How much does a Aircraft loader make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Aircraft loader
Image that illustrates Aircraft loader

Aircraft loader

31 900 kr

Ramp staff, movers and stock replenishment staff etc.

31 200 - 56 700 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Aircraft loader

Average salary 31 900 kr
Males 32 000 kr
Females 31 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 15 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 31 900 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: 31 900 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: 32 000 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 31 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
  • 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?
    - 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

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 19:34:57

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Aircraft loader is 56700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 31400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Aircraft loader is 31200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 26900 kr 28300 kr
25-34 29300 kr 30500 kr
35-44 30800 kr 32700 kr
45-54 33900 kr 35200 kr
55-64 33100 kr 34000 kr
Snitt 98% 30600 kr 31900 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.

Default Avatar

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.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics