Border controller

What does a border control officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A border control officer is responsible for ensuring that persons and goods crossing Sweden's borders comply with applicable laws and regulations. Tasks include checking travel documents, interviewing travelers, monitoring border areas, and collaborating with other authorities such as customs and police. The work is primarily conducted at airports, ports, and land borders, involving shift work, including both day and night shifts. Border control officers work in environments with high security requirements and need to act quickly and accurately in pressurized situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for border control officers has experienced a stable and positive development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, rising the following year to 32 800 SEK, and now in 2024 reaching 34 300 SEK. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 7.5 percent over the period. This development can be linked to an increased focus on border security and a generally higher demand for security-related professions. Additionally, the labor market has been characterized by recruitment difficulties, which may have contributed to wages rising slightly faster than the average for similar occupations.

Border Control Officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,200 SEK (female, regional sector, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 37,600 SEK (female, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Average salary men: 34 600 SEK
• Average salary women: 33 500 SEK
• Women earn: 97% of what men do
• Hourly wage: 206 SEK
• Regional differences: Information on variations is not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a border control officer, high school education is usually required, followed by internal training provided by the employer, often the Police Authority or the Swedish Migration Agency. In addition to formal education, experience in security work and good communication skills are valued. During training, candidates acquire knowledge in law, conflict management, and practical control procedures.

• High school education: Usually social sciences or law, 3 years
• Internal training: 2–6 months, employer-led
• Certifications: Security clearance and sometimes special courses in migration and document control
• Internship: Internships or trainee periods are often included during training
• Prerequisites: Swedish and English language skills, certain physical and mental suitability

Common benefits and compensations

Border control officers are often covered by collective agreements that include overtime pay for evening and night shifts, wellness allowances, and sometimes additional days off. In some cases, pension contributions beyond the statutory requirements are offered, along with insurance coverage for accidents at work. Staff often have access to further training and skills development in security and communication.

Challenges and competition

The profession of border control officer is characterized by a paradoxical labor market situation. Despite large opportunities for employment nationally, recruitment difficulties exist, largely because many leave the profession or work part-time. The work environment can be demanding, with shift work, high security requirements, and sometimes stressful situations. Additionally, continuous updating on laws and regulations is required, along with high readiness for changes in the external environment. Over the next five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but regional competition for positions may vary and be influenced by political decisions and international events.

Tips for aspiring border control officers

To succeed as a border control officer, it’s helpful to have a strong sense of responsibility and integrity, as assessments are often made under pressure. Being communicative and attentive facilitates interactions with people from different cultures and helps build trust in difficult situations. Good stress tolerance is essential, especially when unexpected events require quick decisions and appropriate actions. Analytical skills are important for interpreting documents and identifying risks quickly, while teamwork skills make it easier to work effectively with colleagues and other authorities. Continuously updating oneself and staying informed about legislation and routines is also a way to develop professionally and contribute to high security at borders.

Key facts about Border Control Officer

• Education level: High school education + employer-led internal training
• Work environment: Airports, ports, and land borders, often shift work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially nationally
• Number of available jobs: 191 within the security and order sector
• Professional group: Security guards and order guards

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of border control officer, there are opportunities to advance to specialist positions in document analysis, training responsibilities, or leadership roles such as team leader. Some continue into other security-related professions within customs, police, or the Swedish Migration Agency. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that job opportunities remain good, with demand expected to stay unchanged over five years. However, recruitment is characterized by high turnover and difficulties in retaining staff, leading employers to frequently seek new employees. Additionally, political changes and global events may influence the future need for border control officers.

Frequently asked questions about Border Control Officer

• What does a Border Control Officer earn?
  - A border control officer has an average salary of 34 300 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn an average of 33 500 SEK, which is 97% of what men earn, with an average of 34 600 SEK.
• What education is required to become a border control officer?
  - High school education and employer-led internal training are required, often supplemented with security clearance.
• Are there many job openings for border control officers?
  - Currently, there are 191 available jobs nationwide.
• What work environments do border control officers work in?
  - Mainly at airports, ports, and land borders, often with shift work.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The demand for border control officers is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a border control officer?
  - The highest salary is 37,600 SEK (female, public sector), and the lowest is 33,200 SEK (female, regional sector).