Hospital engineer

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

A hospital engineer primarily works with maintenance, service, and development of medical technical equipment within healthcare. The work environment is characterized by close collaboration with medical staff and technicians, often in hospital technical departments or directly on wards where equipment is used. The role includes everything from installation and repair of advanced devices such as imaging and monitoring systems, to safety checks and user training. A hospital engineer bears great responsibility for ensuring the equipment functions safely and efficiently, which is crucial for patient safety. The work requires both technical skills and the ability to communicate with various healthcare professionals.

Salary development over time

The salary development for hospital engineers has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK, but it decreased slightly to 32 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, it rose again to 34 000 SEK. This represents a decline of about -7.9% between 2022 and 2023, followed by a recovery of 4% in the most recent year. Salary fluctuations can be explained by changes in demand, labor market developments, and possibly renegotiated collective agreements within the profession. Despite the fluctuations, the salary level remains competitive compared to similar technical roles in the healthcare sector.

Hospital engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, private sector)
• Highest salary: 59,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 204 SEK/hour
• Women: 33 300 SEK/month
• Men: 34 600 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a hospital engineer, a technical university degree in medical technology, electronics, or similar fields is generally required. The profession demands both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with medical equipment, and many employers also require certifications or specialized courses in the area. Internships or trainee programs are common to provide insight into hospital technical environments and workflows. Self-study and continuous professional development are often necessary due to the rapid technological advancements within medical technology.

• Technical university degree: 3–5 years, often with specialization in medical technology
• Certifications: Examples include medical technology safety or specific system certifications
• Internship/Trainee: Usually during studies or immediately after graduation
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility plus mathematics and physics at high school level
• Ongoing training: Necessary to stay updated with new technology

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, hospital engineers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowance, extra vacation days, professional development, and flexible working hours. Occupational pension and insurance are standard parts of employment conditions, and employers may also provide subsidized lunches or staff discounts in certain regions.

Competitions and challenges

The competition for positions as a hospital engineer is considered moderate but varies depending on region and technical specialization. A challenge is the rapid technological development within medical technology, which requires continuous skills development and high adaptability. The role also involves significant responsibility for patient safety, which can be demanding during urgent operational disruptions or when new equipment must be quickly implemented. Limited data makes it difficult to predict future recruitment needs precisely, but demand for technical expertise in healthcare is expected to remain stable.

Tips for aspiring hospital engineers

To succeed as a hospital engineer, it’s beneficial to combine technical curiosity with accuracy and problem-solving skills. Building a strong network during your studies and actively seeking internships provides valuable experience and insights into the profession’s daily work. Flexibility and the ability to manage change are invaluable when new technology is rapidly adopted in healthcare. Good communication and teamwork skills facilitate work in interdisciplinary teams and help ensure that technical solutions truly meet healthcare needs. Engaging in further training and staying updated with industry developments strengthen both your professional role and career prospects. Ultimately, a genuine interest in healthcare and technology is a great asset for long-term motivation.

Key facts about hospital engineers

• Educational level: Technical university degree (3–5 years)
• Professional group: Technicians, imaging diagnostics, and medical technical equipment
• Work environment: Hospitals and healthcare facilities, often in technical or service departments
• Demand: 550 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a hospital engineer, opportunities can open for advancement to senior technical roles, such as technical manager, project leader for major equipment installations, or specialist within a specific technical area. With experience, it’s also possible to work in staff training or participate in development projects for new medical technology. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no precise assessment exists for the profession due to limited data, but the technical focus and increasing need for advanced equipment in healthcare suggest good future prospects. Currently, about 550 job openings are available, indicating continued demand for skills.

Frequently asked questions about hospital engineers

• What is the average salary of a hospital engineer?
  - The average salary for a hospital engineer is 34 000 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn on average 33 300 SEK while men earn 34 600 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a hospital engineer?
  - A technical university degree in medical technology, electronics, or similar fields is required, often supplemented with practical experience and certifications.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salaries can vary depending on region and employer, but the average is around 34 000 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for hospital engineers?
  - The highest salary is 59,300 SEK (male, private sector, research education) and the lowest is 30,000 SEK (female, private sector).
• What is the job market outlook for hospital engineers?
  - There are approximately 550 job openings within the profession, indicating good demand, but no exact forecast is available.