Salary progression Cargo carrier

Average salary 31 000 kr
Males 31 100 kr
Females 30 500 kr

What does a freight handler do? – Tasks and work environment

A freight handler primarily works with transporting goods and cargo within warehouses, terminals, airports, or other logistics environments. The tasks often include loading, unloading, and moving heavy and bulky goods using tools such as hand trucks, tug vehicles, or carts. The work environment is usually physically demanding and often involves shift work, sometimes under time pressure to meet transport and delivery deadlines. Safety and ergonomics are important aspects, as the work can involve heavy lifts and movement in traffic-intensive areas.

Salary development over time

The salary for freight handlers has shown a steady but moderate increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month, rising to 31 000 SEK in both 2023 and 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of about 7% from 2022 to 2024, which is slightly higher than the average salary growth for similar professions within the transport and warehouse sectors. The salary level has since stabilized, possibly due to steady demand and a relatively stable labor market in the sector. Factors influencing salary development include work experience, demand for labor, and changes in collective agreements and working conditions within the profession.

Freight handler salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (woman)
  • Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month (man, public sector)
  • Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour
  • Women: 31,200 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men: 31 100 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a freight handler, usually no extensive formal education is required, but high school education with a focus on transport, logistics, or vehicles is often advantageous. Many employers offer internal training and onboarding at the workplace. Practical experience in warehouse work, forklift certification, and good physical condition are common requirements. Some workplaces may also require a driver's license depending on the type of vehicle used.

  • High school education: Focus on transport, vehicles, or warehouse (3 years)
  • Forklift certification: Often required or highly desirable
  • Internal training: Common upon employment
  • Practical experience: Experience from warehouse or logistics can be advantageous
  • Driver's license: May be required for certain tasks

Many freight handlers quickly build a broad network within the logistics industry, which can open doors to other roles such as warehouse manager or transportation planner. For those who enjoy physical work and variety in daily tasks, the profession offers both diversity and opportunities for advancement.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Freight handlers often have access to collective agreement benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, additional compensation for overtime, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits include work clothing, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonus opportunities for good performance. Some workplaces also offer insurance and employee discounts.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a freight handler is generally low, providing good opportunities for motivated individuals with the right qualifications. At the same time, the profession can be physically demanding and strenuous, especially when handling heavy cargo and working under tight deadlines. Challenges also include irregular working hours and shift work. A paradoxical situation exists in the labor market: despite high demand, recruiting personnel can be difficult, while many leave the profession due to workload or to move into other roles within logistics and transport.

Tips for those wanting to become a freight handler

To succeed as a freight handler, it is good to have a strong work ethic and be responsible, as punctuality and accuracy are highly valued by employers. Good physical condition is a clear advantage since the work often involves heavy lifts and long shifts on your feet. Flexibility and adaptability make it easier to handle varied tasks and working hours. Being cooperative and communicative facilitates teamwork, especially during large cargo operations. Finally, maintaining a positive attitude towards routine tasks and being willing to take initiative to solve practical problems is important.

Key facts about freight handlers

  • Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, often shift work
  • Educational requirements: High school and forklift certification are common
  • Demand: Large opportunities for jobs nationwide
  • Occupational groups: Ramps personnel, movers, and stockers, among others

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a freight handler, opportunities open up for roles such as supervisor, warehouse manager, or logistics planner, especially for those who further educate themselves in logistics or warehouse management. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities within the profession are large and expected to remain stable over the next five years. However, the industry is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation, with both recruitment difficulties and a high turnover. With over 412 available positions nationwide, it is a sector with a strong labor market for those who want to establish themselves quickly and potentially advance within logistics.

Frequently asked questions about freight handlers

  • What does a freight handler earn per month?
    - A freight handler has an average salary of 31 000 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary development look for freight handlers?
    - Salaries have increased from 29800 SEK in 2022 to 31 000 SEK in 2024.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What educational requirements are there to become a freight handler?
    - High school education and forklift certification are common, but internal training is often provided.
  • What does the job market look like for freight handlers?
    - The job market is good with over 400 available positions.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for freight handlers?
    - The highest salary is 56,700 SEK per month and the lowest is 31,200 SEK per month.
  • What work environments are most common for freight handlers?
    - Most common are warehouses, terminals, and airports where physical effort is required.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cargo carrier is 48600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cargo carrier is 30100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 27700 kr 28700 kr
25-34 29300 kr 30700 kr
35-44 30100 kr 30900 kr
45-54 31900 kr 33000 kr
55-64 32000 kr 33000 kr
Snitt 98% 30000 kr 31000 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 Cargo carrier has the SSYK code 9332, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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