Shipping assistant, flight

What does a Freight Assistant in the aviation industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A freight assistant in the aviation industry is responsible for coordinating and managing air freight, ensuring that goods are transported efficiently and according to regulations. Tasks include booking and documentation of shipments, contact with customers, customs authorities, and airlines. The role also involves administration of freight documents, monitoring deliveries, and troubleshooting delays or damages. The work environment is often at airports, logistics centers, or offices with a fast pace, where flexibility and accuracy are crucial to keep the logistics chain running around the clock.

Salary development over time

Salaries for a freight assistant in the aviation sector have shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK, increasing to 39 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 40 200 SEK, which corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. This salary development can partly be explained by the increased need for logistics specialists in air freight, driven by digitalization and globalization. There is also a clear gender gap, with men earning slightly more on average than women, although the gap is gradually narrowing. The overall trend indicates that the salary level for this profession has benefited from a stable job market and increased complexity in international transport flows.

Freight Assistant, aviation salary – full overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school diploma)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 40 900 SEK, women 38 400 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No detailed statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a freight assistant in aviation, a minimum of a high school diploma with a focus on logistics, administration, or transportation is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary studies in logistics or transport management, and experience in similar roles is advantageous. The industry prioritizes practical knowledge of international freight documents and IT systems, as well as good language skills, especially in English.

• High school diploma: Specialization in transport, logistics, or administration (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college or university in logistics/transport management (2–3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in dangerous goods, customs handling, and air freight systems may be required
• Internship: Internships or trainee programs provide valuable experience
• Language skills: English and sometimes additional languages are important

Common benefits and compensations

Freight assistants in aviation are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or company results. Other common benefits include access to employee discounts, paid training, and flexible working hours, especially for shift work.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a freight assistant in aviation is moderate, with a balanced relationship between applicants and available jobs. Technological development and digitalization increase demands for IT skills and quick adaptation to new systems. Challenges may also arise from changes in global transportation flows, such as disruptions in air traffic or altered customs regulations. Flexibility, stress resistance, and the ability to handle complex logistics flows are key qualities for success in the profession. Despite these challenges, the job market remains stable, and prospects are expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.

Tips for those who want to become a freight assistant in the aviation industry

To succeed as a freight assistant in aviation, it is good to have a strong sense of order and structure, as precise documentation and administration are central parts of the work. Developing good communication skills helps in contact with customers, colleagues, and authorities, especially in English. Flexibility and stress resistance are important traits since workflows can vary greatly and rapid changes are common. Being solution-oriented and able to quickly adapt to new IT systems and work processes gives an advantage in the digitalized logistics environment. Practical experience, such as internships or summer jobs, increases chances of getting an initial employment. Keeping updated on international transport regulations and trends in the logistics industry demonstrates engagement and initiative. Finally, building a network within the industry is valuable for creating more opportunities for development and career changes.

Key facts about Freight Assistant, aviation

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in logistics
• Work environment: Airport, logistics center, or office with a fast pace
• Typical work form: Shift work or daytime, often full-time employment
• Demand: Moderate, with a balance between supply and demand
• Special skills: Good IT and language skills, especially English

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience as a freight assistant in aviation, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as transportation manager, team leader, or logistics coordinator. Specialization in areas such as dangerous goods, customs handling, or international freight can also open doors to expert roles. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for transportation managers and logistics coordinators, including freight assistants, will remain unchanged over the next five years. The national assessment suggests that the job market is characterized by balance, with approximately 412 available jobs in the profession. Digitalization and increased requirements for efficient logistics provide good conditions for continued development in the field.

Frequently asked questions about Freight Assistant, aviation

• What is the average salary of a Freight Assistant, aviation?
  - A freight assistant in aviation has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development for Freight Assistant, aviation, looked over time?
  - The salary has increased from 37,100 SEK (2022) to 40 200 SEK (2024), an increase of just over 8%.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 40 900 SEK, while women earn 38 400 SEK, which corresponds to 94% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Freight Assistant, aviation?
  - At least a high school diploma with a focus on logistics is recommended, but post-secondary studies are advantageous.
• What is the state of the job market?
  - The demand is moderate and the job market is considered balanced with approximately 412 available jobs in the profession.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Freight Assistant, aviation?
  - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK (male, public sector), the lowest 37,400 SEK (female, private sector).
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Wellness allowances, occupational pensions, bonuses, subsidized lunches, and flexible working hours are common benefits.