What does a Car Driver do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Car Drivers work with transporting people, goods, or cargo using passenger cars, light trucks, or other smaller vehicles. Job tasks vary depending on the employer and focus but often include route planning, loading and unloading goods, delivering packages or people to the correct address, and managing administration related to drives. Car Drivers work in both private and public sectors and can be employed by transport companies, courier services, municipalities, or various service providers. The work environment is characterized by much time behind the wheel, often with high personal responsibility and sometimes under time pressure, especially in urban areas or during deliveries with tight schedules. The profession requires good local knowledge, service orientation, and the ability to handle unforeseen situations in traffic.
Salary Development Over Time
Over the past three years, Car Drivers have experienced a slight downward trend in wages. In 2022, the average salary was 29,900 SEK per month, which decreased to 29 500 SEK in 2023 and further down to 28 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total decrease of approximately 6% over the period. The decline can be explained by an increased supply of labor within the profession and some pressure on wages due to competition, especially for simpler transport tasks. Despite previous demand for quick deliveries, market conditions have stabilized, negatively impacting wage development. Regional differences may also exist depending on local labor market conditions, but the overall trend has been a clear slowdown nationally.
Car Driver Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 23,600 SEK/month (male, private sector) / 25,400 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (male, public sector) / 35,500 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly wage: 169 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 29 100 SEK, men 28 100 SEK (women 104% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary variations occur but detailed statistics are lacking
Education and Qualifications
To work as a Car Driver, a category B driver's license is usually required, and sometimes specific training depending on the type of transport assignment. Formal education requirements are often relatively low, but employers value experience, local knowledge, and good service skills. Some employers offer internal training or orientation programs for new hires, especially when handling special vehicles or safety routines.
- Category B driver's license: Basic requirement for all types of car drivers
- Vocational training: May be required for certain specialized transports, often 1–2 years
- Introduction training: Offered by many employers upon hiring
- Local knowledge: Meritorious, especially in larger cities
- Prerequisite: Often high school education, sometimes pre-high school education suffices
Many car drivers have a high degree of freedom in their work and often plan their own workday, which suits those who enjoy independence and varied tasks. The profession also provides a unique insight into different parts of society and encounters with many people every day.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Car Drivers are often offered benefits such as per diems for long drives, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and sometimes access to work clothing or mobile phones. Some employers also provide bonuses for achieving delivery targets, as well as possibilities for overtime pay and shift premiums for work in evenings and weekends.
Competition and Challenges
The competition within the Car Driver profession is significant, especially for simpler transport assignments where the labor supply is large. The Employment Service's prognosis indicates a nationwide surplus of applicants, making it difficult to find permanent positions without prior experience or specialized skills. Digitalization and automation within the transport sector are also creating new demands for technical understanding and adaptability. At the same time, the work can be physically demanding, involving long days and stressful conditions. To stand out, good service skills, punctuality, and the ability to handle customer contact professionally are often required.
Tips for Aspiring Car Drivers
To succeed as a Car Driver, it is beneficial to be responsible and adaptable, as workdays often involve unexpected events and varied tasks. Gaining experience through part-time jobs or internships within the transport industry can help build local knowledge and work experience. Good communication skills and a strong service orientation are important qualities, especially when meeting customers or handling deliveries. Precision and punctuality are appreciated by employers, as is the ability to keep track of paperwork and digital delivery systems. Patience and stress tolerance make it easier to handle traffic situations and delivery pressure, while an interest in technology and vehicles can open doors to more specialized roles. Continuously updating oneself on traffic regulations and new digital tools in the transport sector is also a major advantage.
Key Facts about Car Drivers
- Education level: Usually high school or pre-high school education
- Work environment: Independent, mobile, and often under time pressure
- Typical employment: Employed by transport companies or as couriers
- Demand: Limited opportunities, nationwide surplus
- Special skills: Local knowledge and B driver's license
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years of experience, Car Drivers can advance to more qualified roles such as transport coordinators, supervisors, or specialized drivers within, for example, medical transports or security. The Employment Service's prognosis for the "Other Car, Motorcycle, and Bicycle Drivers" group indicates limited job opportunities over the next five years, with a national oversupply. The number of available jobs is 412, but competition remains high, and demand is expected to stay unchanged. However, digitalization and increased focus on sustainable transport may create new opportunities for those who further their education or acquire specialized skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Drivers
- What is the average salary of a Car Driver?
- The average salary for a Car Driver is 28 200 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a Car Driver?
- A B driver's license is a basic requirement, and vocational training may be needed depending on the job.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 104% of what men do in the profession.
- What does the job market look like for Car Drivers?
- The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are limited and there is a surplus nationwide.
- What personal qualities are important for a Car Driver?
- Responsibility, service-mindedness, and stress tolerance are important qualities.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for Car Drivers?
- The highest salary is 36,300 SEK and the lowest is 23,600 SEK per month, depending on gender and sector.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Salary variations occur between different regions, but detailed statistics are lacking.
