Freight forwarder, truck driver

What does a frozen warehouse worker, forklift driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A frozen warehouse worker with a focus on forklift operation is responsible for handling, transporting, and storing goods in cold and freezer environments. Tasks include loading and unloading goods, picking orders using various types of forklifts, and ensuring that goods are handled according to quality and safety standards. The work often takes place in environments with low temperatures, where protective gear and precision are crucial to maintain both product quality and a safe working environment. Collaboration within the team is central, and high demands are placed on efficiency, while safety must never be compromised.

Salary development over time

The salary for frozen warehouse workers and forklift drivers has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,700 SEK per month, which increased to 33 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen to 36 000 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 10% over the period. This salary development reflects an increased demand for qualified warehouse staff, especially in cold and freezer storage where the working environment requires extra effort. At the same time, the industry’s need for experienced forklift drivers has grown as logistics and e-commerce expand, driving wage increases. Gender pay gaps are small, with women earning 99% of men's salaries, indicating a relatively equal pay structure within the profession.

Frozen warehouse worker, forklift driver salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 36 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 36,400 SEK/month (male, regional sector)
• Hourly wage: 216 SEK
• Women earn: 35 600 SEK/month (99% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 36 100 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a frozen warehouse worker and forklift driver, a high school education, preferably with a focus on warehousing and logistics, is usually required. A forklift license is mandatory, and some employers also require experience working in cold or freezer environments and good knowledge of Swedish. Practical experience and good physical condition are often advantageous.

• High school education: Focus on warehousing and logistics, 3 years
• Forklift license: Mandatory, typically obtained via a short course
• Internship: Often part of the education or through trainee programs
• Prerequisites: Good physical health and basic Swedish skills
• Certifications: Forklift operator certificate according to TLP10 standard

Common benefits and compensations

Many frozen warehouse workers and forklift drivers are covered by collective agreements that provide access to overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes extra compensation for work in cold environments. It is also common with subsidized work clothing, opportunities for training, and sometimes bonuses based on productivity. Insurance and pension contributions are often included in employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The demand for frozen warehouse workers and forklift drivers is generally good, but competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in larger cities. Challenges in the profession include the physically demanding work environment, where working in low temperatures and heavy lifting are everyday tasks. Skills in safe forklift operation and careful handling of food products are essential. Digitalization and automation are also impacting the industry, requiring technical understanding and adaptability. A shortage of experienced personnel can create temporary recruitment challenges, but the availability of job openings remains stable with 412 advertised positions within the profession.

Tips for those who want to become frozen warehouse workers, forklift drivers

To succeed as a frozen warehouse worker and forklift driver, it is good to combine accuracy with good physical fitness, as the work often involves heavy lifting in cold environments. Being responsible and following safety routines carefully increases both your own and colleagues’ safety, especially when driving forklifts in tight spaces. Flexibility is an important trait, as tasks can vary between order picking, loading, and unloading depending on warehouse needs. Showing teamwork and being communicative facilitates work in the team and contributes to a positive working environment. Initiative is appreciated, especially when unexpected situations arise and quick decisions are needed. Staying updated on new routines and technical tools provides advantages as the industry develops. Finally, patience and endurance are important, as frozen warehouse work often involves monotonous tasks in challenging environments.

Key facts about frozen warehouse workers, forklift drivers

• Education level: High school education with forklift license
• Work environment: Cold and freezer warehouses with low temperatures
• Common employment form: Shift or full-time, often covered by collective agreements
• Demand: 412 job openings within the profession
• Special skills: Forklift operation and safety routines

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years in the profession as a frozen warehouse worker and forklift driver, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, team leader, or logistics coordinator, especially for those demonstrating leadership and initiative. Some choose to specialize further in warehouse management or pursue further education as transport planners. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for this job title due to limited data, but there is generally good access to jobs within the forklift driver profession. Digitalization and automation may influence future tasks, but the need for skilled and experienced frozen warehouse workers is expected to remain stable in the medium term.

Frequently asked questions about frozen warehouse workers, forklift drivers

• What do a frozen warehouse worker, forklift driver earn?
  - The average salary is 36 000 SEK per month, with variation between 31,700 SEK and 36,400 SEK depending on experience, sector, and gender.
• Do you need a forklift license to work as a frozen warehouse worker?
  - Yes, a forklift license is a basic requirement and certification is carried out according to the TLP10 standard.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work takes place in cold and freezer warehouses with low temperatures, requiring protective clothing and good physical endurance.
• Are there many job openings in the profession?
  - Yes, there are 412 job openings within the profession according to the latest statistics.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness allowance, extra compensation for work in cold environments, as well as insurance and pension contributions.
• What are the gender differences in salaries?
  - Women earn 99% of what men do within the profession, with only marginal differences in average salary.
• What education is required?
  - High school education with a focus on warehousing/logistics and a forklift license is usually required.