Driver, courier

What does a Driver, courier do? – Tasks and work environment

A Driver, courier is responsible for delivering packages, documents, and smaller shipments to companies and private individuals within a specific area. The workday often begins with loading the delivery vehicle, planning the route, and then executing deliveries with high precision and efficiency. The profession demands punctuality, accuracy, and a service-oriented attitude towards customers. The work is mainly outdoors and involves spending large parts of the day behind the wheel, with frequent stops to deliver or pick up goods. The work environment can vary depending on the employer and geographic area, but the pace is often fast, and working hours may include early mornings and late evenings, especially during peak seasons.

Salary development over time

The salary trend for Drivers, couriers has shown a slight decline over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,900 SEK, which decreased to 29 500 SEK in 2023, and further to 28 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a decrease of approximately 5.7% over the three-year period. The decline is mainly due to increased competition in the profession, a larger labor supply, and general price pressure within the transport and logistics sector. Meanwhile, automation and digitalization have contributed to more efficient workflows, which in some cases has affected demand for traditional courier drivers. Despite this, there remains a stable demand for the role, especially in metropolitan areas and during periods of high e-commerce activity.

Driver, courier salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,600 SEK (male, private sector, less than 9 years of education)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK (male, public sector, less than 9 years of education)
• Hourly wage: 169 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Women's average salary: 29 100 SEK (104% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 28 100 SEK
• Regional differences: Average salaries may vary depending on region and employer, with somewhat higher wages in metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Driver, courier, a category B driving license and good local knowledge are usually required. Formal education beyond compulsory schooling is rarely a requirement, but high school education in transport or vehicle technology can be advantageous. Many employers offer introductory training or internal onboarding, and previous experience in similar work can be beneficial. Additional qualifications such as forklift licenses or ADR certificates may be required in some cases depending on the task and employer.

• Category B driving license: Mandatory for all courier assignments
• High school education: Transport or vehicle technology programs are advantageous
• Internal training: Common upon employment
• Good local knowledge: Facilitates efficient route planning
• Special certificates: Forklift license/ADR may be required for certain tasks

Common benefits and compensation

A Driver, courier often receives a company phone or digital work tools, work clothes, and sometimes wellness allowances. In some cases, additional pay for evening and weekend work as well as bonuses linked to delivery accuracy or customer satisfaction are offered. Some employers also include insurance and pension contributions as part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession is currently high, partly due to an oversupply of applicants relative to available positions. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, opportunities for work as a courier driver are limited, and the recruitment situation is characterized by a national surplus. Over the next five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, meaning competition for jobs is likely to persist. The industry is also affected by seasonal variations, with demand increasing significantly during Christmas shopping and major e-commerce campaigns. To stand out on the job market, applicants often need to demonstrate high service orientation and flexibility, as well as a willingness to work inconvenient hours.

Tips for those wanting to become a Driver, courier

To succeed as a Driver, courier, it is important to be punctual and precise, as deliveries often need to be made within tight timeframes and with high accuracy. Having a service-minded approach is crucial for building good customer relations and handling unexpected situations professionally. Flexibility helps when workdays vary in pace and content, and technical curiosity makes it easier to adapt to digital tools and route planning systems. Good stress tolerance helps manage traffic jams and time pressure, while local knowledge streamlines delivery work and reduces the risk of delays. Finally, being independent and able to make decisions when unexpected problems occur during the day’s driving is essential.

Key facts about Driver, courier

• Education level: Usually compulsory school/high school, category B driving license required
• Work environment: Independent work, often outdoors and under time pressure
• Employment type: Full-time, part-time, and hourly employment are common
• Demand: Limited opportunities, national surplus according to the Employment Service
• Job openings: 412 positions within the profession in spring 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role as a Driver, courier, there may be opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as transportation manager, coordinator, or responsible for larger distribution areas. Some choose to further their education and obtain a C-category license to operate heavier vehicles or move into other roles within logistics and transportation. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, demand for courier drivers is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with limited new job opportunities and a continued surplus of applicants. Nonetheless, increasing e-commerce activity and new logistics solutions may create some demand for flexible and service-oriented drivers, especially in metropolitan regions where the pace is high and delivery needs are substantial.

Frequently asked questions about Driver, courier

• What is the monthly salary of a Driver, courier?
  - The average salary for a Driver, courier is 28 200 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn an average of 29 100 SEK, which is 104% of men's average salary of 28 100 SEK.
• What are the requirements to get a job as a Driver, courier?
  - A category B driving license is mandatory; sometimes, high school education and good local knowledge are also requested.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - There are approximately 412 job openings in spring 2024.
• What benefits are common for Drivers, couriers?
  - Common benefits include company phone, work clothes, wellness allowance, and sometimes bonuses.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The Employment Service estimates that opportunities are limited and demand will remain unchanged in the coming years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Driver, courier?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK (male, public sector), and the lowest is 23,600 SEK (male, private sector).