Quality technician, electronics

What does a Quality Technician in Electronics do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A quality technician in electronics is responsible for ensuring that products and processes meet the requirements for functionality, durability, and safety. The role often involves developing, implementing, and monitoring quality routines in manufacturing or product development. It is common for the technician to work closely with production, development, and sometimes suppliers to identify and prevent faults. The work environment is varied and can include office work, practical tasks in laboratories, production facilities, or testing sites. Precision, analytical skills, and good communication are central qualities in the profession.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary level for quality technicians in electronics has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, increasing to 48 800 SEK in both 2023 and 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 4.7% between 2022 and 2023, after which the salary level has plateaued. The stagnation in the past year can partly be explained by slowed salary progression in engineering professions and a continued high but stable demand for technical skills. The shortage of competent electronics quality technicians has contributed to maintaining relatively high salaries, especially in the private sector.

Quality Technician in Electronics Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 66,400 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate degree)
• Lowest salary for women: 41,600 SEK/month
• Highest salary for women: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 293 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do (46 700 SEK/month versus 49 200 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and Qualifications

The path to working as a quality technician in electronics usually involves a technical education focused on electronics or quality engineering, preferably at university level. Vocational higher education and engineering programs in electrical engineering, industrial economics, or quality engineering are common entry points. Practical experience from electronics production or testing environments is highly meritorious. Certifications within quality systems and standards can also be valuable for those wishing to specialize in the field.

• Formal degree: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Quality Engineering (3 years)
• Vocational higher education: 2–3 years focusing on electronics and quality
• Certifications: e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, or similar
• Internship/Trainee: Internships in electronics manufacturing or quality assurance are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic technical education at high school level, often with electrical or technical profile
• Tips for choosing: Select programs with elements of both electronics and quality management

Common Benefits and Compensation

In addition to competitive monthly salaries, electronics quality technicians often receive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible hours, bonuses, and opportunities for skills development. In some cases, private health insurance, educational support, and extra vacation days are also included, especially in larger companies and corporations.

Challenges and Opportunities

The competition for positions as electronics quality technicians is relatively low nationally, as demand for technical skills remains high. At the same time, recruitment difficulties exist because many leave the profession or move to other roles within the tech sector. Challenges in the profession often involve staying updated on new standards and technologies, managing complex regulations, and working cross-functionally with different departments and sometimes internationally. The ability to quickly identify quality issues and implement improvements is crucial in this rapidly changing industry.

Tips for Aspiring Electronics Quality Technicians

To succeed as a quality technician in electronics, it is beneficial to combine analytical thinking with a strong sense of structure. Gaining practical experience in electronics manufacturing early on helps deepen understanding of processes. Initiative is important for identifying and driving improvements, while accuracy ensures that quality requirements are always met. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with development, production, and sometimes customers. A commitment to continuous development and staying updated with industry changes also provides a clear advantage. Finally, perseverance and patience are key, as quality work often involves long-term improvement projects.

Key Facts about Quality Technicians, Electronics

• Educational level: Bachelor’s degree or vocational higher education, 2–3 years
• Work environment: Mixed office, laboratory, and production settings
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Typical work form: Full-time, often project-based
• Special skills: Quality management, electronics, standards (e.g., ISO 9001)

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many electronics quality technicians choose to advance towards roles such as quality manager, project leader, or specialist in quality and process development. The Employment Service’s forecast indicates strong opportunities in engineering and technical roles within electrical engineering, where demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. There are good prospects for advancement in both private and public sectors, especially for those who pursue further education or obtain certifications in quality management and electronics. Currently, there are 564 job openings in the field, demonstrating a continued strong labor market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Quality Technicians, Electronics

• What does a Quality Technician, electronics earn?
  - The average salary is 48 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a quality technician in electronics?
  - Usually, a university engineering degree or vocational higher education in electronics or quality engineering.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What is the job market like for quality technicians in electronics?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain stable in the coming years.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Tasks include quality inspections, process development, troubleshooting, and implementing quality routines.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible hours, bonuses, and skills development are common.
• Are there opportunities for further development?
  - Yes, many advance to roles such as quality manager, project leader, or specialist after a few years in the profession.