Mechanical mechanic, other

What does a maintenance machinery mechanic do? – Tasks and work environment

A maintenance machinery mechanic primarily works with servicing, repairing, and preventive maintenance of machines in industry, workshops, or large production facilities. Tasks range from troubleshooting and replacing wear parts to advanced repairs of mechanical and sometimes electrical components. The work is often team-based, but some assignments require independent work and quick decision-making. The work environment varies depending on the industry and workplace but is often characterized by noise, physical activity, and sometimes working at heights or in confined spaces. Protective equipment and safety routines are therefore a natural part of the daily routine.

Salary development over time

The salary for maintenance mechanics has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,500 SEK per month, rising to 37 900 SEK in 2023, and reaching 39 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of about 8% over three years, which is slightly higher than the average increase for Swedish professions during the same period. The driving factors behind this development include continued demand for qualified maintenance technicians as industry machinery modernizes and automates. The labor market has been relatively balanced, with supply and demand being fairly evenly distributed. Salary increases have also been influenced by collective agreements and regional variations, with metropolitan areas often offering slightly higher compensation.

Maintenance mechanic, overall salary overview

• Average salary: 39 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 237 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women: 38 500 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 39 500 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a maintenance machinery mechanic, a high school education with a focus on industrial technology, vehicles, or electrical and energy programs is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience and sometimes additional certifications in areas such as welding or hydraulics. Some roles may require post-secondary education, especially if the work involves advanced troubleshooting or control systems. The job market also values problem-solving skills and technical understanding.

• High school education: Industrial technology, vehicles, or electrical and energy programs (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Vocational college, technical training, or equivalent
• Certifications: Welding, hydraulics, forklift, or crane licenses
• Internship: Practical training (APL) often conducted during education
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic mathematics

Common benefits and compensation

Maintenance mechanics are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, additional insurance, and sometimes access to occupational health services. Shift work can provide overtime premiums, and some employers apply bonus or incentive models for particularly demanding tasks. Longer travel to workplaces may include per diems and travel time compensation.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a maintenance mechanic is currently moderate, with nationally assessed medium opportunities for employment. Since the profession encompasses a broad range of tasks, both extensive technical knowledge and the ability to quickly adapt to new machine systems are required. Technological development and increased automation also raise the competence requirements, especially in control systems and advanced troubleshooting. Seasonal variations and economic fluctuations may also occur, but the industry is considered relatively stable. Regional differences can influence job availability, mainly depending on industrial locations.

Tips for those who want to become a maintenance mechanic

To succeed as a maintenance mechanic, it is good to combine technical interest with a willingness to continuously learn new skills. A careful and analytical approach facilitates troubleshooting, while practical skills make repairs more efficient. Flexibility is important, as tasks can vary from day to day, and good teamwork skills are needed when working with others or in teams. Patience and the ability to handle stressful situations are also assets, especially during urgent machine breakdowns. Those who show initiative and take responsibility for their own development often find it easier to get more qualified and independent assignments.

Key facts about maintenance mechanics, other

• Education level: High school education, often with a technical focus
• Work environment: Industry, workshop, or production – often physically demanding
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 481 available jobs nationwide
• Work arrangement: Shift work and on-call duties may occur
• Special skills: Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining machinery

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as service technician, supervisor, or specialist in automation and control systems. Some choose to further their education to become technicians or engineers, while others move into training or consulting roles. According to the Employment Service's forecast for the maintenance mechanic and machinery repairer group, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a continued balanced labor market. However, technological development is expected to increase skill requirements, so those investing in further education and specialization have particularly good future prospects. Currently, there are about 481 available jobs nationwide within the group.

Frequently asked questions about maintenance mechanics, other

• What does a maintenance mechanic earn?
  - The average salary for a maintenance mechanic is 39 400 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn an average of 38 500 SEK per month, which is 98% of men's average salary of 39 500 SEK.
• What qualifications are required to become a maintenance mechanic?
  - A high school education with a technical focus and practical experience, sometimes supplemented with certifications, are required.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries can vary depending on region and industry, with metropolitan areas often offering higher compensation.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, according to the Employment Service.
• What workplace risks exist?
  - The work environment can be noisy and physically demanding, with risks of accidents if safety procedures are not followed.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes additional insurance and overtime premiums.