- Salary statistics
- Air traffic controller salary
Air traffic controller salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
64 000 - 92 100 SEK / month
Women earn 110% of what men do.
Transport
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Salary progression Air traffic controller
What does an air traffic controller do? – Tasks and work environment
An air traffic controller is responsible for monitoring and directing air traffic to ensure that aircraft travel safely and efficiently through the airspace. The tasks include giving instructions to pilots via radio, managing flight routes, coordinating takeoffs and landings, and making quick decisions in unexpected situations. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, advanced technical systems, and high demands on concentration and teamwork. The work is usually performed in control centers or towers and often involves shift work, which requires both mental and physical endurance.
Salary development over time
The salary for air traffic controllers has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 76,700 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 81 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has risen significantly to 83 500 SEK per month, which is an increase of approximately 5.7% compared to the previous year. This increase reflects both a higher demand for qualified air traffic controllers and the industry's need to retain competent personnel in a safety-critical operation. The salary increase can also be linked to inflation and collective bargaining negotiations, where air traffic controllers as a group often have strong bargaining positions due to their specialized knowledge. The trend indicates that the profession's attractiveness as a career choice continues to strengthen, especially considering the responsibilities and demands of the role.
Air traffic controller salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 83 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 62,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education)
- Highest salary: 88,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage (average): 490 SEK
- Women: 88 100 SEK/month
- Men: 80 300 SEK/month
- Women earn: 110% of what men do
The air traffic control profession requires quick reaction ability and good multitasking skills, but also an unusual capacity to handle stress and make decisions under pressure. Many controllers describe the feeling of responsibility and collaboration with pilot colleagues as something unique in the workforce.
Education and qualifications
To work as an air traffic controller, specialized training combining theoretical studies and practical training is required. The basic training is provided in Sweden by LFV (Swedish Air Navigation Services) and is highly selective, including cognitive and psychological assessments. After completing training, certification is required before full authorization is granted, and ongoing further training is an integral part of the profession.
- Formal education: Air traffic controller training via LFV, approximately 2–2.5 years
- Certification: Required after completing training and practical experience
- Practical training / Trainee: Extensive practice at airports or control centers
- Prerequisites: Complete upper secondary education, very good knowledge of English
- Tests: Cognitive and psychological tests during admission
- Continuing education: Ongoing further training and assessment
Common benefits and compensations
Air traffic controllers often enjoy attractive benefits such as extra vacation days, favorable pension schemes, wellness allowances, and health check-ups. Shift work can be compensated with overtime premiums and scheduling that considers recovery. Some employers also offer subsidized meals and opportunities for skills development.
Competition and challenges
The air traffic control profession is known for its competition for training spots and positions, especially since the training is free of charge and the number of places is limited. The selection process is rigorous, and the requirements are high even at the admission stage, meaning only a few candidates are accepted each year. The job involves significant responsibility and pressure, where mistakes can have serious consequences, demanding high resilience and decision-making skills. At the same time, technological advancements are changing the role, with increasing demands for digital competence and continuous adaptation to new systems. Working hours can also be challenging, with irregular shifts and night work affecting private life.
Tips for aspiring air traffic controllers
To succeed as an air traffic controller, it is good to prepare mentally for a profession where accuracy and stress tolerance are crucial. Training multitasking and concentration skills provides an advantage for admission tests. Good collaboration and communication skills facilitate both training and daily work, where teamwork with colleagues and pilots is central. An analytical mindset and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are also highly valuable. Getting accustomed early to irregular hours and prioritizing recovery can reduce the risk of stress-related issues. Finally, a strong interest in technology and continuous learning is essential, as the profession is characterized by constant development and change.
Key facts about air traffic controllers
- Education level: Specialized post-secondary education (2–2.5 years)
- Work environment: Control towers and control centers with high safety focus
- Work form: Shift work, often with night and weekend shifts
- Demand: Very limited training spots, competition for positions
- Special skills: Advanced multitasking and language skills (English)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, controllers can specialize in different traffic management areas, such as instructor, training manager, or safety manager. Technological development also opens opportunities for roles in system development and security work within authorities and airlines. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no separate forecast exists for air traffic controllers due to limited data, but there is a steady need for qualified personnel in the transport sector. The job market is small, and competition for available positions is high, with 412 job openings reported in the latest survey. The future outlook for air traffic controllers is considered favorable, especially for those willing to further educate themselves and take responsibility for technological development and safety.
Frequently asked questions about air traffic controllers
- What does an air traffic controller earn?
– The average salary is 83 500 SEK per month. - How do you become an air traffic controller?
– By completing LFV's air traffic controller training, which includes both theory and practical components, and passing admission and certification tests. - What are the gender differences in salary?
– Women earn on average 88 100 SEK and men 80 300 SEK per month, meaning women earn 110% of men's salary. - What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
– High stress levels, significant responsibility, and irregular working hours are some of the main challenges for air traffic controllers. - Are there good future prospects?
– The forecast is stable, but competition for training spots and positions is very fierce. - What are the career opportunities?
– After a few years, controllers can advance to roles such as instructor, training manager, or safety manager. - What is required to pass the training?
– Strong cognitive and psychological qualities, excellent multitasking ability, and good language skills, especially in English.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 72700 kr | 81800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 86500 kr | 94700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 85600 kr | 94900 kr | |
| Snitt | 110% | 75600 kr | 83500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44500 kr | 48100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54900 kr | 58500 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79300 kr | 83900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 88200 kr | 92100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 90100 kr | 93500 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 82100 kr | 86000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44500 kr | 48100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54900 kr | 58500 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79300 kr | 83900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 88200 kr | 92100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 90100 kr | 93500 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 82100 kr | 86000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 71400 kr | 80400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 86000 kr | 95700 kr | |
| Snitt | 110% | 72800 kr | 80300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44400 kr | 48000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54400 kr | 58000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79200 kr | 83700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 89200 kr | 93200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 91100 kr | 94400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 81100 kr | 85000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44400 kr | 48000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54400 kr | 58000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79200 kr | 83700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 89200 kr | 93200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 91100 kr | 94400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 81100 kr | 85000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 110% | 79700 kr | 88100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 55900 kr | 59700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79700 kr | 84500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 86800 kr | 90300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 89300 kr | 92800 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 83800 kr | 87500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 55900 kr | 59700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79700 kr | 84500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 86800 kr | 90300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 89300 kr | 92800 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 83800 kr | 87500 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 Air traffic controller has the SSYK code 3154, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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