Control technician, electric power

What does a control technician in electrical power do? – Tasks and work environment

A control technician specializing in electrical power works with monitoring, maintaining, and developing control and automation systems for power grids, power plants, and industrial electrical facilities. Tasks often include troubleshooting, programming control systems, operation monitoring, as well as inspection and testing of electrical installations. The role also involves analyzing measurement data and taking measures to optimize operational reliability and energy efficiency. The work environment varies between offices, control rooms, and on-site at facilities, requiring high safety awareness and the ability to work independently and in teams.

Salary development over time

The salary for a control technician in electrical power has shown a stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, which increased in 2023 to 48 800 kr and has remained at the same level in 2024. This change represents an increase of approximately 4.7% between 2022 and 2023, linked to increased demand for technical expertise in the electrical power industry and general salary adjustments in the job market. Since then, the salary has been unchanged, reflecting a stabilization where the market continues to value the specialist skills highly but without larger adjustments. The trend indicates that control technicians in electrical power have a competitive salary development compared to many other technical professions.

Control technician, electrical power salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (men): 38,900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (women): 41,600 SEK/month
• Highest salary (men): 66,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary (women): 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 293 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a control technician in electrical power, a technical education in electrical engineering or automation is usually required, often at vocational college or university level. Practical experience from industry or the energy sector is highly valued, and additional certifications in electrical safety or control systems can be advantageous. Some employers also offer trainee programs or internships as an entry step into the profession.

• Vocational college diploma: 2–3 years, specializing in electrical and automation technology
• University engineer degree: 3 years, in electrical engineering or energy
• Certifications: Electrical safety, working with high voltage, control systems
• Internship/Trainee: Common at larger energy companies
• Prerequisites: Secondary education with an electrical or technical profile

Common benefits and compensations

Control technicians in electrical power are often offered generous benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, skills development, and sometimes bonus programs linked to projects or performance. Shift work may occur, sometimes providing additional allowances, and field work often includes access to company cars or travel allowances.

Challenges and competition

The job market for control technicians in electrical power is characterized by high demand and recruitment difficulties, particularly for those with specialist skills in electrical and automation. At the same time, many experienced technicians leave the profession, which further increases competition for qualified candidates. Technical changes and increased requirements for digitalization mean that professionals must continuously update their skills. Safety considerations and strict legislation within the electrical industry also demand accuracy and responsibility. The industry’s shift towards sustainable energy and smart grids also opens new challenges and career opportunities.

Tips for those who want to become control technicians in electrical power

To succeed as a control technician in electrical power, it is good to have an analytical mindset and an interest in technology and problem-solving. Precision is crucial when troubleshooting and testing systems, and the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new technical solutions provides an advantage. Being communicative facilitates collaboration with colleagues and other professionals, especially in larger projects. Flexibility is an asset since tasks can vary between office work and on-site at facilities. It is also valuable to be proactive and independent, as many tasks require autonomous decisions and responsibility. Finally, an interest in sustainable energy and digitalization can provide extra motivation and open new paths within the profession.

Key facts about Control Technician, electrical power

• Education level: Vocational college or university engineer
• Work environment: Varies between office, control room, and fieldwork
• Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide
• Gender distribution: Dominated by men, but the proportion of women is increasing
• Special skills: Control systems, automation, and electrical safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a control technician in electrical power, opportunities open to advance to roles such as project manager, automation specialist, or operations manager at larger facilities. Transitioning to consultancy or further education towards engineering professions is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the job market for electrical engineering engineers and technicians remains strong, with significant opportunities for work even over five years. However, recruitment is characterized by the paradox that many positions are vacant while many leave the profession, making skills development and experience quickly valuable competitive advantages. At the latest measurement, there were 564 job openings nationwide in the field.

Frequently asked questions about Control Technician, electrical power

• What is the salary of a Control Technician, electrical power?
  - The average salary is 48 800 kr per month.
• What education is required to become a control technician in electrical power?
  - Typically, a vocational college diploma or university engineer degree in electrical engineering, automation, or energy.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 46 700 kr while men earn 49 200 kr per month.
• What is the job market like for control technicians in electrical power?
  - Demand is high and there are great opportunities for employment nationwide.
• What are the most common job tasks?
  - Troubleshooting, operation monitoring, testing control systems, and maintenance of electrical facilities.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - Highest salary: 66,400 SEK (male, private sector, research education). Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK (male, public sector, pre-secondary education).
• What are the future prospects?
  - The forecast remains unchanged with continued great opportunities for work over the next five years.