Ventilation technician, service technician

What does a ventilation technician do in the HVAC industry? – Tasks and work environment

A ventilation technician focusing on service mainly works with installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of ventilation systems in buildings. Tasks include preventive maintenance and urgent interventions during operational disruptions, often on-site with clients in residential buildings, offices, and industries. The work involves regular contact with clients and property owners, requiring good communication skills and flexibility. The work environment can vary from indoor spaces, confined areas, to working at heights, making safety awareness and physical endurance important qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary for ventilation/service technicians has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 36,800 SEK, rising to 39 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 41 400 SEK. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 12.5% over three years. The salary increase can mainly be explained by the growing demand for skilled technicians in the HVAC field, combined with a labor shortage according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. The technological advancement in the industry and increased requirements for energy efficiency have also contributed to elevating the profession's status and salary levels.

Ventilation technician, service technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data for lowest/highest missing, but average for men: 41 500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 249 SEK/hour (calculated on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Salary data for women is unavailable, men earn an average of 41 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data on specific regional variations is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a ventilation technician focusing on service, a vocational education in HVAC or ventilation is usually required, often at the high school level or through adult education. Practical experience is highly valued and can sometimes replace formal education. Many employers also require certifications in ventilation and safety, as well as a B-driver's license to work in the field.

• Vocational training in HVAC/ventilation: High school programs or adult education (about 3 years)
• Certifications: Examples include OVK competence, hot work, safety training
• Internship: Usually included or as part of apprenticeship
• B-driver's license: Often a requirement for work at customer sites
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and some physics/mathematics knowledge

Common benefits and compensations

Ventilation technicians in service are often offered several benefits, such as company cars, wellness allowances, work clothing, and tools allowances. Other common compensations include overtime pay, per diems for work at other locations, and opportunities for further training at the employer's expense. Many workplaces also offer collective agreement insurances and pension schemes.

Competition and challenges

The job market for ventilation technicians is currently characterized by high demand and a shortage of qualified personnel, making competition for jobs relatively low. However, this also entails high demands on flexibility, technical competence, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and regulations. The industry’s shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient solutions increases the need for specialization and ongoing training. At the same time, the work can be physically demanding and involve irregular hours during urgent interventions. For newcomers, it can be challenging to quickly build up both technical experience and customer contact skills.

Tips for those wanting to become ventilation technicians, service technicians

To succeed as a ventilation technician in service, it is beneficial to have strong problem-solving skills and a genuine technical interest, as troubleshooting and installation often require creative solutions. Precision is crucial, especially regarding safety and quality. Good communication skills facilitate contact with customers and colleagues, contributing to smooth work processes. Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to new work environments and technical changes are also important traits. Continuously updating oneself on new industry regulations and technologies provides a competitive advantage. Practical experience, such as internships or summer jobs, offers valuable insight into the profession. Finally, a sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently are key factors for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about ventilation technicians, service technicians

• Education level: Vocational training in HVAC/ventilation (about 3 years)
• Work environment: Varied, often with clients and in technical environments
• Demand: Very high, shortage of qualified workforce
• Job openings: 379 advertised positions within the profession
• Future outlook: Unchanged demand according to the Swedish Public Employment Service

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession as a ventilation technician, opportunities open for advancement to roles such as supervisor, project manager, or specialist in energy efficiency and control systems. Some choose to further their education to work with advanced ventilation systems or obtain certifications such as OVK (mandatory ventilation inspection). According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for HVAC installers, job opportunities are expected to remain strong over the next five years, with unchanged demand. The shortage of qualified technicians is expected to persist, offering good opportunities for career development and salary increases for those willing to take on more responsibility or specialize in the field.

Frequently asked questions about ventilation technicians, service technicians

• What does a ventilation technician, service technician earn?
  - The average salary is 41 400 SEK per month, men earn an average of 41 500 SEK. The hourly wage is approximately 249 SEK.
• Is training required to become a ventilation technician?
  - Yes, most commonly a vocational education in HVAC/ventilation, often at the high school level or adult education.
• What is the job market like?
  - Demand is very high, and there is a shortage of qualified ventilation technicians according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Common benefits include company cars, wellness allowances, work clothing, tools allowances, and collective agreement insurances.
• Can I further my education within the profession?
  - Yes, opportunities for further training and certifications, such as OVK or specialization in control systems and energy efficiency, exist.
• Where do ventilation technicians usually work?
  - Mostly on-site with clients, in properties, industries, or technical facilities.
• What is the gender distribution in the profession?
  - Specific salary statistics for women are unavailable, but men earn an average of 41 500 SEK/month.