Soft Starter Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025 - 2034

The Global Soft Starter Market was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5% to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2034.

The growing emphasis on energy-efficient motor systems across industries is significantly fueling demand for soft starters, as they minimize inrush current, lower mechanical stress, and extend motor life. Public investments in water and wastewater infrastructure are playing a vital role, particularly in regions like the U.S., where federal funding initiatives are channeling billions toward utility upgrades. High-horsepower motors in these projects require controlled starting solutions to safeguard pipelines and electrical networks. Companies are prioritizing system-wide efficiency gains by deploying soft starters as part of retrofit and upgrade initiatives. According to the IEA’s 4E EMSA platform, motors used across industries and infrastructure account for over half of global electricity consumption. With increased focus on optimizing start/stop cycles and extending asset longevity, soft starters are becoming a critical component in modern industrial systems. Their ability to minimize downtime and improve system reliability is reshaping equipment selection decisions in sectors like manufacturing, water treatment, and building automation, aligning with broader trends in digital transformation and operational sustainability.

The solid-state segment held a 44.8% share in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2034. These units offer high-precision thermal modeling and quick response to overload conditions, reducing system failures and costly interruptions in industrial settings. Their programmable features and in-built diagnostics support real-time data collection, enabling predictive maintenance strategies and seamless integration with advanced automation and SCADA systems. This technology is seeing increased use in energy-conscious applications, especially where downtime and performance reliability are top priorities.

The low-voltage soft starters segment held 61.2% share in 2024, owing to their wide use in commercial and industrial setups. These devices are installed in equipment like pumps, HVAC units, and conveyors, where voltage requirements are below 690V. Their compact form factor, affordability, and ease of installation make them ideal for retrofits or integration into new infrastructure. They are favored in industries such as food and beverage processing, wastewater management, and building management systems, where motors usually range between 0.75 kW and 500 kW. This category continues to benefit from the growing demand for energy-efficient and space-saving motor control solutions.

United States Soft Starter Market generated USD 165.1 million in 2024, holding a 63% share. The upward trajectory is supported by robust infrastructure development programs and a policy-driven focus on energy-efficient technologies. Federal initiatives, especially under national infrastructure frameworks, are accelerating the adoption of soft starters in utilities, HVAC networks, and municipal facilities. These devices are instrumental in reducing energy waste, improving electrical grid reliability, and boosting the operational lifespan of essential assets across public and private sector projects.

Leading manufacturers in the Global Soft Starter Market include Danfoss, Phoenix Contact, ABB, Eaton, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Emerson Electric, Schneider Electric, C&S Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, GE Vernova, LOVATO ELECTRIC, LS ELECTRIC, CHINT Group, Omron Corporation, WEG, Jayashree Electron, CORDYNE, CG Power & Industrial Solutions, and Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation. Top players in the Soft Starter Market are adopting aggressive R&D initiatives to enhance product efficiency, modularity, and integration capabilities. Many are introducing advanced diagnostic and thermal protection features that align with smart grid technologies and industrial IoT systems. Strategic partnerships with OEMs and infrastructure firms allow deeper market penetration across diverse end-use sectors. Companies are also expanding their manufacturing capabilities in key regions to reduce lead times and tap into local demand growth. Show more