Engineer, construction and civil engineering

What does an engineer in construction and civil engineering do? – Tasks and work environment

An engineer in construction and civil engineering is responsible for planning, leading, and supervising projects within the construction sector, such as road constructions, bridges, tunnels, and properties. Tasks include everything from design and construction to project management and quality control. The engineer often collaborates with architects, contractors, and authorities to ensure that projects meet technical, economic, and environmental requirements. The work environment varies between office work, site visits, and sometimes fieldwork, requiring flexibility and good communication skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for engineers in construction and civil engineering has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,900 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average increased to 49 900 SEK, which is approximately an 8.7% increase. In 2024, the salary has continued upward and now reaches 50 200 SEK, a further increase of just over 0.6% from the previous year. The strong salary growth during 2022–2023 can be linked to increased demand for qualified engineers, especially in areas related to technological development and automation. The more moderate increase recently reflects a balanced market, where employers value experience and specialized skills highly but where salary potential has stabilized somewhat lately.

Engineer, construction and civil engineering salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 57,900 SEK/month (female, government sector, doctoral qualification)
• Hourly wage (average): 302 SEK
• Men's average salary: 51 200 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 47 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 92% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary levels can vary between cities and rural areas, but current data shows that the biggest differences are between sectors and education levels rather than regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as an engineer in construction and civil engineering, a university or master's engineering degree in construction technology, road and water engineering, or equivalent is generally required. The education combines theoretical knowledge with practical elements and often internships. In addition to formal education, certifications, industry experience, and technical specialization are highly valued by employers.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in construction/engineering
• Certifications: Examples include BAS-P/BAS-U, environmental and quality management systems
• Internships: Often mandatory during studies and highly advantageous
• Prerequisites: Science-focused upper secondary school or equivalent
• Tips for choosing: Select specialization based on interest in design, environment, or project management

Common benefits and compensations

Engineers in construction and civil engineering are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include bonuses, overtime pay, and sometimes car allowances, especially in supervisory roles and extensive site visits. Employment security and remote work options are available in some organizations, depending on the workplace and position.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is moderate, meaning there are good opportunities for employment but employers also set high requirements for education and experience. Technological advances, digitization, and increased sustainability demands are rapidly changing skill needs. Engineers need to continuously develop their knowledge and certifications to stay attractive on the job market. Challenges may also include projects with high safety requirements, tight deadlines, and complex regulations, which demand both technical expertise and good collaboration skills.

Tips for those who want to become an engineer in construction and civil engineering

To succeed as an engineer in construction and civil engineering, it is good to have analytical skills and an interest in problem-solving, as the profession often involves finding practical solutions to complex technical challenges. Precision is an important trait, especially in calculations and design, where small errors can have large consequences. Being communicative facilitates teamwork with colleagues and external parties, which is crucial for successful projects. Flexibility and initiative are needed to handle changes and unexpected situations at the workplace. Finally, curiosity and a desire to learn new methods and digital tools are a big advantage, as the industry develops quickly and employers demand current skills.

Key facts about Engineer, construction and civil engineering

• Education level: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years)
• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Work environment: Combination of office, field, and construction sites
• Demand: Moderate, with increasing needs over 5 years
• Number of available jobs: 379 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as an engineer in construction and civil engineering, opportunities open up for project management roles, specialist positions in design, environment, or digitalization, and supervisory roles within larger projects. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts, the job market is expected to have moderate opportunities nationwide, but demand is expected to grow within five years due to increased need for technical expertise and automation. More companies are seeking engineers with experience in sustainability and digital tools, providing good prospects for career development and specialization within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Engineer, construction and civil engineering

• What does an engineer in construction and civil engineering earn?
  - The average salary is 50 200 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in salaries?
  - Men earn an average of 51 200 SEK while women have an average salary of 47 300 SEK, which means women earn approximately 92% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an engineer in construction and civil engineering?
  - A university or master's degree in construction technology, road and water engineering, or equivalent is generally required.
• What are the chances of employment in the profession?
  - The job market is considered balanced, but demand is expected to increase over the next five years according to the Swedish Employment Agency.
• What is the highest and lowest salary within the profession?
  - The highest salary is 57,900 SEK (female, government sector, doctoral qualification) and the lowest is 41,400 SEK (female, public sector, high school education).
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and professional development.