- Salary statistics
- Air traffic controller salary
Air traffic controller salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
64 000 - 92 100 SEK / month
Women earn 110% of what men do.
Transport
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Salary progression Air traffic controller
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 81 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, a clear rise to 83 500 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: 83 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 62,200 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 88,700 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 490 SEK/hour
- Women: 88 100 SEK/month (110% of men's salary)
- Men: 80 300 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 83 500 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 72700 kr | 81800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 86500 kr | 94700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 85600 kr | 94900 kr | |
| Snitt | 110% | 75600 kr | 83500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44500 kr | 48100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54900 kr | 58500 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79300 kr | 83900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 88200 kr | 92100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 90100 kr | 93500 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 82100 kr | 86000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44500 kr | 48100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54900 kr | 58500 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79300 kr | 83900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 88200 kr | 92100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 90100 kr | 93500 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 82100 kr | 86000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 71400 kr | 80400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 86000 kr | 95700 kr | |
| Snitt | 110% | 72800 kr | 80300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44400 kr | 48000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54400 kr | 58000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79200 kr | 83700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 89200 kr | 93200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 91100 kr | 94400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 81100 kr | 85000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 44400 kr | 48000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 54400 kr | 58000 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79200 kr | 83700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 89200 kr | 93200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 91100 kr | 94400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 81100 kr | 85000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 110% | 79700 kr | 88100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 55900 kr | 59700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79700 kr | 84500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 86800 kr | 90300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 89300 kr | 92800 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 83800 kr | 87500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 55900 kr | 59700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 79700 kr | 84500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 86800 kr | 90300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 89300 kr | 92800 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 83800 kr | 87500 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 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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