Signal technicians, defense

What does a signal technician in the defense do? – Tasks and working environment

A signal technician in the defense plays a crucial role in ensuring that the military's communication systems function effectively and securely. Tasks include installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various telecommunications and signaling systems, including radio, satellite, and data communication. Daily work involves handling both hardware and software, often in field environments or at fixed facilities. The working environment can range from office-based work to challenging physical conditions, sometimes requiring readiness and quick response to technical faults or incidents.

Salary development over time

The profession of a signal technician in the defense has experienced stable salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, which increased to 48 800 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 4.7%. In 2024, the average salary has remained at 48 800 SEK, indicating a period of salary leveling after the previous increase. This trend reflects the continued high demand for technical skills within the defense, as well as the overall stability in salary formation for engineers and technicians in electrical engineering. The lack of further increase over the past year may partly be due to market maturity and the balancing of previous recruitment difficulties with a slightly increased supply of trained personnel.

Signal technician, defense salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 66,400 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral qualification)
• Lowest salary for women: 41,600 SEK/month
• Highest salary for women: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 293 SEK/hour
• Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 95%
• Regional differences: No specific information available

Education and qualifications

To work as a signal technician in the defense, a technical education in electronics, telecommunications, or computer engineering is usually required. Many start their careers through the Swedish Armed Forces' own training programs, while others have a civilian engineering or technical background. In addition to formal qualifications, practical experience, relevant work experience, and security clearance are highly valued within the defense.

• Technical high school education or equivalent
• Post-secondary education (YH, university) in electrical engineering, telecommunications, or IT
• Swedish Armed Forces' internal training programs
• Internship/trainee positions during education
• Security clearance and approved background check

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, employment as a signal technician in the defense often includes benefits such as pension schemes, wellness grants, overtime pay during standby duty, and access to the Swedish Armed Forces' training and health facilities. In some cases, extra compensation for work during unsociable hours is offered.

Competition and challenges

The demand for signal technicians with the right skills remains high within the Swedish Armed Forces, creating good employment opportunities. At the same time, recruiting can be challenging, as many leave the profession and there is a shortage of technically educated personnel. Rapid technological development requires continuous skills updating and flexibility. Security clearances and high confidentiality requirements are also central, as the work may involve sensitive information. These factors can lead to significant competition for the most attractive positions, especially for roles with leadership responsibility or specialized focus.

Tips for those wanting to become a signal technician in the defense

To succeed as a signal technician in the defense, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with a structured approach and a high sense of responsibility. Gaining early experience in electronics and computer networks, for example through internships or summer jobs, provides valuable insight into the profession. Precision is an important trait, especially when troubleshooting and maintaining critical systems. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively under pressure is also crucial, as the work environment is often dynamic and sometimes stressful. Being flexible and quickly adapting to new technical solutions is highly valued, as is the willingness to continue further education. Finally, integrity and loyalty to the employer are especially important, as the work may involve classified information.

Key facts about signal technicians in the defense

• Salary range: 38,900–66,400 SEK/month
• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Security clearance required: Yes
• Typical employment form: Full-time, sometimes standby
• Job opportunities: Large (564 job openings within the profession)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a signal technician in the defense, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as lead technician, system manager, or technical manager for communication systems. Further education can also lead to specialist roles in areas such as IT security, signals protection, or project management. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for engineers and technicians in electrical engineering shows that job opportunities nationally are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, recruitment challenges persist, meaning that the right skills will continue to be highly sought after in both the defense and related industries.

Frequently asked questions about signal technicians in the defense

• What does a signal technician earn in the defense?
  - The average salary is 48 800 SEK per month, with a range between 38,900 and 66,400 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 46 700 SEK while men earn 49 200 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a signal technician in the defense?
  - A technical education at high school or university level and an approved security clearance are required.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The job market is considered very good with many vacancies and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What does the work as a signal technician in the defense involve?
  - The work includes installation, operation, and maintenance of military telecommunications systems, as well as readiness service.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No specific information available, but salaries may vary depending on sector and education level.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Pension schemes, wellness grants, overtime pay, and access to the Swedish Armed Forces' training facilities are common benefits.