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What does a setting out engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A setting out engineer primarily works with measuring, marking, and controlling various civil engineering and construction projects. The tasks often involve using drawings and measuring instruments to ensure foundations, roads, pipelines, or building components are correctly placed according to project requirements. The role is part of the skilled trades within construction and civil engineering, meaning the work environment can be challenging and varied. Setting out engineers spend a lot of time outdoors, work in teams with other construction workers, and often handle physically demanding tasks as well as precise measurements and documentation. The pace of work is often dictated by project phases and deadlines, leading to periods of intense activity and waiting depending on the project's progress.

Salary development over time

The salary for a setting out engineer has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,700 SEK per month, rising to 33 700 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 6.3%. The latest figure from 2024 shows a further rise to 34 700 SEK, which corresponds to an additional growth of 3% compared to the previous year. This salary trend can be linked to general wage adjustments within the construction sector and a slightly increased demand for skilled tradespeople as construction projects become more complex. At the same time, the profession still exhibits clear gender pay gaps and some variation based on experience, region, and employer. Despite the positive trend, it is important to note that setting out engineers generally have a salary structure somewhat below the average for certain other specialized construction trades.

Setting out engineer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: 31,300–35,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 90% of men's salary (31,300 SEK vs 34 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Varies depending on project and employer, but no detailed statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a setting out engineer, a high school diploma in construction and civil engineering is generally required, often with specialization in civil works or measurement technology. Practical experience from the construction industry is highly meritorious, and it is common to supplement education with internal courses or certifications in surveying and work environment safety. Employers also value good skills in reading drawings and experience with modern measurement instruments.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, at least 3 years
• Certifications: Courses in surveying and work environment safety (e.g., BAS-U, BAS-P)
• Practical experience: Experience from construction sites and measurement work is highly advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, basic mathematics skills, and technical interest
• Tips: Opportunities for further education via YH or technical courses

Common benefits and compensations

Setting out engineers often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, health allowances, and workwear. Overtime pay for evening and weekend work, as well as access to work clothes and protective equipment, are also common. Some employers offer further training and skills development as part of employment.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a setting out engineer is currently relatively high, as the profession belongs to a group with a certain surplus of labor. However, according to national forecasts, demand is expected to increase within five years, which may improve employment opportunities in the future. Challenges include staying updated with new measurement and digitalization technologies, working efficiently under changing weather conditions, and meeting tight deadlines. For those who are precise, responsible, and adaptable, there are good opportunities to establish themselves and advance in the field.

Tips for aspiring setting out engineers

To succeed as a setting out engineer, it is beneficial to combine accuracy with practical skills and a willingness to learn new technology. Good communication skills are important, as the work often involves teamwork and clear dialogue with site managers and supervisors. Physical fitness helps with the more physically demanding tasks, and a structured work approach minimizes errors in measurement and documentation. Flexibility and adaptability to changing work environments increase both job satisfaction and opportunities for new assignments. Being solution-oriented is an asset when unforeseen problems arise on site, and demonstrating responsibility often leads to trust and more advanced tasks. Finally, continuous further education is recommended to stay attractive in the job market.

Key facts about setting out engineers

• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Education: Construction and civil engineering program, 3 years
• Gender differences: Women earn 90% of men's salary
• Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding and varied
• Job opportunities: 379 job openings nationwide within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a setting out engineer, opportunities exist to advance to more specialized roles such as measurement technician, construction supervisor, or site manager. Those wishing to broaden their skills can pursue further training in construction planning, CAD, or digital measurement. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job prospects for skilled trades within construction are currently limited but are expected to increase over the next five years. Digitalization and increased demands for documentation and quality make technically skilled and flexible workers particularly sought after. Experience and further education also open doors to working on larger, more complex projects or starting their own measurement and setting out business.

Frequently asked questions about setting out engineers

• What does a setting out engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 34 700 SEK per month, but it varies between 31,300 and 35,200 SEK depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• What education is required to become a setting out engineer?
  - Usually, a high school diploma in construction and civil engineering along with practical measurement experience is required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 90% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for setting out engineers?
  - Currently, competition is high, but demand is expected to increase within five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the job responsibilities of a setting out engineer?
  - Tasks include measurement, setting out, and control of construction projects, as well as documentation and collaboration with other professionals.
• What benefits are common for setting out engineers?
  - Collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, health allowances, and workwear are common.
• How can one develop in the profession?
  - Further education and experience can lead to roles such as measurement technician, supervisor, or site manager.