What does a Flagman do? – Tasks and work environment
A Flagman is responsible for ensuring safety and order at roadworks, construction sites, and other temporary traffic environments. They monitor traffic, direct vehicles and pedestrians, and communicate with site management and other stakeholders on site. The work environment is often outdoors and can vary greatly depending on the season and weather, requiring adaptability and good physical condition. Flagmen usually work in teams and play an important role in preventing accidents and creating safe working conditions for colleagues as well as the public.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for a Flagman has shown positive development. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 30,700 SEK. The following year, 2023, the average salary increased to 32 400 SEK, which corresponds to a salary increase of about 5.5%. The latest data from 2024 shows a further increase to 34 500 SEK per month, a rise of an additional 6.4% compared to the previous year. This salary growth reflects an increased demand for the role, mainly due to more infrastructure projects and stricter traffic safety requirements. Gender pay gaps persist, and generally, salaries are higher for men than for women in this profession.
Flagman salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 34 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 47,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
- Highest salary for women: 41,700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary for women: 30,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 207 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men 35 400 SEK, women 32 900 SEK (women earn 93% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: The figures vary depending on region and project scope
Education and qualifications
To work as a Flagman, usually no extensive formal education is required, but basic knowledge of traffic safety and security is important. Flagmen often undergo internal training organized by the employer or participate in shorter courses focused on safety and traffic directing. Some experience from similar tasks can be advantageous, and sometimes a valid training certificate is required to work on larger road sites.
- Formal education: Short vocational training or internal company training (1–3 days)
- Certification: Traffic safety training certificate (APV) is recommended
- Prerequisites: Often basic knowledge of Swedish and good physical ability
- Practical training: May occur as an introduction at the workplace
- Tips for choosing: Interest in safety work and teamwork is advantageous
Working as a Flagman often means being the first person road users meet at a roadwork site. A friendly approach and clear communication can make a big difference for safety and the work environment at the site.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for Flagmen include night shift allowances for evening and weekend work, compensation for inconvenient working hours, as well as access to workwear and protective equipment. Some employers also offer wellness allowances and opportunities for further training in safety and work environment. Compensation may vary depending on employment type and the size of the workplace.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a Flagman is moderate but can vary between regions and depending on the season. During periods with many infrastructure projects, the demand for the role increases, which can lead to more available positions. Challenges in the profession include exposure to weather conditions, monotonous tasks, and the need for constant vigilance to prevent accidents. Additionally, the role requires good stress tolerance and the ability to handle unexpected situations in traffic.
Tips for those who want to become a Flagman
To succeed as a Flagman, it is good to be thorough and attentive, as safety for both colleagues and traffic often depends on your decisions. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with the team and contribute to a smooth workday. Flexibility is important, as tasks and working hours can vary depending on project needs. Being stress-resistant helps you make the right decisions even under pressure, and a positive attitude makes it easier to interact professionally with colleagues and the public. It is also valuable to stay updated on the latest safety regulations to always work according to current rules. Finally, showing initiative and being solution-oriented during unexpected events on the site pays off.
Key facts about Flagmen
- Education level: Short vocational training or internal training
- Work environment: Outdoors, often at roadworks
- Typical employment form: Hourly or fixed-term employment
- Demand: Stable, especially during large infrastructure projects
- Special skills: Traffic safety and clear communication
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Flagman, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as site manager for traffic safety or safety coordinator at larger workplaces. Some choose to further their education in security or traffic management, which can open doors to more qualified positions within the security industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook is good, with 191 job openings reported within the profession in current statistics. The demand is influenced by societal development and infrastructure investments, making the profession relatively secure in the longer term.
Frequently asked questions about Flagmen
- What does a Flagman earn?
- A Flagman has an average salary of 34 500 SEK per month.
- How does the difference between men and women look?
- Men earn an average of 35 400 SEK, women 32 900 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a Flagman?
- Usually, a short internal training or course in traffic safety and security is required.
- What is the work environment like for a Flagman?
- The work environment is mainly outdoors, often at roadworks and under varying weather conditions.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on the region and project scope.
- What career opportunities are available after a few years?
- It is common to advance to supervisory roles or pursue further education in safety and traffic management.
- What are the future prospects for Flagmen?
- The outlook is good, especially with larger investments in infrastructure and road projects.
