Image that illustrates Hardware designer

Hardware designer

55 100 kr

Civil engineering professions in electrical engineering

46 300 - 64 700 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Tekniskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Hardware designer

Average salary 55 100 kr
Males 55 600 kr
Females 52 500 kr

What does a Hardware Designer do? – Tasks and work environment

A Hardware Designer works on developing, designing, and testing electronic and technical components such as circuit boards, control systems, and embedded systems. The tasks often include creating drawings, simulating functions, and collaborating with software developers to ensure hardware functions optimally in the final product. Typically, work is project-based and involves teamwork with other engineers and technicians, often within industries like telecommunications, automotive, medical technology, and automation. The work environment is generally office-based, characterized by a fast pace, technological development, and demands for precision and problem-solving skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Hardware Designer has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 51,800 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 53 800 SEK in 2023. The latest figure from 2024 shows an average of 55 100 SEK per month, representing a total salary increase of approximately 6.4% over three years. This positive development reflects high demand for expertise in electronics and hardware design, driven by technological advancements and digitalization in the industry. Salary growth has also been influenced by many leaving the profession, contributing to ongoing competition for experienced engineers.

Hardware Designer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 55 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 46,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 64,700 SEK/month (male, private employment, postgraduate education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 331 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 52 500 SEK/month, men 55 600 SEK/month (94%)
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Hardware Designer, a university or engineering degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or related fields is usually required. The education covers both theoretical fundamentals and practical aspects of design and programming. Many employers also seek experience with CAD tools and knowledge of embedded systems, along with practical experience through internships or thesis projects.

  • Formal degree: Master's or bachelor's in electrical engineering (3–5 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in CAD, PCB design, and embedded systems
  • Internships: Strongly recommended during studies
  • Prerequisites: Mathematics, physics, and computer science at high school level
  • Advice for choosing: Select programs with strong links to electronics and technological development

Many Hardware Designers work in international teams and participate in global projects, providing opportunities to influence technology solutions used worldwide. The ability to communicate technical ideas in English is therefore often an important part of the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Hardware Designers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include bonus programs, professional development, and insurance, especially within larger tech companies and consulting firms. Access to modern work equipment and ongoing training are also common.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as a Hardware Designer is relatively low, especially for those with experience and specialized knowledge in electronics or embedded systems. The shortage of experienced engineers means employers often face recruitment difficulties, while many leave the profession for other technical roles. Challenges include staying updated with rapid technological advances and working efficiently in multidisciplinary environments. Additionally, the profession demands precision and the ability to manage complex projects with tight deadlines.

Tips for aspiring Hardware Designers

To succeed as a Hardware Designer, it’s beneficial to combine technical curiosity with analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Being meticulous and systematic aids in designing and troubleshooting complex hardware, while teamwork skills are valuable in project settings. Gaining practical experience early through internships or projects, and staying updated on new technologies and design methods, is advisable. Communication skills, especially in English, facilitate collaboration with international colleagues. A commitment to continuous learning and a willingness to master new tools and software will enhance your growth in the profession.

Key facts about Hardware Designers

  • Educational level: Master's or bachelor's in electrical engineering (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based, often project-oriented and international
  • Demand: Strong job prospects according to the Employment Service
  • Special skills: CAD, PCB design, embedded systems
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often as a consultant or employee at a tech company

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a Hardware Designer can advance to roles such as technical project manager, system architect, or specialist in embedded systems or testing. There are also opportunities to work as a consultant or in product development and innovation. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities remain strong, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over five years. The recruitment market is characterized by difficulties in finding the right skills, which benefits those with experience or specialization. In the current job market, there were 564 registered job openings, indicating a robust employment situation.

Common questions about Hardware Designers

  • What is the average salary of a Hardware Designer?
    - The average salary for a Hardware Designer is 55 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Hardware Designer?
    - The highest salary is 64,700 SEK and the lowest is 46,300 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender salary differences?
    - Women earn on average 94% of what men do, corresponding to 52 500 SEK and 55 600 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Hardware Designer?
    - A master's or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related fields is required.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What are the typical tasks of a Hardware Designer?
    - Development, design, testing, and documentation of electronics and technical systems.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No specific regional data is available for the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Hardware designer is 64700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 58800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Hardware designer is 46300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 36000 kr 36300 kr
25-34 98% 44700 kr 45200 kr
35-44 97% 54400 kr 55000 kr
45-54 98% 60300 kr 61000 kr
55-64 96% 61000 kr 61700 kr
65-68 62200 kr 62800 kr
Snitt 94% 54500 kr 55100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Hardware designer has the SSYK code 2143, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes