Line engineer

What does a line engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A line engineer mainly works on developing, maintaining, and optimizing technical systems within areas such as electrical power, railways, or industrial plants. Tasks often include design, technical documentation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex infrastructure or production systems. Collaboration occurs regularly with project managers, technicians, clients, and other engineers to ensure solutions meet technical and safety standards. The role requires an analytical approach and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The work environment varies between offices, construction sites, and production halls depending on the project phase and focus.

Salary development over time

The salary of a line engineer has developed steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, while both 2023 and 2024 showed an increase to 48 800 SEK per month. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 4.7% between 2022 and 2024. The trend indicates increasing demand for qualified electrical and infrastructure engineers, contributing to rising salary levels. Market needs for technical expertise and project management skills positively influence salary development, although the increase has plateaued in the past year. This can be explained by a more balanced job market, where the supply of educated engineers has improved somewhat while demand remains high.

Line engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education); 41,600 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 66,400 SEK/month (male, private sector, research degree); 49,300 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 293 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 46 700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary of 49 200 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on region and sector, but data shows higher salaries are often found in metropolitan areas and within the private sector.

Education and qualifications

To work as a line engineer, a university or master’s degree in electrical engineering, railway technology, or related fields is usually required. Depending on specialization, specialized YH (vocational higher education) programs may also be relevant, especially for technical roles in operations and maintenance. Practical experience from project work and technical systems is highly valuable, and some employers require specific certifications or licenses.

• Formal degree: University or master’s degree (3–5 years)
• Specialized YH programs: 2–3 years, focused on railway or electrical power
• Certifications: e.g., ESA, BAM, or other industry-specific safety training
• Internship/Trainee: Recommended for gaining relevant experience
• Prerequisites: Science or technical high school education

Common benefits and compensations

Line engineers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, generous vacation policies, and opportunities for skills development. Other common compensations include shift allowances for night work, bonus schemes, and sometimes car benefits for travel between workplaces. Flexible working hours and remote work are available in some organizations.

Competition and challenges

The job market for line engineers is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions, especially in metropolitan areas and within the private sector. At the same time, there is a shortage of experienced engineers in certain specialized fields, which can make recruitment challenging for employers. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on technological advances, managing complex projects with many stakeholders, and maintaining high safety standards. The ability to work independently and communicate effectively is crucial for success. The shortage of skilled engineers suggests that demand for expertise in the field will continue to be strong.

Tips for aspiring line engineers

To succeed as a line engineer, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with good problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. Building a strong network during studies can increase chances of interesting internships and future employment. Flexibility and teamwork skills facilitate tasks that vary between fieldwork and design. It is also important to develop the ability to communicate technical solutions to colleagues and clients. Precision and responsibility are highly valued qualities, especially when safety is a priority. Actively seeking further education and industry certifications can provide competitive advantages in the job market.

Key facts about the line engineer profession

• Education level: Usually requires a university or master’s degree
• Work environment: Varies between offices, construction sites, and production facilities
• Demand: Very high, with 564 job openings within the profession
• Typical work form: Project-based teamwork
• Special skills: Electrical engineering, project management, safety certifications

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a line engineer can advance to roles such as project manager, specialist, or technical manager within larger organizations. There are also opportunities to work internationally or switch to consulting or research and development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, the prospects for employment are excellent, and demand for electrical engineers is expected to remain stable over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties are reported, indicating that expertise in the field will continue to be highly sought after. This makes the profession attractive for both recent graduates and experienced engineers.

Frequently asked questions about the line engineer profession

• What is the average salary of a line engineer?
  - The average salary is 48 800 SEK per month.
• Are there large salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a line engineer?
  - Usually, a university or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field is required.
• What are the future prospects for line engineers?
  - Demand is very high, and the forecast indicates strong employment opportunities over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries?
  - The highest salary is 66,400 SEK (male, private sector, research degree), and the lowest is 38,900 SEK (male, public sector, pre-secondary education).
• What tasks does a line engineer perform?
  - Tasks include designing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical and infrastructure systems.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, higher salaries are often found in metropolitan regions and within the private sector.