Tractor driver

What does a truck driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A truck driver is responsible for transporting goods using heavy vehicles, often with trailers, between various terminals, warehouses, and customers. The work involves loading and unloading cargo, checking transport documents, and ensuring the cargo is secured according to regulations. Driving takes place both domestically and sometimes internationally, which can mean long workdays and overnight stays away from home. The work environment is characterized by a lot of time on the roads, varying traffic conditions, and demands for punctuality and responsibility. Truck drivers often work independently but maintain contact with dispatchers, customers, and colleagues to plan and execute transports safely and efficiently.

Salary development over time

The salary for truck drivers has shown a steady and clear increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,200 SEK, which increased to 32 500 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further and is now 33 600 SEK. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.7% over three years, which is slightly higher than the inflation rate during the same period. The salary increase can be explained by continued high demand for experienced drivers, increased requirements for specialized skills, and a greater focus on safety and efficiency within the transportation industry. The shortage of qualified drivers and an aging workforce have also contributed to upward pressure on wages. The profession has thus become more attractive, especially for those with the right education and experience.

Truck driver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,900 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (male, private sector)
• Hourly wage: 202 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salary (men 33 700 SEK, women 32 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries vary slightly depending on the work region, with higher wages in metropolitan areas where demand is greater.

Education and qualifications

To work as a truck driver, a vocational training in trucks is required, often with additional qualifications for trailers (CE license). The training can be completed at the upper secondary school’s vehicle and transport programs or through adult education. Besides a driver’s license, sometimes ADR certificates for dangerous goods are needed, along with a valid YKB (Professional Competence Certificate). Practical experience and good local knowledge are advantageous, as well as the ability to handle digital tachographs and logistics systems.

• Vocational upper secondary education: Vehicle and transport programs, specializing in transport (3 years)
• CE driver’s license: Heavy truck with trailer
• YKB (Professional Competence Certificate): Mandatory for commercial transport, requires refresher courses every five years
• ADR certificate: For transporting dangerous goods (sometimes required)
• Practical training: Often included in education or obtained through trainee positions
• Prerequisites: B driver’s license and approved health examination

Common benefits and compensations

Truck drivers are often offered benefits such as per diem allowances for overnight stays, compensation for unsociable working hours, and wellness contributions. Other common benefits include work clothing, opportunities for further training, and sometimes bonuses for achieving targets. Some employers also provide pension contributions beyond legal requirements and insurance coverage for both vehicles and drivers during work hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is limited due to the ongoing high demand for truck drivers, but challenges remain. Flexibility requirements, unsociable working hours, and long periods away from home can be demanding. Technological advancements, with increased requirements for digital tachographs and logistics systems, mean drivers must stay updated. The work environment can be demanding, especially when driving in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. Safety standards are high, and greater demands are placed on environmental awareness and service attitude. Despite good job prospects, competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in regions where salary levels are higher.

Tips for those who want to become a truck driver

To succeed as a truck driver, it’s important to have a strong sense of responsibility, as safety and punctuality are always prioritized. Precision is essential, both during loading and when handling transport documents correctly. Flexibility helps with unsociable hours and unforeseen events along the route, while good stress tolerance makes it easier to handle challenges in traffic. Social skills facilitate cooperation with customers and colleagues, and a willingness to continuously learn new things is valuable for keeping up with rapid technological developments in the industry. By investing in the right education and maintaining your skills, your chances of a successful career increase.

Key facts about truck drivers

• Education level: Vocational education with CE license and YKB
• Work environment: Independent, often on the road and in varying traffic environments
• Typical work form: Full-time, shift work, or night shifts are common
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in metropolitan regions
• Technical requirements: Knowledge of tachographs and digital logistics systems

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to develop into roles such as transportation manager, trainer for new drivers, or specialist in dangerous goods. Some truck drivers choose to start their own trucking business or pursue further education in logistics and planning. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job opportunities are expected to remain strong nationally, although demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by some unemployment but also by difficulties for employers to find the right skills, which means experienced and well-trained truck drivers have very good prospects on the job market.

Frequently asked questions about truck drivers

• What does a truck driver earn?
  - The average salary for a truck driver is 33 600 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a truck driver?
  - Vocational education within vehicle and transport programs, along with a CE driver’s license and YKB, is required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 32 900 SEK, which is 98% of men's salary of 33 700 SEK.
• What are the future prospects for truck drivers?
  - Job opportunities are abundant, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for truck drivers?
  - The highest salary is 35,500 SEK (male, private sector), and the lowest is 28,900 SEK (female, public sector).
• How many job openings are available within the profession?
  - There are 412 job openings within the truck driver profession and related roles.