Occupational inspector

What does an Occupational Inspector do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An occupational inspector works to check and ensure that workplaces comply with laws and regulations regarding occupational safety, health, and environment. Tasks include inspecting workplaces, investigating accidents and near-misses, and advising employers and employees on how to improve the work environment. Occupational inspectors often collaborate with other experts such as occupational health engineers and environmental hygienists, and their work can involve both office work and field visits. The work is both independent and outward-facing, with regular contact with companies, authorities, and employees.

Salary development over time

The salary of an occupational inspector has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,600 SEK, rising to 51 200 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates a further increase to 53 200 SEK per month. The total salary increase during this period is approximately 9.5%, which is a notable improvement compared to several other security and surveillance professions. Contributing factors may include increased demand for occupational health expertise, higher safety requirements, and more employers valuing specialized knowledge in the field. The role of an occupational inspector has gained importance as occupational health legislation has developed and the requirements for systematic occupational health work have tightened.

Occupational Inspector Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 53 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 58,700 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 320 SEK/hour
• Men's average salary: 54 500 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 51 700 SEK/month
• Women earn: 95% of what men do

Education and Qualifications

To work as an occupational inspector, a post-secondary education in occupational health, technology, environmental science, or related fields is generally required. Many have backgrounds as occupational health engineers or environmental hygienists and supplement their education with courses in labor law and occupational health legislation. Practical experience from inspections, occupational health work, or safety work is often advantageous, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed internships or trainee programs.

• Formal education: Post-secondary education (3 years or more), e.g., occupational health engineer or environmental science
• Additional courses: Occupational law, inspection methodology, risk assessment
• Internship: Recommended, often via trainee programs or workplace-based learning
• Certifications: Possibility to certify in specific occupational health fields
• Prerequisites: Natural sciences or technical secondary education facilitate entry

Common Benefits and Compensation

Occupational inspectors are often covered by collective agreements with benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development. Other common benefits include insurance, subsidized lunches, and sometimes additional vacation days depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for occupational inspectors is characterized by steady demand, although the role is often part of broader professions such as occupational health engineers and environmental hygienists. One of the main challenges is staying updated on legislative changes and occupational health standards, as well as handling complex occupational health issues at companies with varying resources and conditions. Since the profession demands high integrity and precision, it can also be stressful during inspections and reporting. There are regional differences in salary and job availability, with metropolitan areas often offering more positions and slightly higher salaries.

Tips for Aspiring Occupational Inspectors

To succeed as an occupational inspector, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with good communication abilities, as it is often necessary to quickly identify risks and clearly communicate corrective measures. Initiative and independence are important qualities, especially when planning and conducting inspections on your own. Flexibility helps because tasks can vary between fieldwork and administrative reporting. A structured work approach is crucial for managing multiple cases simultaneously while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Being attentive and pedagogical helps build trust with employers and employees, which is central to the inspector role.

Key Facts about Occupational Inspector

• Education level: Post-secondary education (3+ years) in technology, environment or occupational health
• Work environment: Both office-based and fieldwork
• Work style: Independent, often with authority responsibilities
• Demand: 191 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Occupational law, risk assessment, inspection methodology

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an occupational inspector can advance to specialist roles within occupational health, become a manager of an inspection team, or work in policy development within authorities and larger companies. There are also opportunities to work internationally, especially for those specializing in areas like chemical safety or ergonomics. According to the Swedish Employment Agency, there is no precise forecast for occupational inspectors, but related professions such as occupational health engineers and environmental hygienists report 191 available jobs and a continued steady demand for expertise. The profession is expected to maintain its important role as requirements for occupational health and safety increase, although competition for the most attractive positions can be high in metropolitan regions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Occupational Inspector

• What is the average salary of an Occupational Inspector?
  - An occupational inspector has an average salary of 53 200 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for an Occupational Inspector?
  - The highest salary is 58,700 SEK and the lowest is 41,700 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in the profession?
  - Women earn 95% of what men do; men's average salary is 54 500 SEK, women's 51 700 SEK.
• What education is required to become an Occupational Inspector?
  - Post-secondary education in technology, environment, or occupational health, often at least 3 years.
• What is the job market outlook for Occupational Inspectors?
  - There are 191 available jobs within the profession, but an exact forecast is unavailable due to limited data.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and skills development are common benefits.
• Are there regional salary differences for Occupational Inspectors?
  - Yes, metropolitan regions often offer slightly higher salaries and more positions than other parts of the country.