Image that illustrates Illustrator, technical

Illustrator, technical

40 400 kr

GIS and mapping engineers

34 900 - 50 600 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Tekniskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Illustrator, technical

Average salary 40 400 kr
Males 40 700 kr
Females 40 100 kr

What does a technical illustrator do? – Tasks and work environment

A technical illustrator works on visualizing technical processes, products, and systems through detailed illustrations, diagrams, and models. These visuals are often used in manuals, training materials, product presentations, and technical reports. The work environment involves close collaboration with engineers, product developers, and technical writers, where precision and understanding of technical contexts are essential. Illustrators in this field are typically employed by technology companies, government agencies, or consulting firms and mainly work in office settings using digital tools and advanced drawing software.

Salary development over time

The salary for a technical illustrator has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,300 SEK per month, while in 2023 and 2024 it has increased to 40 400 SEK per month. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 2.8% from 2022 to 2024. The positive trend can be explained by increased demand for technical skills and digital illustrations as technology advances and more industries digitize. However, salary levels have plateaued between 2023 and 2024, indicating a mature market within the profession. It is clear that technical illustrators are highly valued, especially for advanced specialized knowledge and experience with new digital tools.

Technical Illustrator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 40 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education under 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 50,600 SEK/month (female, government sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage: 243 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 40 700 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 40 100 SEK (98% of men's salary)
  • Lowest salary for men: 35,900 SEK
  • Highest salary for men: 42,200 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as a technical illustrator, a post-secondary education in technical illustration, graphic design, or a related technical field is usually required. Many employers also seek experience with digital drawing tools and an understanding of technical processes. Internships and portfolio work are often important in the recruitment process, and additional courses in CAD, 3D visualization, or technical communication can improve employability.

  • Formal education: Post-secondary education (2–4 years), often in technical illustration, graphic design, or engineering
  • Certifications: Courses in CAD, 3D modeling, or technical communication
  • Internships: Work experience via internships or trainee programs is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good technical understanding and documented work samples
  • Self-study: Opportunities to develop digital skills through online courses and personal portfolio

Technical illustrators often have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects within fields such as medical technology, automotive, or energy—where illustrations contribute to safety and innovation. The ability to translate complex ideas into clear images is crucial for facilitating understanding within technical teams and for clients.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Technical illustrators are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include professional development, insurance, and sometimes bonuses linked to projects or results. The extent of benefits varies between employers and sectors.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions in technical illustration is moderate but increasing as digitization and automation impose new demands on the profession. Staying updated on new tools and software is important, as employers often seek specialized skills in CAD, 3D, and digital visualization. Another challenge is balancing technical accuracy with aesthetic sense, especially when illustrations need to communicate complex processes pedagogically. Additionally, the profession requires the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing project requirements.

Tips for aspiring technical illustrators

To succeed as a technical illustrator, combining technical curiosity with precision and a strong sense of visual communication is essential. Building a diverse portfolio showcasing various work samples demonstrates creativity and understanding of technical contexts, which is attractive to employers. Continuously developing skills in digital drawing tools and staying current with industry software provides a competitive edge. Good teamwork skills are vital, as work often involves collaboration with engineers and other specialists. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities facilitate quick adaptation to project changes. Patience and perseverance are also important, as multiple iterations are often needed before an illustration is approved.

Key facts about Technical Illustrator

  • Education level: Post-secondary education (2–4 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based, digital, and collaborative
  • Typical employment: Employed by companies, government agencies, or consulting firms
  • Demand: 564 job openings in 2024
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a technical illustrator can advance to roles such as senior technical illustrator, project manager for visual teams, or specialize in areas like 3D visualization and animation. It is also possible to work as a consultant or develop own services within technical communication. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate moderate opportunities within the GIS and mapping engineering sector, where technical illustrators are included, with growth expected over five years. The recruitment market is balanced, and the industry is evolving with technological developments, offering good prospects for those committed to continuous skill development.

Frequently asked questions about Technical Illustrator

  • What does a Technical Illustrator earn?
    - The average salary is 40 400 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a technical illustrator?
    - Post-secondary education in technical illustration, graphic design, or related fields is most common.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for technical illustrators?
    - There are 564 job openings, and demand is expected to increase.
  • Which software should a technical illustrator master?
    - Knowledge of CAD, 3D modeling, and digital drawing tools is highly valuable.
  • Who are the most common employers?
    - Technology companies, government agencies, and consulting firms are typical employers.
  • How high can the salary become for a technical illustrator?
    - The highest reported salary is 50,600 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Illustrator, technical is 50600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Government sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 42200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Illustrator, technical is 34900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 38300 kr 38500 kr
35-44 100% 40600 kr 40800 kr
45-54 99% 41300 kr 41400 kr
55-64 98% 40600 kr 40800 kr
Snitt 98% 40200 kr 40400 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Illustrator, technical has the SSYK code 3117, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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