Radiation protection engineer salary

Salary and Working Conditions for Radiation Protection Engineers

Radiation protection engineers work to protect people and the environment from harmful radiation. Their work is crucial in many areas, including nuclear power plants, hospitals, and research laboratories. In Sweden, the profession is often classified within the occupational group of environmental and health protection inspectors under SSYK code 2182.

What Does a Radiation Protection Engineer Earn?

The salary level for radiation protection engineers is relatively good and reflects the important role they play. The average monthly salary for a radiation protection engineer is 39 900 kronor. Men in the profession earn an average of 40 600 kronor, while female radiation protection engineers have an average salary of 39 600 kronor, which means that women earn approximately 98% of what men do.

Salary Range and Salary Development

The salary range for radiation protection engineers varies, with the highest salary at 46400 kronor for a male private sector employee and the highest salary for a female at 45900 kronor. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a female in the public sector has been noted at 32200 kronor, while the lowest salary for a male is 33600 kronor. Recently, the average salary for the profession has increased from 38 000 to 39 900 kronor, indicating a positive salary development.

Hourly Wage

For radiation protection engineers working on an hourly basis, the average hourly wage is 240 kronor, based on 166 working hours per month. This provides a flexible salary model for those who may not work full-time or have other forms of employment.

Job Responsibilities and Work Environment

Radiation protection engineers are responsible for monitoring and controlling radiation levels to protect personnel and the public. This includes developing and implementing safety procedures, conducting measurements and analyses, and educating staff on radiation safety. The job requires great precision and a sense of responsibility, as mishandling can have serious consequences.

Benefits

Within certain organizations, radiation protection engineers may have access to benefits such as paid further education, which is crucial for staying updated on the latest technology and safety standards. Additionally, some employers may offer flexible working hours or the opportunity to work from home, especially in roles where much of the work can be done digitally.

Education and Qualifications

To become a radiation protection engineer, a higher education degree in natural sciences, engineering, or a similar discipline is usually required. It is also important to have specific training in radiation safety and protection, which may be offered by certain universities and colleges. Some employers may also require certification in radiation protection.

Future Outlook and Demand

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for environmental and health protection inspectors, which includes radiation protection engineers, the job opportunities are moderate and are expected to remain stable over the next five years. This means that there is a steady demand for radiation protection engineers, but competition can be tough depending on the region and sector.

Recruitment Situation

The recruitment situation for radiation protection engineers is considered balanced, meaning that the number of job seekers matches the number of available jobs. This is positive for those interested in entering this field, but it may also mean that having specialized education or experience is important to stand out in the recruitment process.

Summary and Conclusion

Working as a radiation protection engineer offers a stable career with good salary development and important tasks that contribute to societal safety. With the right education and qualifications, one can become a vital part of teams working to ensure radiation safety. Despite a balanced recruitment situation, there are opportunities for those who are qualified and motivated to advance in this field.