Motor Soft Starter Market

Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global motor soft starter market is forecast to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2035, up from USD 2.3 billion in 2025. During the forecast period, the industry is projected to register at a CAGR of 6.0%. Growth is attributed to rising demand for industrial pumps, increased use of electric motors in major industries, rising investments in oil & gas projects worldwide, and growing investments in water & wastewater treatment projects.

What are the Drivers of Motor Soft Starter Market?

The global motor soft starter market is growing rapidly. This growth comes from industrial modernization, energy efficiency requirements, and increasing automation in key sectors. These compact devices play a crucial role in reducing inrush current and mechanical stress when motors start. They are becoming popular in various industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, HVAC, and mining.

Industries are quickly adopting automation to improve efficiency and minimize downtime. Soft starters are essential for this change because they allow smoother motor acceleration and protect mechanical parts from damage. Manufacturing plants and process industries trust soft starters for critical applications because of their reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Rising energy costs are pushing companies to use efficient motor control technologies. Soft starters reduce power surges and optimize energy use during the start-up and shutdown of motors. They help lower electricity bills and extend motor life, supporting global energy conservation efforts.

Governments and local authorities around the world are investing significantly in upgrading water treatment plants. These facilities use large pumps and compressors that need controlled motor starting. Soft starters offer a low-cost, low-maintenance solution to ensure smooth pump operations, especially in remote and rural areas.

The demand for better HVAC systems in homes and businesses is increasing. Soft starters reduce noise and improve comfort by allowing smoother operation of fans and compressors. Their integration with smart building management systems makes them more attractive in green building projects.

Harsh conditions in oil rigs and mining operations need tough, compact solutions for safely starting heavy-duty motors. Soft starters are preferred for their small size, durability, and ability to lessen mechanical shock. This ensures safe operations and reduces downtime.

Policies that support energy-efficient equipment and motor control technologies are speeding up their adoption. Incentives and subsidies, especially in the EU and Asia-Pacific, encourage small and medium businesses to upgrade their motor systems with soft starters.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 2.3 billion
Industry Size (2035F)	USD 4.1 billion
CAGR (2025-2035)	6.0%

What are the Regional Trends of Motor Soft Starter Market?

The motor soft starter market is undergoing significant changes across regions, influenced by infrastructure growth, industrial automation, and changing energy policies. Each region tells a unique growth story based on its economic goals, regulatory settings, and technological development.

In North America, the demand for motor soft starters is rising due to the shift toward smart manufacturing and industrial automation. Industries like oil and gas, water treatment, and HVAC are updating their motor control systems to improve productivity and save energy. Retrofitting old infrastructure is also a major trend, as companies look for reliable, space-saving, and low-maintenance motor startup solutions.

Europe is prioritizing sustainability, carbon neutrality, and energy efficiency regulations, which is speeding up the use of soft starters in manufacturing and utilities. The region's focus on electrifying industrial processes and meeting strict efficiency standards encourages companies to adopt intelligent motor control devices. The demand is particularly strong in wastewater treatment, building automation, and renewable energy sectors.

Asia-Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by major infrastructure projects, rapid industrialization, and rising electricity demand. Countries like China, India, and those in Southeast Asia are investing heavily in power, water management, and construction. Soft starters are being widely used to ensure reliable motor operations in variable load situations, where cost and durability are crucial.

In the Middle East and Africa, soft starter technology is being utilized in oil exploration, desalination, and municipal water projects. Governments are modernizing pump stations and electrical systems to improve efficiency. There is a growing need for tough and compact motor starting solutions in both traditional industries and new energy initiatives.

In Latin America, industries are turning to soft starters to tackle power quality challenges and enhance equipment performance. The mining and manufacturing sectors are leading this trend, driven by the need to minimize equipment failures and improve energy efficiency amid unstable power supply conditions.

What are the Challenges and Restraining Factors of Motor Soft Starter Market?

One of the main challenges is the increasing use of Variable Frequency Drives, which provide better control over motor speed and save energy. Although VFDs are more expensive, their capabilities often make them the preferred option for applications that need precise speed adjustments. This reduces the potential market share for soft starters.

Soft starters mainly control the initial voltage and current when a motor starts. However, they do not have the control features necessary for applications that require speed regulation or torque control during continuous operation. This limits their use in highly automated or precision-oriented settings.

The global movement toward Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing requires smooth integration of all components within an IoT ecosystem. Many conventional soft starters do not have built-in communication protocols, remote monitoring features, or advanced diagnostics. This makes them less compatible with the latest digital systems.

The market also faces cost pressures from fluctuating prices of essential raw materials like semiconductors, copper, and electronic components. Global supply chain disruptions, especially during geopolitical conflicts or pandemics, can delay production and raise manufacturing costs. This affects profitability and competitive pricing.

In emerging markets, small and medium enterprises often do not fully understand the long-term benefits of using soft starters. Budget limitations, lack of technical expertise, and a preference for traditional direct-on-line starters further hinder adoption in price-sensitive areas.

Country-Wise Outlook

Countries	CAGR (2025-2035)
United States	5.0%
China	7.0%
Japan	6.2%

United States Market Adopts Soft Starters Amid Automation Surge and Sustainability Push

The United States motor soft starter market is growing steadily, driven by rising demand for automation in manufacturing and heavy industries. Modernizing old infrastructure is creating new demand for smart motor control solutions. Soft starters are preferred for their compact design, reduced wear on machinery, and energy-efficient performance.

A key trend is integrating soft starters with industrial IoT and smart factory systems. Industries are focusing on predictive maintenance and remote monitoring. This is prompting OEMs to include communication protocols and diagnostics in soft starters. This supports the wider U.S. shift toward data-driven operations and asset optimization.

The U.S. power sector is also boosting demand, especially in water and wastewater facilities, HVAC systems, and oil and gas processing units. These applications need smooth start-stop functions for pumps, compressors, and blowers. Soft starters provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to VFDs, particularly where speed control is not essential.

Opportunities are emerging from federal infrastructure investments, energy-efficiency rebates, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions in industries. Soft starter vendors can benefit by focusing on utility upgrades and large-scale industrial retrofits. Additionally, the increasing presence of system integrators and automation consultants across North America can help connect traditional industries with next-generation motor control solutions.

China Motor Soft Starter Market Accelerates on the Back of Industrialization, Export Growth, and Policy-Backed Expansion

China continues to lead in the global motor soft starter market, driven by rapid industrialization and vast infrastructure rollouts. The country’s ongoing shift from labor-intensive to automated manufacturing is boosting demand for efficient motor control systems. Soft starters are gaining prominence in mid-size factories and public infrastructure where operational simplicity and cost control matter.

An emerging trend in China is the domestic production of advanced soft starters with embedded AI diagnostics. Local manufacturers are innovating to reduce dependency on imports and align with Made in China 2025 goals. This is giving rise to competitive, high-quality products suited for diverse applications like textile, cement, and power generation.

The HVAC and water treatment industries in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are adopting soft starters at scale. These applications demand reliable and noise-free operation in compact spaces. Moreover, the government's push for environmental upgrades in municipal infrastructure is indirectly fueling soft starter demand across public works.

China offers strong opportunities due to its pro-manufacturing policies, incentives for green technologies, and expansive Belt & Road investments. Export-oriented firms are also installing soft starters to meet global standards and reduce downtime. Overall, local manufacturing prowess, rising energy costs, and nationwide infrastructure ambitions form the backbone of this market’s explosive growth.

Japan Market Strengthens on Equipment Modernization, Precision Manufacturing, and Eco-Conscious Infrastructure

Japan’s motor soft starter market is shaped by its reputation for precision manufacturing and high energy efficiency standards. As legacy systems in factories and utilities age, there’s a growing need to replace or retrofit motor control devices. Soft starters are favored in scenarios requiring compactness, reliability, and low energy consumption during startup.

A prevailing trend in Japan is the adoption of hybrid solutions that combine soft starting with limited speed modulation. These configurations are suited for elevators, escalators, and high-tech HVAC systems where space and control must be finely balanced. The country’s meticulous engineering culture supports innovations in compact, smart motor controllers.

Japan’s focus on sustainable cities and disaster-resilient infrastructure is also propelling soft starter adoption in water supply and public transport systems. Pumping stations, ventilation systems, and tunnel operations require reliable motor startup systems. Soft starters provide the mechanical relief necessary for long-term infrastructure reliability.

The market opportunity lies in Japan’s "Society 5.0" framework, which blends physical and cyber technologies. There is scope for manufacturers to develop soft starters with embedded IoT features, real-time analytics, and remote diagnostics. Moreover, partnerships with Japanese automation giants can unlock niche, high-margin segments where performance, precision, and trust in hardware are paramount.

Category-wise Analysis

Low Voltage Systems Remain the Backbone of Soft Starter Deployments

Low voltage soft starters are still the most popular choice for small and medium-sized industrial motors. These systems work well for HVAC, water pumps, and conveyor belts where efficiency and compact size matter cost.

They are easy to integrate and simple to install, making them the top option in manufacturing, commercial buildings, and utilities. Also, the worldwide increase in automation and energy-saving methods in light industrial settings helps keep low voltage systems in demand in both developed and emerging economies.

Medium voltage soft starters are growing the fastest due to higher demand in energy-heavy industries like oil and gas, mining, and wastewater treatment. These starters are designed for large motors operating in tough conditions, offering smoother acceleration and less electrical stress.

The push for infrastructure upgrades and better energy management in heavy-duty operations is speeding up their use. As more countries invest in modernizing power grids and expanding industrial capacity, the medium voltage segment is becoming a key growth area in the soft starter market.

Pumps Continue to Anchor Demand for Soft Starters across Industries

Pumps are the largest application segment for motor soft starters. Their widespread use in water treatment, irrigation, oil and gas, and industrial processes drives this demand. Soft starters help pumps operate smoothly by reducing pressure surges and mechanical stress. This leads to lower maintenance needs and less downtime.

Utilities and municipal organizations prefer these systems because they are efficient and easy to integrate. As investment in water infrastructure and fluid management increases globally, pumps continue to be the main area where soft starters provide reliable operation and long-term cost savings.

Compressors are experiencing the fastest growth in soft starter applications due to rising demand in HVAC, refrigeration, and process industries. These systems gain significant advantages from soft starters, which lower inrush current and mechanical strain during startup. This extends the life of compressors and improves their performance.

The increasing use of energy-efficient air systems in commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities is driving this demand. Moreover, stricter energy regulations, along with the growth of cold chain logistics and data centers, are boosting the adoption of compressor-based soft starters around the world.

Water & Wastewater Sector Leads Adoption amidst Infrastructure Modernization

The water and wastewater segment remains the leading end-use for motor soft starters. This trend is driven by global upgrades to pumping stations, treatment plants, and municipal utilities. These systems need controlled motor starting to avoid water hammer effects and reduce mechanical wear on pumps.

Government programs, especially in developing countries, are focusing on efficient water systems. This makes soft starters an essential part of the system. Their low maintenance requirements and compact size support their use in both remote and urban areas, ensuring steady demand in new and updated facilities.

The power sector is seeing the fastest growth in soft starter use as utilities work on modernizing the grid and ensuring reliable motor control in power generation and distribution. Soft starters are increasingly used in cooling fans, boiler feed pumps, and auxiliary systems in thermal and renewable plants. The global energy transition and rising investments in distributed energy resources are driving the demand for equipment that supports smooth motor operations and system resilience. Soft starters provide cost-effective performance, which fits well with the changing needs of modern power infrastructure.

Competitive Analysis

The motor soft starter market is somewhat fragmented, featuring a mix of global power electronics leaders and regional specialists. Key players compete through product innovation, customization for specific applications, and digital integration. Established companies like ABB, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, and Eaton lead the market with extensive product lines and strong global distribution networks. These firms build on brand loyalty, wide industry reach, and integrated automation systems to stay ahead.

In contrast, regional companies in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, are making headway with affordable solutions and local support. They are increasingly integrating Industry 4.0 principles by adding diagnostics, IoT connectivity, and predictive maintenance features to their products, bringing them closer to their global counterparts.

Strategic partnerships, OEM integrations, and differentiated aftersales services are becoming important competitive factors. Buyers are also favoring products that offer modularity, scalability for different voltage ranges, and hybrid soft starter-VFD solutions. Furthermore, vendors are investing in research and development to meet growing energy efficiency standards and performance requirements for specific applications.

The market is seeing more consolidation as major automation companies acquire niche soft starter manufacturers to broaden their product offerings and tap into new regional markets. Competitive pressure is highest in mid-voltage applications, where technical reliability and pricing must go hand in hand.

As industrial electrification, smart infrastructure, and automation grow worldwide, companies that offer connected, compact, and customizable soft starter solutions are likely to maintain and increase their market share. Those that respond to regulatory changes, energy policies, and sector-specific demands will stay ahead of the competition.

Key players in the market are Siemens AG, Emerson Electric Company, ABB Ltd, General Electric Company, Eaton Corporation PLC, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Schneider Electric SA, Toshiba International Corporation, and other players.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched its new generation Altivar Soft Starter ATS430 and ATS490 ranges in Anglophone Africa the latest innovations in motor control technology.
• In November 2024, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched its first fully electronic starter using semiconductor technology. The SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter offers short-circuit protection that is 1,000 times faster and is nearly wear-free compared to traditional solutions like circuit breakers or fuses. This provides excellent protection for motors and other types of loads as well as the applications they serve.

Segmentation of Motor Soft Starter Market

• By Voltage :

  • Low
  • Medium

• By Application :

  • Fans
  • Pumps
  • Compressors

• By End Use :

  • Oil & Gas
  • Mining
  • Power
  • Water & Wastewater
  • Other End Uses

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa