Market Overview

The global motor soft starter market was estimated at USD 1.9 billion in 2021 and is likely to grow at a CAGR of 6.02% during 2022–2028 to reach USD 2.87 billion in 2028.

The increasing use of electric motors in oil & gas, power generation, and water & wastewater facilities continues to create favorable market conditions. Companies are seeking solutions that extend motor lifespan while reducing mechanical stress and maintenance costs. Evaluating motor soft starter market growth enables decision-makers to identify high-potential segments, emerging demand drivers, and strategic opportunities associated with industrial electrification and automation initiatives.

Motor soft starters are gaining significant traction across industrial applications due to their ability to reduce electrical inrush currents and mechanical stress during motor startup. Increasing industrial automation, expanding infrastructure projects, and growing investments in energy-intensive sectors are supporting the adoption of motor soft starters worldwide.

What is Motor Soft Starter Market?

A motor soft starter is an electrical device designed to reduce the electrical inrush current and mechanical stress associated with starting electric motors. It gradually increases motor voltage during startup, allowing smooth acceleration to full speed while minimizing wear and tear on connected equipment.

Motor soft starters help improve motor lifespan, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce maintenance requirements. They are widely used in pumps, compressors, conveyors, and HVAC systems where controlled startup torque is essential. Compared with variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starters provide a cost-effective solution for applications that do not require speed control.

Market Growth Drivers

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the motor soft starter market.

Rising Demand for Industrial Pumps

The increasing demand for industrial pumps across process industries is creating strong opportunities for motor soft starter manufacturers. Pumps require controlled startup operations to reduce mechanical strain and improve overall system efficiency.

Growing Employment of Electric Motors

The widespread use of electric motors across industries is driving demand for motor soft starters. Industrial facilities are increasingly adopting these devices to improve operational reliability and extend equipment life.

Expanding Investments in Oil & Gas Projects

Increasing investments in oil & gas projects are supporting market growth. Motor soft starters play a critical role in ensuring reliable motor operation across upstream and downstream facilities.

Growth in Water & Wastewater Treatment Projects

The expansion of water & wastewater treatment infrastructure is also fueling demand. These facilities rely heavily on pump systems that benefit from controlled motor startup and reduced operational stress.

Key Challenges

While the market is expected to grow steadily, manufacturers must continuously adapt to changing industrial requirements and technological developments. Maintaining product performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness remains important as industries increasingly seek efficient motor control solutions.

Get the Free Sample of the Report

https://www.stratviewresearch.com/Request-Sample/motor-soft-starter-market#form

Market Segmentation

By Voltage Type

The motor soft starter market is segmented into:

• Low
• Medium

The low voltage segment is expected to hold a larger share of the market during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing adoption of low-voltage motors across industries including metal & mining, oil & gas, chemical & petrochemical, water & wastewater, cement & manufacturing, power generation, and food & beverages.

By Rated Power Type

The market is segmented into:

• Up to 750 W
• 751 W–75 kW
• Above 75 kW

The 751 W–75 kW segment is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. Growth is primarily supported by expanding oil & gas and desalination projects along with increasing investments in these sectors.

By Application Type

The market is segmented into:

• Pump
• Fan
• Compressor
• Others

The pump segment is estimated to govern the market during the forecast period. Pumps are extensively used across process industries such as oil & gas and power generation, making motor soft starters essential for controlling voltage supply and ensuring smooth operation.

By Industry Type

The market is segmented into:

• Oil & Gas
• Water & Wastewater
• Power Generation
• Mining
• Others

The oil & gas segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period owing to rising upstream spending in response to higher oil prices.

Regional Analysis

The market is segmented into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is estimated to dominate the motor soft starter market during the forecast period. Rising investments in industrialization, construction, and power generation are major factors supporting regional growth.

Countries such as China, India, and Japan are expected to register strong growth due to increasing electricity demand and ongoing power generation capacity expansion.

North America

North America is expected to offer attractive growth opportunities driven by industrial modernization and increasing adoption of efficient motor control systems.

Europe

Europe is also projected to witness favorable growth opportunities supported by continued investments in industrial infrastructure and automation technologies.

Rest of the World

The Rest of the World market, including Latin America and the Middle East, is expected to contribute to overall market expansion through industrial development activities.

Key Companies

The following are the key players in the motor soft starter market:

• ABB
• Eaton
• Fuji Electric
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Rockwell Automation
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens
• WEG

These companies are actively serving industrial customers through comprehensive motor control solutions and product innovations.

FAQ

What is a motor soft starter?

A motor soft starter is an electrical device that gradually increases motor voltage during startup to reduce electrical inrush currents and mechanical stress.

What is the size of the motor soft starter market?

The motor soft starter market was estimated at USD 1.9 billion in 2021.

What is the forecasted value of the motor soft starter market?

The market is expected to reach USD 2.87 billion by 2028.

Which region is expected to remain dominant in the market?

Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the motor soft starter market during the forecast period.

Conclusion

The motor soft starter market is projected to witness healthy growth through 2028, driven by increasing demand for industrial pumps, growing adoption of electric motors, and rising investments in oil & gas and water & wastewater treatment projects. The low voltage segment, 751 W–75 kW rated power segment, pump application segment, and oil & gas industry segment are expected to remain key contributors to market growth. With Asia-Pacific leading regional demand and major companies focusing on advanced motor control solutions, the market is positioned for sustained expansion over the forecast period.