Maintenance electrician

What does a maintenance electrician do? – Tasks and work environment

A maintenance electrician mainly works to prevent, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical systems and equipment within industries and larger properties. Tasks include fault finding, repairs, installation, and servicing of everything from motors and control systems to lighting and power networks within production environments. The work is often carried out in factories, workshops, or other industrial facilities where downtime can be costly, demanding high problem-solving skills and flexibility. The work environment is varied and can involve working at heights, in confined spaces, or in noisy and sometimes dusty environments. Safety awareness is crucial, as the job involves handling electricity and often working near machinery and moving parts.

Salary development over time

The salary for maintenance electricians has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the salary increased to 37 400 SEK, representing an increase of about 1.6%. The most significant salary increase occurred in the past year, where the average salary for 2024 amounts to 39 700 SEK, an increase of nearly 6.2% compared to the previous year. This positive salary development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified electricians in industry, as well as a growing need for technical competence driven by automation and digitization in manufacturing. Additionally, the labor market has been affected by retirements and an increased focus on maintenance to minimize downtime, strengthening the profession’s bargaining position.

Maintenance electrician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (female), 37,200 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female), 44,700 SEK/month (male)
• Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 88% of men's salary (35,500 SEK vs. 40 100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on industry and location

Education and qualifications

To work as a maintenance electrician, a high school education with a focus on the electrical and energy program is generally required, often followed by internships and industry-specific certifications. Many employers also value experience from industrial environments and knowledge of control and regulation technology. Further training and continuing education are common to stay updated with new technology and safety regulations.

• High school education: Electrical and Energy Program (3 years)
• Certifications: ECY certification and possibly safety training
• Internships: Longer internships within industry are recommended
• Further education: Courses in automation and control systems
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in mathematics and technical subjects

Common benefits and compensations

Maintenance electricians are often offered benefits such as shift or overtime pay, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and pension contributions. Many employers prioritize work clothing, protective equipment, and opportunities for further training. Bonuses linked to production goals or special efforts during urgent downtime are also common.

Competition and challenges

The demand for maintenance electricians is generally good, but competition can vary depending on region and industry. The shortage of trained personnel means many employers are willing to offer attractive conditions to retain staff. A challenge is the rapid technological development, where new knowledge of automation and digital control systems becomes crucial. The work can be physically demanding and involve on-call duties or irregular hours during urgent faults. Additionally, continuous updating of safety routines is necessary to minimize risks in environments where electricity and machinery are combined.

Tips for those wanting to become maintenance electricians

To succeed as a maintenance electrician, it’s good to combine technical interest with accuracy and problem-solving skills. Those curious about how machines work tend to learn troubleshooting and find effective solutions easily. Being resilient and able to work methodically under pressure is valuable, especially when downtime must be handled quickly. Teamwork skills are also an asset, as the work often takes place in teams with other technicians and production staff. Flexibility and willingness to learn new systems and techniques make the profession stimulating and developmental. Being safety-conscious and following routines is crucial for your own and others’ safety. Finally, an interest in further education and new technological solutions offers good opportunities for career development.

Key facts about maintenance electricians

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Salary range: 35,300–44,700 SEK/month
• Education: Electrical and Energy Program, high school level (3 years)
• Work environment: Industrial facilities, often shift work
• Number of available jobs: 481 within the industrial electrician field

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a maintenance electrician, there are good opportunities for further development, such as becoming a supervisor, technical specialist, or automation engineer. Many also choose to deepen their knowledge in programming control systems or advanced troubleshooting. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that industrial electricians, including maintenance electricians, generally have a stable job market, although detailed assessments are lacking for this specific profession. With increasing needs for technical maintenance and automation, the outlook remains positive, especially for those continuously updating their skills with new technology.

Frequently asked questions about maintenance electricians

• What is the average salary of a maintenance electrician?
  - The average salary for a maintenance electrician is 39 700 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a maintenance electrician?
  - The Electrical and Energy Program at high school (3 years), along with internships and certifications, is required.
• Are there large salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 88% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for maintenance electricians?
  - There are 481 available jobs within the industrial electrician field, indicating strong demand.
• What are the most common work environments for a maintenance electrician?
  - The work primarily occurs in industrial environments, factories, and workshops.
• How has the salary developed?
  - The salary has increased from 36,800 SEK in 2022 to 39 700 SEK in 2024.
• What can influence the salary of a maintenance electrician?
  - Factors such as experience, workplace, region, and education level are important.