What does a flight traffic assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A flight traffic assistant works to assist travelers and airlines in connection with flights. Tasks include check-in, ticket sales, baggage handling, and providing information to passengers. The profession requires good service skills and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially during delays or large passenger flows. The work mainly takes place at airports, often in shifts and with varying working hours, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Flight traffic assistants are a key link between travelers and airlines and help ensure that the journey is as smooth as possible.
Salary development over time
The salary of a flight traffic assistant has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK, which rose to 32 500 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary increased further to 34 100 SEK, representing a total increase of about 7% over the three-year period. The salary increase has been driven by an increased need for service personnel in the airline industry and a growing focus on customer experience, while competition for qualified staff has also increased. There is a trend where women now earn slightly higher salaries on average than men in the profession, which is uncommon in many service jobs. The overall salary development reflects the industry's recovery and continued demand for flight traffic assistants.
Flight traffic assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (men), 30,800 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (men), 37,100 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 205 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (men: 34 000 SEK, women: 34 200 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salary variations occur between different airports and regions, often depending on workload and collective agreements.
Education and qualifications
To work as a flight traffic assistant, generally a high school diploma is required, preferably with a focus on service, commerce, or tourism. Many employers also require specific courses in air traffic control and good language skills, especially in English. Practical experience from service jobs is advantageous, and some employers offer internal training programs or introductory positions.
- High school diploma: Focus on service, commerce, or tourism
- Courses/certificates: Airport-related courses or training in air traffic assistance
- Internship/trainee: Common with larger employers, often 2–6 months
- Language skills: Very good Swedish and English, additional languages are advantageous
- Prerequisites: Experience in service jobs is a plus
Flight traffic assistants are often the first and last persons a traveler meets at the airport, making them key figures for the overall impression of the journey. The ability to handle unexpected situations and quickly find solutions is crucial – no two days are alike.
Common benefits and compensations
Flight traffic assistants are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to additional pay for unsociable hours, overtime compensation, wellness allowances, and access to staff tickets or discounted travel. Other common benefits include pension contributions, insurance, and sometimes opportunities for further training at the workplace.
Competition and challenges
The job market for flight traffic assistants is relatively stable, but competition can be fierce at larger airports where many apply for the same positions. One of the main challenges is managing periods of high pressure, such as during holiday seasons or major traffic disruptions. Shift work and irregular hours can affect work-life balance. The ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions and always maintain a professional attitude is essential for success and satisfaction in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a flight traffic assistant
To succeed as a flight traffic assistant, it is good to be service-oriented and enjoy meeting people from different cultures. Good stress resistance is an important trait, especially during periods of high travel and rapid changes in the work environment. Being communicative and clear facilitates cooperation with colleagues and contact with travelers. Flexibility is an advantage since working hours often vary and unexpected situations can arise. It is recommended to seek internships or part-time jobs in the service industry to strengthen your CV and gain relevant experience. Further education in languages or airport security can increase chances of employment. Finally, being solution-oriented and always striving to give travelers a positive experience is key.
Key facts about Flight Traffic Assistants
- Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with airport-related courses
- Work environment: Airports, shift work, and high pace
- Demand: About 550 job openings in Sweden within the profession
- Typical employment form: Full-time or hourly employment, often covered by collective agreements
- Special skills: Languages, customer service, and crisis management
Career paths and future prospects
After several years of experience as a flight traffic assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or trainer within airport services. Some choose to specialize in traffic management, security, or pursue further education for administrative roles within the airline industry. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates continued strong demand, especially at larger airports and as air traffic increases post-pandemic. Digitalization and new technological solutions are changing job tasks, making IT and customer service skills increasingly important.
Frequently asked questions about Flight Traffic Assistants
- What is the monthly salary of a flight traffic assistant?
- The average salary is 34 100 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a flight traffic assistant?
- High school education with a focus on service, along with courses in air traffic control, is recommended.
- What does the gender salary distribution look like?
- Women earn on average 101% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the working environment like for a flight traffic assistant?
- Work takes place at airports, often in shifts and at a high pace.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on the size of the airport and the region.
- What career opportunities are there after a few years?
- Opportunities include becoming a team leader, trainer, or taking on administrative roles within the airline industry.
- How many job openings are there for flight traffic assistants?
- There are approximately 550 job openings in Sweden.
