average salary is 34 400 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become an excavator repairer?
  - High school education in vehicle or mechanical engineering is most common, often supplemented with practical training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for excavator repairers?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with a continuous need for qualified repairers.
• What are the most common workplaces?
  - They typically work in workshops, field service, or directly on construction sites.
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK and the lowest is 30,100 SEK, depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Common benefits include work clothing, wellness allowances, service cars, and further training.