How much does a Pilots make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Pilots
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Pilots

69 800 kr

Pilots etc.

53 200 - 87 500 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pilots

Average salary 69 800 kr
Males 70 000 kr
Females 0 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a pilot do? – Tasks and work environment

Pilots are responsible for operating aircraft during both civilian and military missions. Tasks include planning flights, navigation, communication with air traffic control and crew, as well as handling unexpected situations during flight. Besides flying, preparations, weather data review, aircraft system checks, and documentation are included. The work environment is often complex and varied – from busy commercial airports to field environments in military operations. Pilots work under strict safety procedures and must be prepared for irregular hours, night shifts, and rapid schedule changes.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, pilot salaries have shown a downward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month, followed by 71 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 69 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total decrease of approximately 6.2% over the period. The salary development can be explained by factors such as changing economic conditions, industry recovery after the pandemic, and variations in demand for pilots. Despite remaining high compared to many other professions, the decline reflects how sensitive the aviation industry is to external factors and market changes. Education requirements and competition for qualified positions also influence salary trends in the long term.

Pilot salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector)
  • Hourly wage: 420 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men earn 70 000 SEK/month; the highest salary for women is 74,700 SEK, and the lowest is 53,200 SEK. Salary data for women is limited.
  • Regional differences: Specific regional salary data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on employer and location.

Education and qualifications

Becoming a pilot requires both theoretical and practical training, often through a vocational university program or military training. All training leads to necessary certifications and licenses, with high demands on both physical and mental skills. In addition to formal education, extensive practice and ongoing training are required to maintain eligibility.

  • Formal education: Vocational university (2–3 years) or military training
  • Certifications: Commercial pilot license (CPL) or military pilot certificate
  • Internship: Long practical periods and flying hours during training
  • Prerequisites: Approved grades in mathematics, English, and physics; medical fitness
  • Continuing education: Regular simulator training and medical examinations

Pilots need not only technical skills but also a strong psyche and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. The ability to collaborate effectively with crew and ground staff is crucial for safety and flight execution.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Pilots often have access to generous benefits beyond their base salary. It is common with per diems during international assignments, favorable pension plans, wellness allowances, and staff tickets. Many employers also offer health insurance, extra vacation days, and opportunities for further training. Compensation for unsociable hours and overtime is also common.

Competition and challenges

The competition for pilot positions is intense, especially during periods of low air traffic demand. The number of training places is limited, and selection is highly competitive, with both physical and theoretical requirements. The industry is strongly affected by economic fluctuations, political decisions, and technological developments, which can create employment uncertainty. Pilots must also continuously update their knowledge to keep up with new safety standards and technology. Another challenge is balancing work and private life, as the job often involves irregular hours and travel.

Tips for aspiring pilots

To succeed as a pilot, it is beneficial to develop stress resilience early on and the ability to stay calm in pressured situations. Being meticulous and attentive to detail facilitates navigation and safety checks, while good communication skills improve teamwork with crew and ground staff. Physical endurance and good health are important for meeting medical requirements and long shifts. Showing initiative and being willing to learn continuously through training and education increases the chances of being accepted into training programs and advancing in the profession. Finally, discipline and a sense of responsibility are essential, as safety is always the highest priority in the aviation industry.

Key facts about pilots

  • Education level: Vocational university or military training (2–3 years)
  • Work environment: Aircraft, airports, sometimes field environments
  • Work pattern: Shift work, irregular hours
  • Demand: 395 job openings (2024) within the pilot profession
  • Special skills: Certifications, medical tests, simulator training

Career paths and outlooks

After 3–5 years in the profession, opportunities open for specialization in different aircraft models, becoming an instructor, or advancing to captain within airlines or the armed forces. Some choose to become trainers or examiners, while others move into leadership roles within aviation operations. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for pilots due to limited data, but the number of job openings in the profession is relatively large. Long-term, outlooks are influenced by technological development, environmental regulations, and industry recovery, which can bring both new opportunities and challenges.

Frequently asked questions about pilots

  • What does a pilot earn?
    - The average salary is 69 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
  • How does one become a pilot?
    - By completing a vocational university program or military training, as well as obtaining necessary certifications and completing internships.
  • Are there differences between men and women in salary?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 70 000 SEK, and the highest salary for women is 74,700 SEK; salary data for women is limited.
  • What is the work environment like for pilots?
    - Work takes place in aircraft with varying schedules and environments, often under pressure and with great responsibility for safety.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years?
    - Opportunities for specialization, instructor roles, leadership positions, or training within the aviation industry.
  • What are the outlooks for the future?
    - The prognosis is uncertain according to the Employment Service, but there are 395 job openings within the pilot profession.
  • What benefits are common for pilots?
    - Per diems, wellness allowances, staff tickets, pension agreements, and insurance are commonly offered.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-26 17:39:45

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pilots is 87500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 74700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pilots is 53200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 62900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 48800 kr 51500 kr
35-44 55900 kr 58100 kr
45-54 72500 kr 74000 kr
55-64 94400 kr 95700 kr
Snitt 67900 kr 69800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Pilots has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Net salary
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