How do gender differences in wages look?

Men earn on average 32,000 SEK and women 31,200 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's wages.

What education is required to become a cargo handler?

A high school diploma and internal safety training are usually required, sometimes also a forklift license.

Is it easy to get a job as a cargo handler?

Yes, according to the Employment Service, there are great opportunities nationwide, and 412 job openings in the profession have recently been reported.

What is the work environment like?

The work is physically demanding, often outdoors, and involves shift work with inconvenient hours.

What is the highest salary for a cargo handler?

The highest reported monthly salary is 56,700 SEK for a man in the public sector with post-secondary education.

What career paths are available?

It is common to advance to supervisor or team leader roles within ramp personnel, or to further specialize in logistics and security at the airport.

Aircraft loader salary

Q: What does a cargo handler do?

A cargo handler primarily works with loading and unloading luggage, goods, and freight from aircraft. Their tasks also include securing the cargo according to strict safety procedures, using specialized equipment such as baggage conveyors and forklifts, and handling heavy lifts under time pressure. The work is often outdoors near the airport's runways, exposing workers to weather and noise. Cargo handlers usually work in teams where collaboration and communication are essential to ensure quick and safe handling of aircraft loads.

31 000 SEK

Ramp staff, movers and stock replenishment staff etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

30 100 - 48 600 SEK / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Transport

Average salary 31 000 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 30 100 - 48 600 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

Jump to

Salary trend About the role What does a cargo handler do? – Tasks and work environment Wage development over time Cargo handler salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data

Salary progression Aircraft loader

2 Likes 0 Comments 72 Vacant jobs ->

What does a cargo handler do? – Tasks and work environment

A cargo handler mainly works with loading and unloading luggage, goods, and freight from aircraft. Tasks also include securing the cargo according to strict safety procedures, using specialized equipment such as baggage conveyors and forklifts, and handling heavy lifts under time pressure. The work is often outdoors near the airport's runways, which means exposure to weather conditions and noise. Cargo handlers typically work in teams where collaboration and communication are crucial to ensure fast and safe handling of aircraft loads.

Wage development over time

Over the past three years, cargo handlers have experienced stable wage development. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month, which increased to 31 000 SEK in both 2023 and 2024. This increase corresponds to approximately 7% wage growth from 2022 to 2023, after which the wage level has plateaued. The slowdown after 2023 can be linked to a higher labor supply and stabilization in the job market, while demand for transport and logistics services remains strong. Despite unchanged average wages over the past year, the profession maintains a stable wage structure, partly due to the labor market’s need for flexibility and quick recovery after the pandemic's impact on the aviation industry.

Cargo handler salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (woman), 31,500 SEK/month (man)
Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month (man, public sector, post-secondary education)
Hourly wage: 192 SEK
Women earn: 31,200 SEK (98% of men's salary)
Men earn: 31 100 SEK
Regional differences: Specific regional variations are not reported, but wage levels may be influenced by airport size and location.

Education and qualifications

To work as a cargo handler, no extensive formal education is typically required, but employers often seek a high school diploma and internal training in safety and vehicle handling. Practical experience, good physical condition, and teamwork skills are important qualities. Introductory courses are usually provided by the employer and may include certification for specialized machinery and safety procedures.

High school diploma: Usually a requirement, preferably with a focus on transportation or technology.
Internal safety training: Provided by the employer and mandatory.
Forklift and machinery certificates: Meritorious and sometimes required.
Internship or traineeship: Common as an introduction to the profession.
Good physical fitness and teamwork ability: Important personal qualities.

Many cargo handlers report that their workdays are rarely the same, as flight schedules and weather conditions constantly change. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations are therefore highly valued in this profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Cargo handlers are often offered additional pay for unsociable hours, such as evening and night shifts, when air traffic operates around the clock. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, insurance, and opportunities for further training within the airport's operations. Some employers may also offer subsidized lunches or employee discounts at the airport area.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a cargo handler involves high workload and a physically demanding environment, especially during peak travel periods. Despite large national job opportunities, recruitment difficulties are reported, and there is a high turnover and prevalence of part-time work. Safety requirements, tight schedules, and exposure to weather and noise demand resilience and precision from workers. However, competition for positions is limited, as employers often prioritize teamwork and flexibility over extensive formal education.

Tips for aspiring cargo handlers

To succeed as a cargo handler, it’s beneficial to be practically inclined and physically resilient, as the job often involves heavy lifting and working in varying weather conditions. Showing initiative and willingness to work inconvenient hours increases chances of employment, since air traffic runs 24/7. Teamwork skills are crucial, as tasks are performed in groups requiring good communication and responsibility. Attention to detail and safety are essential in every step, especially when handling cargo and following safety routines. Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing schedules is appreciated by employers, and early acquisition of forklift or machinery licenses is advantageous. Finally, managing stress and maintaining good organizational skills are important to meet the airport's fast pace.

Key facts about cargo handlers

Education level: High school diploma, internal safety training required
Work environment: Outdoors, noisy and physically demanding
Work type: Shift work, often inconvenient hours
Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
Number of job openings: 412 in the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After some years in the profession, cargo handlers can advance to supervisor or team leader roles within ramp personnel, which involve greater responsibility for team management and planning. It is also possible to further specialize in logistics, security, or administration at the airport. According to the Employment Service’s forecast for ramp personnel and similar roles, employment prospects remain strong, and demand is expected to stay stable over the next five years. However, changes in air traffic and technological developments may influence the job market, but the need for flexible and secure load handling remains.

Common questions about cargo handlers

What does a cargo handler earn?
- The average salary is 31 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
How do gender differences in wages look?
- Men earn on average 31 100 SEK and women 31,200 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's wages.
What education is required to become a cargo handler?
- High school diploma and internal safety training are required, sometimes also forklift licenses.
Is it easy to find a job as a cargo handler?
- Yes, according to the Employment Service, there are great opportunities nationally, and 412 job openings have recently been reported.
What is the work environment like?
- The work is physically demanding, often outdoors, involving shift work with inconvenient hours.
What is the highest salary for a cargo handler?
- The highest reported monthly salary is 56,700 SEK for a man in the public sector with post-secondary education.
What career options are available?
- It is common to advance to supervisor roles or to further specialize within logistics and security at the airport.

Richard Andersson - 2026-05-12 13:37:06

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29300 kr	30700 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30900 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33000 kr
55-64		32000 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44		45600 kr	50700 kr
Snitt		42200 kr	49100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44		45600 kr	50700 kr
Snitt		42200 kr	49100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29300 kr	30700 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30900 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33000 kr
55-64		32000 kr	32900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29300 kr	30700 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30900 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33000 kr
55-64		32000 kr	32900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28800 kr
25-34		29100 kr	30400 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30800 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33100 kr
55-64		32800 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		42700 kr	48600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		42700 kr	48600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29100 kr	30400 kr
35-44		30000 kr	30800 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33100 kr
55-64		32800 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29100 kr	30400 kr
35-44		30000 kr	30800 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33100 kr
55-64		32800 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	98%	29500 kr	30500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	98%	29400 kr	30400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	98%	29400 kr	30400 kr

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

Salary per sector

Salary based on education

Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

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 Aircraft loader has the SSYK code 9332, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.