Bridge guard

What does a Brovakt do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Brovakt is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient passage at movable bridges, for vehicle traffic, railways, and maritime traffic. Tasks include monitoring bridge openings, handling technical equipment, communicating with ships and vehicles, and ensuring traffic flow is not unnecessarily disrupted. The Brovakt must be able to act quickly in case of technical faults or emergencies, which requires high alertness and good stress resilience. The work is often performed in control rooms or directly at the bridges, sometimes during inconvenient hours such as evenings, nights, and weekends, since the bridges' functions must be maintained around the clock.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the Brovakt's salary has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 39 000 SEK. In 2024, the average salary reached 40 200 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. This development reflects an increased demand for qualified personnel in transport management and critical infrastructure, but also inflationary pressures and general salary adjustments in the industry. Despite this, salary variation remains relatively limited, indicating some salary stability within the profession. Differences between genders and between public and private sectors still exist, although the gap is slowly narrowing.

Brovakt salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education ≥3 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% of what men do (men: 40 900 SEK, women: 38 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on bridge type, traffic volume, and employer, but large differences between regions are uncommon.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Brovakt usually involves high school education with a technical or transport focus, supplemented by internal training provided by the employer. For some bridges, especially larger and busier ones, the employer may require post-secondary education or specific certifications. Practical experience in transportation, monitoring, or similar technical professions is often advantageous. Good language skills and the ability to handle stress are important for succeeding in the role.

• High school diploma: Technical or transport programs, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Sometimes desired, especially for larger bridges (YH or university, 1–3 years)
• Internal training: Often provided by the employer, specific to bridge monitoring
• Certifications: May be required for certain bridges, such as safety training
• Internship: Practical experience from similar roles is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Brovakter are often covered by collective agreements and are entitled to compensation for unsociable hours, overtime, and sometimes on-call pay. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension, and opportunities for skills development. In the public sector, longer vacations and job security through employment conditions are typical.

Competition and challenges

The competition for Brovakt positions is relatively balanced. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, opportunities are considered moderate, and the recruitment situation is characterized by balance. Technological development and automation may affect the number of positions in the long term, but increased safety and monitoring requirements ensure the continued relevance of the profession. Challenges include irregular working hours, solitary work, and the ability to handle unforeseen events quickly. The ability to stay focused and be flexible is crucial for long-term success and job satisfaction.

Tips for aspiring Brovakter

To succeed as a Brovakt, it is good to be meticulous and genuinely interested in technology and traffic management. Strong stress tolerance helps when quick decisions are necessary, especially in emergencies or technical failures. The ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and traffic participants is important to prevent misunderstandings and ensure smooth processes. A structured work approach helps maintain routines and documentation, while flexibility is needed to handle irregular hours and unexpected events. Being solution-oriented and maintaining a positive attitude can make the workday both more efficient and enjoyable. Finally, service-mindedness is an advantage, as the role often involves contact with the public in pressurized situations.

Key facts about Brovakt

• Education level: High school, sometimes post-secondary
• Work environment: Control room or at the bridge, shift work around the clock
• Occupational group: Transport managers and coordinators
• Job market: 412 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, unchanged demand

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a Brovakt, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as supervisor or trainer for new Brovakter. Some choose to further their education in transport management, traffic control, or monitoring and advance to roles like transport manager or operations director. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for Brovakter and related professions is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with moderate opportunities for employment. Technological developments may alter the work content, but increased critical infrastructure and safety requirements suggest that the profession will remain relevant in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Brovakt

• What does a Brovakt earn?
  - A Brovakt has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month.
• How does one become a Brovakt?
  - Most commonly, a technical or transport-related high school education, followed by internal training with the employer.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What is the job market like for Brovakter?
  - Opportunities are considered moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, stress tolerance, good communication, and technical interest are central qualities.
• Do Brovakter work nights or weekends?
  - Yes, working hours are often shift-based and can include nights, weekends, and on-call duties.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Paths include supervisor, trainer, or further education to become a transport manager or operations director.