Image that illustrates Aviator

Aviator

69 800 kr

Pilots etc.

53 200 - 87 500 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Aviator

Average salary 69 800 kr
Males 70 000 kr
Females 0 kr

What does an Aviator do? – Tasks and work environment

An Aviator primarily works on operating and navigating aircraft within civil or military aviation. Tasks include flight planning, communication with air traffic controllers, monitoring aircraft systems, and ensuring passenger and crew safety throughout the flight. Aviators are expected to have high technical competence and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. The work environment can vary greatly, from long periods in the cockpit to administrative tasks on the ground and extensive safety routines. Working hours may include nights, weekends, and long absences from home, which demands high flexibility and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Aviators has shown a downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month, which decreased to 71 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 69 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total reduction of approximately 6.2% over the period. The decline can partly be explained by changes in the aviation industry, where factors such as increased competition, efficiency measures, and altered working conditions have affected salary levels. Despite high qualification requirements and ongoing demand for experienced pilots in certain segments, the overall salary level has slightly decreased recently. Market fluctuations and global developments in the aviation sector may continue to influence wages in the future.

Aviator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 420 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn 70 000 SEK/month, highest female salary is 74,700 SEK, no complete data for women
  • Regional differences: No complete statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as an Aviator, a comprehensive education in aeronautics and aviation is usually required, often in the form of pilot training at an approved flight school or within the Armed Forces. The education combines theoretical studies with practical flight training and concludes with necessary certifications. Besides formal requirements, high demands are placed on health, multitasking ability, and responsibility.

  • Flight training: Commercial pilot license (CPL) or equivalent, 18–24 months
  • Certifications: Approved pilot certificates (e.g., CPL or ATPL)
  • Practical training: Mandatory supervised flight hours
  • Prerequisites: Complete secondary education, approved health test
  • Tips for choosing: Select reputable schools with good reputation and opportunities for further training

Aviators must continuously update their knowledge as aeronautical technology and regulations develop rapidly. Working across different time zones and under varying climate conditions also requires good adaptability and strong physical health.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

An Aviator often has access to benefits such as per diems for international service, favorable pension schemes, wellness contributions, discounted travel, and various insurances. Some employers also offer bonuses for longer employment durations or extra compensation for inconvenient working hours. The extent of benefits can vary depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an Aviator is often fierce, especially with larger airlines and within commercial aviation. The training costs are high, and admission requirements are very selective, meaning many apply for the profession but only a small proportion succeed. The industry is strongly influenced by economic fluctuations and global events, which can lead to periods of increased demand or temporary oversupply of trained pilots. For those wishing to work internationally, excellent language skills and adaptability to different regulations and work environments are also essential.

Tips for aspiring Aviators

To succeed as an Aviator, it is good to develop a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and decisively from an early stage. Precision and technical interest facilitate both training and daily work, as flight safety relies on meticulous checks of routines and technology. Good communication skills are crucial, as collaboration with colleagues and contact with air traffic control occur in multiple languages and under pressure. Flexibility and willingness to work inconvenient hours are also important, as well as physical and mental endurance to handle long shifts and time zone changes. Early internships or trainee programs provide valuable experience and increase the chances of employment after training.

Key facts about Aviator

  • Education level: Commercial pilot training (CPL) 18–24 months
  • Work environment: Aircraft cockpit, irregular working hours
  • Job market: About 412 available jobs within the profession
  • Occupational group: Pilots etc. (SSYK 3153)
  • Salary range: 53,200–87,500 SEK/month

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Aviator can advance to captain, instructor, or transition to administrative roles within the airline, such as safety manager or training supervisor. However, development in the profession is affected by fluctuations in the availability of jobs, and according to the Employment Service’s forecasts, it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects due to limited data. Nonetheless, there is a continuous need within the pilot profession, reflected in the fact that there were 412 available jobs during the latest survey. The industry is expected to continue demanding high competence and flexibility, especially if air traffic returns to previous levels after economic fluctuations.

Frequently asked questions about Aviator

  • What does an Aviator earn?
    - An Aviator has an average salary of 69 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
  • How has the salary development for Aviators been?
    - Salaries have decreased from 74,400 SEK (2022) to 69 800 SEK (2024), which is about a 6.2% decline.
  • What education is required to become an Aviator?
    - Commercial pilot training (CPL) or equivalent, including certification and flight training.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Statistics show higher salaries for men, but complete data for women is lacking.
  • What work environments does an Aviator encounter?
    - Mainly in the cockpit with varying working hours and often long absences from home.
  • How does the job market look for Aviators?
    - There are approximately 412 available jobs within the pilot profession, but the future outlook is uncertain according to the Employment Service.
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Aviator is 87500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 74700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Aviator is 53200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 62900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 48800 kr 51500 kr
35-44 55900 kr 58100 kr
45-54 72500 kr 74000 kr
55-64 94400 kr 95700 kr
Snitt 67900 kr 69800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Aviator has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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