Construction pilot

What does a Building Pilot do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Building Pilot works to ensure that construction projects comply with current safety and environmental regulations and that the work environment is safe for all involved. The role often involves analyzing and assessing risks at construction sites, suggesting measures to prevent accidents, and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. The Building Pilot acts as a link between project management, site management, and tradespeople – responsible for both documentation and practical support. The work environment can vary between office work and regular visits to construction sites where presence and oversight are crucial.

Salary development over time

The Building Pilot profession has shown a clear positive salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,600 SEK per month, increasing to 51 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 53 200 SEK, representing a total increase of about 9.5% during the period. This development reflects an increased demand for specialists in occupational health and safety in the construction industry, as well as a greater focus on sustainability and compliance. The salary increase can also be linked to higher requirements for education and certifications, and competition for qualified personnel in larger construction projects.

Building Pilot salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 53 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, high school education)
• Highest salary: 58,700 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 320 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 51 700 SEK (95% of men's 54 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data lacking about specific regions, but salary levels are influenced by project size and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a Building Pilot, a post-secondary education in occupational health and safety, construction, or environmental hygiene is usually required. Many have backgrounds as occupational health engineers or similar, often complemented with certifications in safety and environmental legislation. Practical experience from the construction industry is a significant advantage, and for some positions, internships or trainee programs are required. Both theoretical and practical elements are often included in the educational pathway.

• Post-secondary education: 2–4 years in occupational health, construction, or engineering
• Certifications: Occupational health, BAS-U/BAS-P, environmental legislation
• Internships: Often required for practical experience or trainee programs
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably from construction or technical programs
• Tips: Combine theoretical education with work on construction sites to increase understanding

Common benefits and compensations

Building Pilots are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and extra vacation days. Many employers also provide work clothing, mobile phones, and computers, as well as opportunities for further education and certification courses. Travel between different sites may include travel allowances or company cars, and some positions include bonuses tied to project success.

Competition and challenges

Competition for Building Pilot positions can vary depending on region and economic conditions. Since the profession requires broad technical competence and in-depth knowledge of occupational health legislation, there is a certain shortage of qualified candidates in larger projects and expanding regions. A challenge is to stay updated on new legal requirements and changes within the construction industry. Heavy workloads and rapidly changing project conditions require good stress resilience and flexibility. For those wishing to develop in the profession, ongoing further training and networking within the industry are important.

Tips for aspiring Building Pilots

To succeed as a Building Pilot, it’s good to combine analytical skills with practical understanding of the construction process. Being communicative and clear facilitates collaboration with management and tradespeople, while accuracy is crucial for risk assessments and documentation. A proactive approach helps prevent problems before they arise, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is a big advantage. Gaining experience from construction sites early and continuing education to stay updated on legislation and technology are recommended. Engagement and responsibility are highly valued personal qualities that pave the way for continued development.

Key facts about Building Pilots

• Education level: Post-secondary (2–4 years), often engineering or technical education
• Work environment: Alternates between office and construction sites
• Work arrangement: Full-time, often project-based or consulting
• Demand: 191 job openings within the profession in Sweden
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries in the profession

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the role as a Building Pilot, opportunities may open to advance to project manager, occupational health and safety specialist, or head of occupational health within larger construction companies. Further education in environmental management or quality assurance is also common. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate no specific assessment for Building Pilot as a standalone profession, but within the profession, 191 job openings are reported. Demand is influenced by the construction industry’s economic cycle and increased safety legislation, suggesting stable future prospects for qualified candidates.

Frequently asked questions about Building Pilots

• What does a Building Pilot earn?
  - A Building Pilot has an average salary of 53 200 SEK per month. The highest salary is 58,700 SEK and the lowest is 41,700 SEK.
• How to become a Building Pilot?
  - Post-secondary education in occupational health, construction, or engineering is required, often supplemented with certifications and internships.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Building Pilot?
  - Risk assessment, safety work, documentation, and coordination between different parties in construction projects.
• Are there differences in salaries between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 51 700 SEK, which is 95% of men's 54 500 SEK.
• What benefits are common?
  - Wellness allowances, occupational pensions, further training, work clothing, and sometimes company cars or bonuses.
• What are the future prospects?
  - According to the Employment Service, there are 191 job openings within the profession.