- Salary statistics
- Airport Manager
Airport Manager
59 400 - 117 000 kr / month
Women earn 104% of what men do.
Chefer & ledare
Salary progression Airport Manager
What does an airport manager do? – Tasks and work environment
An airport manager has overall responsibility for the management, operation, and development of an airport. The role involves ensuring that the business runs efficiently, safely, and in accordance with applicable regulations and laws. Tasks include strategic planning, budget management, personnel leadership, and coordination across various operational areas such as security, service, and technology. The airport manager often acts as a contact person for authorities, airlines, and other stakeholders. The work environment is dynamic and involves both office work and presence on the airport grounds, where high pace and quick decisions are part of daily life.
Salary development over time
The salary for an airport manager has shown some variation in recent years but has generally developed positively. In 2022, the average salary was 90,100 SEK per month, followed by a temporary decrease to 87 800 SEK in 2023, representing a reduction of about 2.6 %. In 2024, the salary increased again to 92 100 SEK, which is an increase of nearly 5 % compared to the previous year. This trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified leaders in airport operations, changes in the labor market, and higher requirements for education and experience. The fact that salaries are rising despite temporary setbacks indicates that the profession continues to be highly valued within the industry.
Airport manager salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 92 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 59,400 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 117,000 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 554 SEK
- Women: 95,500 SEK (104% of men's salary)
- Men: 91 400 SEK
- Regional differences: Data varies, but higher salaries are often found at larger airports in metropolitan areas.
Education and qualifications
To work as an airport manager, a university degree in a relevant field is usually required, combined with several years of leadership and operational management experience. The educational path can vary depending on the size and organization of the airport, but it is common for airport managers to have backgrounds in engineering, logistics, economics, or urban planning. Some employers also require specific certifications or courses in airport and security operations.
- Academic degree: Often civil engineering, business administration, or social sciences (3–5 years)
- Leadership training: Courses or programs in management and organization
- Certifications: For example, safety training and airport operation certificates
- Work experience: Several years in leadership roles, preferably within the transport sector
- Internships/Traineeships: Opportunities for trainee programs or internships at larger airports
An airport manager often handles crises, such as weather events or technical failures, and must quickly coordinate efforts among many different actors. The ability to make rapid, well-founded decisions under pressure is therefore one of the most sought-after qualities in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Many airport managers are offered benefits beyond their base salary, such as company cars, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for bonuses upon achieving goals. Pension schemes and comprehensive insurance coverage are standard in most employment agreements, and some employers also offer educational support and opportunities to attend international conferences.
Challenges and competition
The role of airport manager is highly competitive, as the number of positions is limited and the requirements for competence and experience are high. Challenges in the profession often involve balancing safety requirements, economic efficiency, and service to travelers and partners. Changes in the airline industry, such as digitization and environmental demands, require adaptability and strategic thinking. Additionally, the role carries significant responsibility during crises, demanding stress resilience and leadership skills. The labor market is also influenced by economic cycles and changes within the transport sector.
Tips for aspiring airport managers
To succeed as an airport manager, it is good to combine analytical skills with strong leadership and an interest in logistics and societal development. Gaining early experience in the transport sector and participating in trainee programs provides an advantage, as does further education in management and airport operations. Communication skills are crucial, as the role requires collaboration with many different actors and authorities. Being resilient and decisive helps during unforeseen events and rapid changes. Finally, showing engagement with safety issues and staying updated on industry developments are important for leading the business forward.
Key facts about Airport Managers
- Education level: Often university degree (3–5 years)
- Occupational group: Executives and similar roles
- Work environment: Mix of office and operational areas
- Demand: 175 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Safety management and crisis handling
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an airport manager, career opportunities include moving on to leadership positions at larger airports, airport corporations, or international organizations within the aviation and transport sectors. Some choose to specialize in security, operations, or strategic development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, the demand for experienced managers in transport and logistics remains stable, with good opportunities for advancement for those combining leadership with specialist skills. Digitalization and new environmental requirements create a need for innovative managers, providing positive future prospects for the profession.
Frequently asked questions about Airport Managers
- What does an airport manager earn?
- An airport manager has an average salary of 92 100 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an airport manager?
- Typically, a university degree in engineering, economics, or social sciences, along with several years of leadership experience, is required. - Are there salary differences between genders?
- Yes, women earn on average 104% of what men do in this position. - What is the work environment like for an airport manager?
- The work environment is varied and involves both office work and presence on the airport grounds. - What are the future prospects for airport managers?
- The outlook is good with 175 available jobs in the profession according to recent data. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for an airport manager?
- The highest salary is 117,000 SEK and the lowest is 59,400 SEK per month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 55400 kr | 56700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 79800 kr | 82800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 91600 kr | 95400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 100500 kr | 104600 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 88600 kr | 92100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 99700 kr | 100900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95300 kr | 98300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 99700 kr | 100900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95300 kr | 98300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 55400 kr | 56700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 79800 kr | 82800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 91600 kr | 95400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 100500 kr | 104600 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 88600 kr | 92100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 55400 kr | 56700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 79800 kr | 82800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 91600 kr | 95400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 100500 kr | 104600 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 88600 kr | 92100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 77000 kr | 80400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 91800 kr | 95900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 99500 kr | 104000 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 87600 kr | 91400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 77000 kr | 80400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 91800 kr | 95900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 99500 kr | 104000 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 87600 kr | 91400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 77000 kr | 80400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 91800 kr | 95900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 99500 kr | 104000 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 87600 kr | 91400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 90900 kr | 0 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 106200 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 93600 kr | 95500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98900 kr | 102400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98900 kr | 102400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 90900 kr | 0 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 106100 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 93600 kr | 95500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 90900 kr | 0 kr | |
| 55-64 | 104% | 106100 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 93600 kr | 95500 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 Airport Manager has the SSYK code 1120, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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