Hamnserviceman

What does a port service worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A port service worker works to ensure efficient and safe handling of goods, vehicles, and ships in port areas. Tasks may include coordinating transports, loading and unloading, verifying documentation, and following safety procedures. The profession often involves close collaboration with other professionals such as transport coordinators, crane operators, and customs personnel. The work environment is dynamic and can be outdoors or indoors, with shift work depending on port activity and traffic volume. Safety and precision are central to daily tasks, especially since the workplace often involves heavy vehicles and large machinery.

Salary development over time

The salary for a port service worker has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK, followed by an increase to 39 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further strengthened and now amounts to 40 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for logistics services, higher requirements for technical competence, and general market adjustments within the transportation sector. Inflation and collective agreement wage increases have also contributed to the development. Salary differences between men and women remain, reflecting a broader challenge within the industry.

Port service worker salary – full overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (woman, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (man, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 38 400 SEK (94 % of men's 40 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Vary depending on port size and geographic location

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a port service worker usually involves high school education in transport, logistics, or technology, but many employers prefer applicants to have completed post-secondary courses or certificates. Practical experience in logistics, shipping, or warehousing is advantageous and can often weigh heavily in recruitment. Some employers also offer internal training programs to ensure the right competence in safety and handling of technical equipment.

• High school education: Transport or technology programs (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH (vocational) training in logistics/transport (1–2 years) is advantageous
• Certifications: Forklift license, safety training, ADR certification
• Internships: Internships at ports or warehouses provide valuable experience
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, basic IT skills, driver’s license often desirable

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for port service workers include overtime allowances for evening and night shifts, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and collective pension schemes. Many employers also offer subsidized lunches or staff parking.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a port service worker is moderate, with a relatively balanced job market according to the Public Employment Service's forecasts. Challenges in the profession mainly concern the ongoing technological development and increased demands for digital skills. Shift work and physically demanding environments can also be strenuous over time. Flexibility is required to handle rapid changes in cargo flows and unforeseen events in port operations. To stay competitive, continuous skill updating and openness to new tasks are important.

Tips for those who want to become a port service worker

To succeed as a port service worker, it is good to be meticulous and responsible, as safety and proper documentation are crucial in port operations. Flexibility is an important trait, as the workday can often change quickly depending on ship arrivals and cargo flows. It is also advantageous to be cooperative, as the profession requires a lot of contact with colleagues and other actors in the port. Good physical endurance facilitates handling heavy goods and working in varying weather conditions. Technical interest and the ability to learn new systems and machinery quickly are valuable. Showing initiative and being solution-oriented are appreciated by employers, especially in unexpected situations. Finally, customer service skills and friendliness are important, as good contact with clients and transporters is a large part of daily work.

Key facts about port service workers

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in transport/logistics
• Work environment: Shift work, outdoors and indoors, sometimes physically demanding
• Work arrangement: Usually full-time employment, sometimes hourly
• Demand: Moderate, about 412 available jobs nationwide
• Gender distribution: Men predominate, but the proportion of women is increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, transport coordinator, or specialist in logistics and safety. Some choose to further their education to become port managers or take on project leadership roles within larger port operations. Forecasts from the Public Employment Service indicate that demand for port service workers and related professions will remain unchanged over five years, with a continued balanced recruitment situation. Technological development within logistics and automation may create new career paths for those wishing to develop within the field. For those looking to change careers, experience in port operations can also be valuable in forwarding, warehouse management, or transport planning.

Frequently asked questions about port service workers

• What does a port service worker earn?
  - A port service worker has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 40 900 SEK, women 38 400 SEK, which means women earn 94 % of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a port service worker?
  - High school education in transport or technology is most common, but post-secondary courses and certificates are advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for port service workers?
  - According to the Public Employment Service, demand is moderate and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a port service worker?
  - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK and the lowest is 37,400 SEK depending on education, sector, and gender.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Common benefits include overtime allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and collective pension schemes.
• How many job openings are there for port service workers?
  - There are approximately 412 available jobs nationwide.