IT technician, operations

What does an IT technician in operations do? – Tasks and work environment

An IT technician in operations is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and monitoring of organizations' IT environments. Tasks include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting servers, networks, operating systems, and applications. The role often involves quickly resolving technical issues, updating software, and ensuring systems operate efficiently and without interruption. The work environment is typically office-based but can also include work in server rooms or data centers, sometimes with on-call duties outside regular hours. Collaboration with other IT specialists is common, and tasks require both technical skills and good communication.

Salary development over time

The salary for IT technicians in operations has shown a clear increase in recent years. In 2022, the average was 38,500 SEK, which increased to 40 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 42 400 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 10.1% over three years. This positive trend is driven by an increased need for operational stability and security in digitalized businesses, as well as skill shifts towards more advanced IT environments. Despite salary increases, labor market forecasts indicate a surplus of operations technicians in IT, which may influence future salary development. Regional salary differences may occur, especially between urban and rural areas.

IT technician in operations salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 42 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 50,500 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 255 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 41 200 SEK/month (97% of men's salary), men earn 42 600 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between urban areas and the rest of the country

Education and qualifications

To work as an IT technician in operations, a high school education with an IT focus is usually required, supplemented by postgraduate studies or certifications. Many employers value practical experience in operation and maintenance of IT systems. Self-study and specialized online courses can also be advantageous, especially within current technologies and platforms.

• High school education: Electrical and energy program with a focus on computer and communication technology (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college or university, 2–3 years, focusing on IT operations or system administration
• Certifications: For example, Microsoft, Cisco, or Linux
• Internship or trainee position: Provides valuable work experience
• Self-study and online courses: To stay updated with the latest technology

Common benefits and compensations

IT technicians in operations are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexitime, remote work options, and professional development. Pension schemes, insurance, and extra vacation days are also common. Some employers offer on-call allowances and bonuses for special efforts.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for IT technicians in operations is currently characterized by a surplus of workforce, meaning competition for available positions can be fierce. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, which requires staying updated with the latest technology to remain attractive on the job market. Automation and cloud services are transforming the role and may reduce the need for traditional operations technicians. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for specialization and certifications in new technology areas. The ability to quickly adapt to changing tasks and environments is crucial.

Tips for those who want to become an IT technician in operations

To succeed as an IT technician in operations, it is good to be analytical and able to troubleshoot problems quickly, as rapid action is often required during operational disruptions. Precision is important for documenting changes and ensuring systems operate effectively. A strong service mindset makes it easier to collaborate with users and other IT specialists, especially under pressure. Curiosity and continuous further education in new technologies and platforms are also valuable, as the profession requires ongoing skill development. Being resilient under stress facilitates handling increased workload during incidents or major upgrades. Communication skills are another key, especially when explaining technical solutions to non-IT personnel. Finally, a structured working approach contributes to better planning and prioritization of tasks.

Key facts about IT technicians in operations

• Education level: High school education with an IT focus, often supplemented with postgraduate studies
• Work environment: Office-based, sometimes work in server rooms or data centers
• Job market: Surplus of workforce, 179 job openings nationwide
• Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of men's salaries
• Future outlook: Demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an IT technician in operations can advance to roles such as system administrator, network technician, or IT architect. Specialization in cloud operations, security, or automation is becoming more common and can lead to more qualified and higher-paid positions. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, the opportunities for employment as an operations technician in IT are small, with a surplus of workforce. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, maintaining high competition for qualified positions. For those wishing to develop further, project management or consulting within IT operations are natural career paths. The rapid technological development makes continuous skills development essential for long-term success in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about IT technicians in operations

• What does an IT technician, operations, earn?
  - The average salary is 42 400 SEK per month, but it varies based on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become an IT technician in operations?
  - A high school education with an IT focus, supplemented by postgraduate studies or certifications, is recommended.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for IT technicians in operations?
  - There is a surplus of workforce, with 179 job openings nationwide.
• What are the tasks of an IT technician in operations?
  - Tasks include operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and monitoring of IT systems and networks.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
• What opportunities for further education are available?
  - Certifications in, for example, Microsoft, Linux, or cloud services are common and advantageous.