How much does a Air traffic controller make

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Air traffic controller

81 400 kr

Air traffic controllers

62 200 - 88 700 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Air traffic controller

Average salary 81 400 kr
Males 80 700 kr
Females 82 400 kr
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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.

– statsskuld.se

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.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 20:01:00

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 Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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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