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- Air traffic controller salary
Air traffic controller salary
81 400 SEK
Latest available salary statistics are for 2024. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
62 200 - 88 700 SEK / month
Women earn 102% of what men do.
Transport
Average salary
81 400 SEK/month
Monthly gross salary
Salary range
62 200 - 88 700 SEK
Latest available range
Data year
2024
Latest published dataset
Related tools
Salary progression Air traffic controller
Average salary
81 400 kr
Males
80 700 kr
Females
82 400 kr
What does an air traffic controller do? – Tasks and work environment
An air traffic controller's main responsibility is to ensure the safe and efficient management of air traffic in the airspace and at airports. The work involves monitoring aircraft movements, giving instructions to pilots, and coordinating takeoffs, landings, and flight paths to prevent collisions and optimize traffic flow. The work environment is often high-tech and characterized by a fast pace, where decision-making under pressure and constant attention are crucial. Air traffic controllers typically work in control towers or regional air traffic centers and often have shift work, including nights and weekends, to cover the needs of air traffic around the clock.
Salary development over time
The salary for air traffic controllers has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 76,700 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 77 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, a clear rise to 81 400 SEK was noted, corresponding to an increase of about 5.7% over one year. This salary development reflects both the high demand for qualified air traffic controllers and the increased responsibilities the role entails. The industry's need for specialized skills and the high safety and preparedness standards have likely contributed to this rise. The salary increase may also be related to negotiations on working conditions and a general trend towards higher compensation in critical societal functions.
Air traffic controller salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 81 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 62,200 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 88,700 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 490 SEK/hour
- Women: 82 400 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
- Men: 80 700 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Data on regional differences is not available
Education and qualifications
To work as an air traffic controller, specialized training provided by approved educational providers is required, often connected to major airports or government agencies. The training is demanding, combining theoretical studies with practical training, followed by certification and continuous professional development. Basic requirements include a high school diploma and good knowledge of English.
- Formal education: Post-secondary education (about 2–2.5 years) at an approved air traffic control school
- Certification: European air traffic controller certificate (ATCO)
- Practical training: Extended internship and traineeship at an airport or central facility
- Prerequisites: Good eyesight, hearing, stress resilience, and high school diploma
- Tips for selection: Strong skills in mathematics, English, and logical thinking are advantageous
Many air traffic controllers report that the profession offers a unique combination of responsibility and teamwork, where communication with pilots and colleagues is crucial for safety. The intense pace and quick decisions mean that workdays are rarely the same, attracting those who thrive on variation and challenges.
Common benefits and compensations
Air traffic controllers often have access to attractive benefits such as extra vacation days, overtime pay for shift work, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense. Employers also offer occupational pensions and insurance as part of the employment package.
Competition and challenges
The competition for training places to become an air traffic controller is fierce, as admission requirements are high and selection is strict. During training, high demands are placed on stress resilience, multitasking, and the ability to make quick decisions. The profession also involves challenges such as irregular working hours, shift work, and significant responsibility for people's safety. Since the job market is relatively specialized and the number of positions limited, changing jobs without extensive retraining can be difficult. However, the profession offers stable working conditions for those who complete the training and secure employment.
Tips for aspiring air traffic controllers
To succeed as an air traffic controller, it is beneficial to develop good multitasking skills early and practice handling stressful situations with calm and focus. Strong communication skills are essential, as clear and accurate information to pilots is vital for safety. Precision and a sense of responsibility should be combined with analytical thinking so that decisions can be made quickly and correctly under pressure. The ability to collaborate and build trust with colleagues is also central, as air traffic control is a team effort. Being flexible and adaptable during shift work helps manage the varied tasks. Finally, investing time in staying updated on technology and regulations is valuable, as the industry is constantly evolving.
Key facts about air traffic controllers
- Educational level: Post-secondary (2–2.5 years) with certification
- Work environment: Control tower or traffic center, shift work
- Gender distribution: Women earn on average 2% more than men
- Job openings: 412 within the profession
- Highest salary: 88,700 SEK/month (private sector female with extended training)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an air traffic controller, opportunities open for more specialized roles, such as instructor, training leader, or traffic management supervisor. It is also possible to work on developing new systems and procedures or to take on international assignments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is a generally stable demand for the profession, although no specific forecast is made for air traffic controllers due to limited data. The profession remains attractive and competitive, with relatively few training spots and high demand for specialized skills.
Common questions about air traffic controllers
- What is the monthly salary of an air traffic controller?
– An air traffic controller has an average salary of 81 400 SEK per month. - How to become an air traffic controller?
– It requires post-secondary education at an approved air traffic control school, certification, and practical training. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
– Yes, women earn on average 2% more than men in the profession. - What is the job market like for air traffic controllers?
– There are 412 job openings in the field, but no exact forecast for the profession. - What is the highest salary for an air traffic controller?
– The highest reported salary is 88,700 SEK per month. - What is required to be admitted to the training?
– High school diploma, good language skills, and suitability tests are required for admission. - What personal qualities are important?
– Multitasking ability, stress resilience, responsibility, and good communication are crucial.
Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Air traffic controller is 88700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 87200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Air traffic controller is 62200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 68800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 76600 kr | 80800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 83900 kr | 87700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 80300 kr | 84000 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 77500 kr | 81400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 48300 kr | 50800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 53000 kr | 57200 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 78000 kr | 82200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 85400 kr | 89000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 86100 kr | 89100 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 79900 kr | 83600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 48300 kr | 50800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 53000 kr | 57200 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 78000 kr | 82200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 85400 kr | 89000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 86100 kr | 89100 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 79900 kr | 83600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 77200 kr | 81500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 84100 kr | 88100 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 76500 kr | 80700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 52600 kr | 56800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 78000 kr | 82200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 86000 kr | 89800 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 86700 kr | 89900 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 78800 kr | 82700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 52600 kr | 56800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 78000 kr | 82200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 86000 kr | 89800 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 86700 kr | 89900 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 78800 kr | 82700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 102% | 78900 kr | 82400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 49000 kr | 51400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54200 kr | 58700 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 78000 kr | 82200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 84500 kr | 88000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 85600 kr | 88400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 81400 kr | 84800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 49000 kr | 51400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54200 kr | 58700 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 78000 kr | 82200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 84500 kr | 88000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 85600 kr | 88400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 81400 kr | 84800 kr |
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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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