Service technician, motor vehicle

What does a Service Technician in motor vehicles do? – Tasks and work environment

A Service Technician in motor vehicles works with diagnosing, servicing, and repairing everything from passenger cars to heavy vehicles. Tasks include routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics using computerized tools, replacing worn parts, and repairing engines, gearboxes, and electronics. Many technicians work at authorized workshops, but assignments can also occur at customer sites or in the field. The work environment is often workshop-based and can involve working in noisy, sometimes tight spaces, as well as handling heavy components and chemicals. Safety procedures and ergonomics are therefore important parts of the daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Service Technician in motor vehicles has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, which increased to 33 200 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 34 400 SEK, an increase of about 8% over three years. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified technicians alongside technological advancements in the automotive industry, as well as recruitment difficulties for experienced staff. Despite high unemployment in the profession, recruitment problems are reported, which may further drive salary growth. Regional differences exist, with higher salaries often in metropolitan areas and for technicians with specialized skills in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Service Technician, motor vehicles salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 207 SEK/hour
• Women: 32 500 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men: 34 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Highest salary for men in regional sectors, lowest for women in public sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Service Technician in motor vehicles usually involves high school education within the Vehicle and Transport program, often with specialization in passenger car technology or heavy vehicles. After high school, further training or certifications are sometimes required, especially at authorized workshops and for work with electric and hybrid vehicles. Practical experience, either through workplace-based learning (APL) during studies or as a trainee, is highly valuable and often a requirement for employment. Vocational training and specialized courses can provide additional competitive advantages.

• Vehicle and Transport program: High school education, 3 years
• Brand-specific training/certifications: Often required at authorized workshops
• APL/trainee: Practical experience required
• Skills in electric and hybrid vehicles: Meritorious and in demand
• Good grades in mathematics and technology: Facilitate education

Common benefits and compensations

Service Technicians in motor vehicles often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, tool allowances, and sometimes bonuses based on performance or workshop results. At larger workshops, subsidized lunches, employee discounts on spare parts, and opportunities for skills development may also be included. Overtime pay and allowances for inconvenient working hours are common, especially in the public sector.

Challenges and competition

Despite high unemployment in the profession, significant recruitment difficulties are reported, especially for technicians with specialized skills. Technological development in the automotive industry is rapid, requiring continuous further training and adaptation to new digital tools. Increased electrification of vehicle fleets means technicians must have knowledge of both traditional mechanics and advanced electronics. Competition for the most attractive positions is greatest in metropolitan areas, but demand is generally high across the country. Workload and physical strain can be challenging, especially when working with heavy vehicles and shift work.

Tips for those interested in becoming a Service Technician in motor vehicles

To succeed as a Service Technician in motor vehicles, it is good to have a strong technical interest and an analytical ability to troubleshoot advanced problems. Precision is an important trait, especially when diagnosing and repairing safety-critical components. Being service-minded and having good communication skills facilitates cooperation with colleagues and customers. Flexibility and a willingness to continuously learn new skills are crucial, as technology develops rapidly in the industry. Practical experience, such as internships during education, increases employment opportunities. The ability to handle stress and work systematically is also valuable, especially during busy periods. Finally, it is important to enjoy working both independently and as part of a team in a workshop environment.

Key facts about Service Technician, motor vehicles

• Salary range: 30,100–36,300 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma in vehicle technology
• Work environment: Workshop, sometimes fieldwork
• Demand: High, 481 job openings nationwide
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a Service Technician in motor vehicles can advance to more specialized roles, such as diagnostics or electric vehicle technician, supervisor, or customer service representative. With further education and experience, opportunities include becoming a workshop manager or technical expert within a specific car brand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are considered large nationwide, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite the paradox of both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment in the profession, the future prospects are generally good for those who stay updated with new technologies and hold relevant certifications.

Frequently asked questions about Service Technician, motor vehicles

• What is the average salary of a Service Technician, motor vehicles?
  - The average salary is 34 400 SEK per month.
• What does the gender pay gap look like?
  - Women earn 94% of what men do, with an average salary of 32 500 SEK compared to men's 34 500 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Service Technician, motor vehicles?
  - High school education within the Vehicle and Transport program is most common, often supplemented with certifications or brand-specific training.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The prognosis is good with great job opportunities and demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, further education and experience can lead to roles such as diagnostics technician, supervisor, or workshop manager.
• What are the most common work environments?
  - Most work in workshop environments, but fieldwork and customer visits also occur.
• What is the salary range for a Service Technician, motor vehicles?
  - Salaries vary between 30,100 SEK and 36,300 SEK per month depending on experience, sector, and gender.