- Salary statistics
- Pilots salary
Pilots salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
60 900 - 99 000 SEK / month
Transport
Related tools
Salary progression Pilots
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 69 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 76 200 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: 76 200 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 76 700 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.
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 76 200 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 76 700 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 53500 kr | 57900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 60700 kr | 63800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 83000 kr | 85700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97000 kr | 99100 kr | |
| Snitt | 73100 kr | 76200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 82% | 62800 kr | 68000 kr |
| 35-44 | 84% | 75600 kr | 81600 kr |
| 45-54 | 93700 kr | 97700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 96300 kr | |
| Snitt | 72% | 80100 kr | 84800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 82% | 62800 kr | 68000 kr |
| 35-44 | 84% | 75600 kr | 81600 kr |
| 45-54 | 93700 kr | 97700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 96300 kr | |
| Snitt | 72% | 80100 kr | 84800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 48600 kr | 52500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 54100 kr | 55900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 79200 kr | 81600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 98200 kr | 100000 kr | |
| Snitt | 70400 kr | 72800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 48600 kr | 52500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 54100 kr | 55900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 79200 kr | 81600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 98200 kr | 100000 kr | |
| Snitt | 70400 kr | 72800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 53800 kr | 58400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 60700 kr | 63900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 83000 kr | 85800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 96500 kr | 98600 kr | |
| Snitt | 73500 kr | 76700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 82% | 63600 kr | 68900 kr |
| 35-44 | 84% | 76200 kr | 82400 kr |
| 45-54 | 94100 kr | 98100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 96300 kr | |
| Snitt | 72% | 81000 kr | 85800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 82% | 63600 kr | 68900 kr |
| 35-44 | 84% | 76200 kr | 82400 kr |
| 45-54 | 94100 kr | 98100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 96300 kr | |
| Snitt | 72% | 81000 kr | 85800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 48300 kr | 52400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 54000 kr | 55800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 79100 kr | 81500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97600 kr | 99400 kr | |
| Snitt | 70500 kr | 73000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 48300 kr | 52400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 54000 kr | 55800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 79100 kr | 81500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97600 kr | 99400 kr | |
| Snitt | 70500 kr | 73000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 82% | 54100 kr | 56400 kr |
| 35-44 | 84% | 66700 kr | 69100 kr |
| Snitt | 72% | 59800 kr | 62000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 82% | 54100 kr | 56400 kr |
| 35-44 | 84% | 66700 kr | 69100 kr |
| Snitt | 72% | 59800 kr | 62000 kr |
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.
-
Pilot at Svensk Luftambulans – Gällivare, Lycksele, Mora, and Karlstad
Pilots etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 09:43
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Director, air traffic controller salary
Average salary: 83 500 SEK/month • Transport
Air traffic controllers
Compare with Pilots
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 - 22:12 -
Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month • Transport
Transport managers and coordinators
Compare with Pilots
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 - 06:13 -
Average salary: 37 200 SEK/month • Transport
Forklift drivers
Compare with Pilots
Thu, 2 Jul 2026 - 14:51 -
Average salary: 76 200 SEK/month • Transport
Pilots etc.
Compare with Pilots
Fri, 3 Jul 2026 - 09:14 -
Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month • Transport
Ramp staff, movers and stock replenishment staff etc.
Compare with Pilots
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 - 16:58 -
Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month • Transport
Warehouse and terminal staff
Compare with Pilots
Fri, 3 Jul 2026 - 23:35
