Signal engineer

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

A signaling engineer primarily works with planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of signaling systems, often within railways, subways, or other critical infrastructure. Tasks include troubleshooting, programming, testing safety and control systems, as well as documentation and quality assurance of technical work. Signal installations must operate flawlessly around the clock, which means signaling engineers often work in shifts and sometimes under time pressure during emergency outages. The work environment is technically advanced, involving both fieldwork and control room operations, requiring precision, teamwork, and a high safety mindset.

Salary development over time

The salary for signaling engineers has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, increasing to 48 800 SEK in 2023 and remaining at the same level in 2024. This represents an increase of about 4.7% from 2022 to 2023, mainly driven by sustained high demand for technical skills within infrastructure and public transport. The plateauing of wages afterwards suggests that the market has reached a certain equilibrium, with a reduced skills shortage due to an increased supply of trained engineers. Despite this, the profession is still considered to offer competitive salaries, especially for those specializing in signaling systems and safety technology.

Signaling engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (men, public sector, pre-university education)
• Highest salary: 66,400 SEK/month (men, private sector, doctoral degree)
• Highest salary for women: 49,300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 41,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 293 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do (46 700 SEK/month versus 49 200 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a signaling engineer usually involves a university or YH (vocational college) education in electrical engineering, automation, or railway technology. Employers particularly value practical experience with signaling systems, certifications, and documented technical competence. Knowledge in electricity, IT, and safety is highly meritorious, and additional courses or certifications can further improve employability.

• University or YH education: Electrical engineering, automation, or railway technology (2–3 years)
• Certifications: Examples include signaling safety, track access rights, or similar
• Internship: Commonly, internships or trainee positions are undertaken during studies
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility plus technical or electrical background
• Supplementary courses: IT, programming, safety technology

Common benefits and compensations

Signaling engineers are often offered secure employment conditions with collective agreements, occupational pensions, and insurance. Access to wellness contributions, training support, and opportunities for further education are common. Other benefits may include shift allowances, extra vacation days, and staff discounts, especially within larger technical companies or the public sector.

Challenges and competition

Despite high demand for signaling engineers, the recruitment situation can be paradoxical: while there are many open positions, experienced engineers leave the profession, creating a constant need for new skills. The challenges lie in the rapid technological development of signaling systems, requiring continuous training and adaptability. Additionally, the work sometimes involves irregular hours and high safety and precision demands. Competition for the most attractive positions is noticeable, especially in metropolitan areas and the private sector where salaries are highest. For newcomers, it is important to quickly build experience and certifications to remain competitive.

Tips for aspiring signaling engineers

To succeed as a signaling engineer, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with problem-solving skills and precision. Early internships or trainee programs provide valuable work experience and increase employability. Being analytical and capable of managing complex systems is crucial, especially during troubleshooting and outages. Flexibility and stress management are important qualities, as the work often involves time pressure and high safety standards. Continuously updating skills and obtaining certifications in signaling safety or new systems provide competitive advantages. Good teamwork and communication skills are also essential, as the work is often team-based and involves dialogue with other technical groups. Staying informed about new technology and digitalization enhances career development opportunities within the field.

Key facts about signaling engineers

• Salary range: 38,900–66,400 SEK/month
• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Education level: YH/higher education (2–3 years)
• Job market: 564 available jobs nationwide
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, stable outlook

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a signaling engineer, there are good opportunities to advance to specialist roles, project manager, or technical manager within signaling systems and infrastructure. Many choose to specialize in advanced safety technology, digitalization of signaling, or system integration. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that the number of jobs nationwide remains high, with demand expected to stay stable over the next five years. Skills in digital signaling systems and automation are becoming increasingly important, opening new career paths in railway projects, consulting, or international assignments. For those interested in further education, a master's degree or doctoral studies in electrical engineering can lead to more qualified or leadership positions.

Frequently asked questions about signaling engineers

• What is the average salary of a signaling engineer?
  - A signaling engineer has an average monthly salary of 48 800 SEK.
• What is the highest salary for a signaling engineer?
  - The highest salary is 66,400 SEK per month, belonging to a man in the private sector with a doctoral degree.
• How do gender pay differences look?
  - Women earn on average 46 700 SEK, which is 95% of men's salary of 49 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become a signaling engineer?
  - Usually, a YH or university education in electrical engineering, automation, or railway technology is required.
• What does the job market look like for signaling engineers?
  - The job market is very good with 564 available jobs nationwide and stable demand going forward.
• What does a signaling engineer do?
  - They work with installation, operation, and maintenance of signaling systems within railways, subway systems, and other infrastructure.
• What common benefits are available in the profession?
  - Common benefits include collective agreements, occupational pensions, insurance, wellness contributions, and training support.