Circuit board tester

What does a Kretskortsprovare do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Kretskortsprovare works with testing, analyzing, and quality assuring electronic circuit boards in the manufacturing industry. Tasks include inspecting circuit boards for faults, performing measurements with advanced testing equipment, and documenting results according to established routines. The role requires precision and technical interest, as work often takes place in production environments where accuracy is crucial to ensure that final products meet high standards. The work environment is typically laboratory or workshop-based, and shift work is common to meet production needs.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Kretskortsprovare have seen a steady increase in average monthly salary. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK, which increased to 31 400 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows an average salary of 32 600 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 7.6% over the period. This trend reflects continued demand for skilled workers in electronics manufacturing and the need to retain expertise in the profession. Salary increases can also be linked to technological advances and increased complexity in tasks, where specialized knowledge is increasingly valued. At the same time, there is some variation depending on experience, education, and employer, affecting both entry-level salaries and opportunities for salary growth.

Kretskortsprovare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Highest salary: 34,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 196 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 33 200 SEK, women 31 300 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest salary within regional sector, variation depending on employer and education level

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kretskortsprovare, a technical education in electronics or automation is usually required. Many employers prefer high school education in electrical engineering and energy, but there are also opportunities for further training through post-secondary courses and certifications. Practical experience from electronics production or testing environments is often advantageous, and some employers offer internal trainee programs to ensure the right skill level.

• High school education: Electrical and energy program with specialization in electronics (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Vocational university or technical education in electronics (1–2 years)
• Certifications: IPC certification for soldering and circuit board inspection
• Practical training: On-the-job learning during education
• Prerequisites: Interest in technology and mathematics, good knowledge of Swedish and English

Common benefits and compensations

Kretskortsprovare often receive collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness grants. Other common perks include subsidized lunches, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development through courses and internal training. Overtime pay and shift bonuses are also common, especially in production environments with varying work pace.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Kretskortsprovare is characterized by a paradoxical situation where recruitment difficulties coexist with a continuous flow of people leaving the profession. Despite large national employment opportunities, professionals face challenges such as increased automation and technological development. Continuous skills upgrading is necessary to keep pace with industry changes, and competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce. At the same time, technological advances mean that demand for specialist skills in testing and quality assurance remains stable, although some tasks may change or become more efficient.

Tips for aspiring Kretskortsprovare

To succeed as a Kretskortsprovare, it helps to combine technical interest with accuracy and problem-solving skills. Being analytical and detail-oriented aids in troubleshooting and quality checks, while patience and perseverance are essential when testing processes involve repetitive steps. Gaining practical experience early through internships or summer jobs in electronics production is recommended. Staying updated on new testing methods and technological developments also increases chances of a successful career. The ability to collaborate and communicate with colleagues and engineers is valuable, especially in project-based work environments. Certifications and further education provide an advantage and demonstrate commitment to the profession.

Key facts about Kretskortsprovare

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in electronics
• Work environment: Production and laboratory environments, sometimes shift work
• Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
• Special skills: Testing equipment, troubleshooting, and IPC certifications
• Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes hourly employment during high workload periods

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kretskortsprovare, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as test technician, quality manager, or production engineer. With experience, supervisory positions within electronics production can also become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, opportunities in the profession are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, recruitment challenges persist in finding the right skills, which means that individuals with the right education and experience have good prospects for employment and career development. Currently, there are 1437 job openings in the field, indicating a strong ongoing demand for professionals in this occupation.

Frequently asked questions about Kretskortsprovare

• What does a Kretskortsprovare earn?
  - A Kretskortsprovare has an average salary of 32 600 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in Kretskortsprovare salaries?
  - Men earn an average of 33 200 SEK, while women earn 31 300 SEK, which corresponds to 94% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Kretskortsprovare?
  - Usually, a high school education in electrical engineering or energy, or post-secondary courses in electronics with practical training.
• Are there good future prospects for Kretskortsprovare?
  - Yes, the job market is considered good, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
• What tasks does a Kretskortsprovare perform?
  - Tasks include testing, troubleshooting, and quality assurance of electronic circuit boards.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Kretskortsprovare?
  - The highest salary is 34,200 SEK and the lowest is 30,100 SEK per month.
• What is the work environment like for the profession?
  - The work environment is often production or laboratory-based and may include shift work.