- Salary statistics
- Illustrator, technical
Illustrator, technical
34 900 - 50 600 kr / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Tekniskt arbete
Salary progression Illustrator, technical
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.
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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 34900 kr | 34900 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 41200 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40300 kr | 40500 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 39900 kr | 39900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 40000 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 35100 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36200 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36800 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 36800 kr | 37500 kr |
| 65-68 | 37300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 36300 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 34900 kr | 34900 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 41000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 42200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 41500 kr | 41500 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 40400 kr | 40400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 40900 kr | 41000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 41100 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 41100 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38700 kr | 39000 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 40500 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 41600 kr | 41700 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40800 kr | 41200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 40500 kr | 40700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 34400 kr | 34500 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 38500 kr | 38800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 40000 kr | 40300 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 41300 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40600 kr | 41000 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 35700 kr | 36400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36000 kr | 36900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 37500 kr | 37600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 36600 kr | 37900 kr |
| 65-68 | 37300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 36500 kr | 37200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 34400 kr | 34400 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 39400 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40800 kr | 40900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 42200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 42100 kr | 42100 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 42000 kr | 42000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 41100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 41600 kr | 41900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 41600 kr | 41900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 37700 kr | 37800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 40700 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40900 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40300 kr | 40300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 40000 kr | 40100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 35800 kr | 35800 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 37400 kr | 37500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 40300 kr | 40400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 41100 kr | 41300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40100 kr | 40100 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 38400 kr | 38400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39800 kr | 39900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 33700 kr | 33700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36400 kr | 36400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 35600 kr | 36400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 37000 kr | 37000 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 36000 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 35800 kr | 35800 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38100 kr | 38200 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 42200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 38500 kr | 38500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 40600 kr | 40700 kr |
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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