Quality technician, machine

What does a quality technician in mechanical engineering do? – Tasks and work environment

A quality technician in mechanical engineering is responsible for ensuring that machines, processes, and final products meet established quality standards. Tasks often include monitoring manufacturing processes, sampling, analyzing measurement data, and reporting deviations. The role also involves identifying areas for improvement, participating in quality audits, and collaborating with production, development, and suppliers. The work environment varies between production floors and office settings, where technical tools and advanced measurement equipment are used daily. Good communication skills and a meticulous, analytical mindset are often required to succeed in the profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for a quality technician in mechanical engineering has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,500 SEK, increasing to 43 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average monthly salary has reached 45 300 SEK, which is approximately a 9% increase over the period. This development reflects an increased demand for technical competence, especially within quality assurance, where companies strive for higher efficiency and reduced error costs. Salary increases are also influenced by technological advancements in industry and a growing need for specialized skills to meet new standards and requirements for sustainable production.

Quality technician machine salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (woman, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 68,000 SEK/month (woman, municipal sector, research education)
• Highest salary men: 50,500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary men: 39,900 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 272 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 95 % of what men do (43 200 SEK vs 45 600 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a quality technician in mechanical engineering, a post-secondary education in engineering is usually required, preferably with a focus on mechanical engineering, production, or quality assurance. The educational path can vary from vocational college programs to university or master's degrees. Practical experience from manufacturing industries and knowledge of quality standards are highly advantageous, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed certification courses in quality or production technology.

• Formal education: Vocational college (2 years) or university degree in engineering (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Examples include Six Sigma, ISO 9001, Lean Production
• Internship: Often required for practical training or trainee positions within production or quality
• Prerequisites: High school education with a technical focus as a base
• Additional courses: Quality management, measurement technology, statistics

Common benefits and compensations

Quality technicians in mechanical engineering are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, subsidized lunches, flexible hours, and opportunities for skills development through internal and external training. In some cases, bonus programs linked to quality goals or productivity improvements are also available. Company cars and extra vacation days may be offered depending on the employer and industry.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a quality technician in mechanical engineering is generally moderate but can vary depending on region and economic climate. Technological changes and digitization increase demands for knowledge in automation, data analysis, and modern quality systems. Challenges in the profession include managing rapid production changes, implementing new standards, and balancing quality requirements with production efficiency. Another challenge is maintaining good communication between production, management, and external suppliers to ensure the effectiveness of quality work.

Tips for those who want to become a quality technician in mechanical engineering

To succeed as a quality technician in mechanical engineering, it is beneficial to be analytical and detail-oriented, as precision is crucial for identifying deviations and improvement areas. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration between departments and help embed quality work within the organization. Problem-solving skills are highly valuable, especially when it comes to identifying root causes of quality issues. Being flexible and adaptable is important, as production processes and requirements often change rapidly. Engagement in continuous improvement and a willingness to learn new methods or systems provide good opportunities for career development. Actively seeking internships or projects during education increases employment chances, and staying updated on industry standards and technology makes you more attractive on the job market.

Key facts about Quality Technician, machine

• Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
• Education level: Vocational college or university (2–5 years)
• Work environment: Industrial environment and office
• Number of available jobs: 564 in the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95 % of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a quality technician in mechanical engineering, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as quality manager, production supervisor, or specialist in quality development. Some choose to further their education and work as process developers, internal auditors, or consultants in quality management. The forecasts from the Employment Service show that there is no detailed assessment for this specific job title, but it is part of a profession where demand for technical skills remains relatively stable. In total, 564 jobs were available in the profession as of May 2024, indicating a continued healthy job market. The trend towards increased digitization and automation also opens new career paths within data analysis and process optimization.

Frequently asked questions about Quality Technician, machine

• What does a quality technician in mechanical engineering earn?
  - The average salary is 45 300 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 272 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 43 200 SEK while men earn 45 600 SEK, which means women earn 95 % of men's salaries.
• What education is needed to become a quality technician?
  - Vocational college education (2 years) or university degree in engineering (3–5 years) is most common, often supplemented with certifications in quality.
• What does the job market look like?
  - There are good opportunities with 564 available jobs in the profession as of May 2024, according to available statistics.
• What are the job responsibilities of a quality technician?
  - Tasks include quality inspections, measurement data analysis, improvement work, and collaboration with production and suppliers.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 68,000 SEK (woman, research education), the lowest is 37,000 SEK (woman, high school education).
• What benefits are common?
  - Benefits include wellness allowances, flexible hours, occupational pensions, and opportunities for skills development.