Support technician, control system

What does a support technician within control systems do? – Tasks and work environment

A support technician within control systems works with troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of technical control systems used in industry, building automation, and other technical environments. Tasks often include hardware and software installation, user and customer support, and documentation of technical processes and solutions. Many workplaces are production facilities, offices, or technical rooms requiring high technical competence and precision. The work may involve both daytime hours and on-call duties, especially when dealing with critical facilities where downtime must be addressed quickly.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for support technicians within control systems has been stable, with a clear increase between 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, increasing to 48 800 SEK in 2023, and has since remained at the same level in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 4.7% between 2022 and 2023. The development can be linked to increased demand for technical skills in automation and control systems, but the stability over the last two years indicates that the market has now reached equilibrium where supply and demand are balanced. Salary increases have been particularly noticeable for individuals with specialist skills and experience, while entry-level salaries have seen somewhat slower growth.

Support technician, control system salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (men, public sector, pre-high school education); 41,600 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 66,400 SEK/month (men, private sector, doctoral degree); 49,300 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 293 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 49 200 SEK, women 46 700 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but higher salaries are often found in metropolitan regions and within the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a support technician within control systems, a technical education at high school or post-secondary level is generally required, often with a focus on automation, electronics, or mechatronics. Many employers also seek practical experience with control systems, programming, and troubleshooting, as well as good communication skills with users and colleagues. Certifications in specific control systems, such as Siemens or Schneider, can be advantageous and improve job prospects.

• High school: Electrical and energy program, automation specialization (3 years)
• Vocational college: Technical education in automation, control, and regulation technology (2 years)
• Certifications: System- or brand-specific certificates (e.g., Siemens S7, ABB)
• Internships/trainee programs: Practical training during education or trainee programs at larger companies
• Online courses: Opportunities for self-study and distance learning in programming and troubleshooting

Common benefits and compensations

Support technicians within control systems are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further education. Extra compensation for on-call duties and unsocial hours are common, especially in larger tech companies and within industry. Employers may also offer bonus programs, insurance, and options for remote work depending on company policy.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as support technicians within control systems is relatively low, as demand for technical skills in automation and control systems is high. At the same time, challenges include rapid technological changes and the need for continuous skills development. Many leave the profession for other roles, which creates a paradoxical recruitment situation: there is both a pool of candidates and recruitment difficulties. The work environment can be stressful during downtime or urgent faults, requiring the ability to handle stress and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical personnel.

Tips for those who want to become support technicians within control systems

To succeed as a support technician within control systems, it is good to have an analytical mindset and enjoy problem-solving in technical environments. Being meticulous makes it easier to quickly identify fault sources and document actions correctly. Good collaboration skills are important since the work often takes place in teams with technicians and end-users, and flexibility is required to handle urgent situations or schedule changes. Technical interest and a desire to constantly learn new things are crucial, as control systems and software develop rapidly. For those who are communicative and pedagogical, there are additional opportunities to take responsibility for user training or act as a link between technology and operations. Finally, initiative makes it easier to take on new challenges and contribute to improvements in processes and technical environments.

Key facts about support technicians within control systems

• Salary range: 38,900–66,400 SEK/month
• Average salary: 48 800 SEK/month
• Education level: High school or vocational education with a technical focus
• Work environment: Technology-intensive and often mission-critical
• Demand: Great opportunities nationwide (564 job openings in the profession)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a support technician within control systems, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as systems engineer, automation specialist, or technical project manager. Experience with specific control systems and programming languages can open doors to consultancy roles or specialist positions within larger industrial companies. The Employment Service’s forecasts for engineers and technicians in electrical engineering indicate continued high demand and unchanged future prospects over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding the right competence, which favors those willing to further their education and stay updated on new technology. Many also choose to broaden their skills into related areas such as IT security or building automation.

Frequently asked questions about support technicians within control systems

• What does a support technician within control systems earn?
  - The average salary is 48 800 SEK/month, but it varies between 38,900 and 66,400 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 49 200 SEK, women 46 700 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a support technician within control systems?
  - High school or vocational college with a technical focus, often supplemented with certifications and internships.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The demand for the profession is high, and the Employment Service assesses that job opportunities remain good over the next five years.
• What work environments are common?
  - Work often occurs in technology-intensive environments such as industry, property automation, and offices, sometimes with on-call duties.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, higher salaries are more common in metropolitan regions and within the private sector.
• What development opportunities are available?
  - After a few years, one can advance to roles such as automation specialist, systems engineer, or technical project manager.