How much does a Helicopter driver make

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  2. Helicopter driver
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Helicopter driver

69 800 kr

Pilots etc.

53 200 - 87 500 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Helicopter driver

Average salary 69 800 kr
Males 70 000 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Helicopter Pilot do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A helicopter pilot is responsible for operating helicopters across various sectors, from ambulance and rescue services to passenger and cargo transport, as well as surveillance missions. Tasks include planning flights, checking the helicopter’s technical status, communicating with air traffic controllers and other pilots, and navigating in changing weather conditions. The work environment is often diverse, involving both routine and emergency operations, requiring high levels of concentration, safety awareness, and stress resistance. Helicopter pilots work both day and night, sometimes under challenging conditions and in exposed environments.

Salary Development Over Time

The helicopter pilot profession has shown a slight downward trend in salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it decreased to 71 200 SEK, a reduction of about 4.3%. In 2024, the decline continued to 69 800 SEK, a further decrease of 2%. This trend can partly be explained by increased competition within the industry, possible changes in demand for helicopter services, and the influx of newly trained pilots. Despite the high average salary, regional and employer variations can be significant. Market needs for specialized helicopter services also influence salary levels over time.

Helicopter Pilot Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education max 2 years)
  • Hourly rate: 420 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men earn 70 000 SEK/month; data for women’s average salary is unavailable, but highest for women is 74,700 SEK/month and lowest 53,200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and Qualifications

To work as a helicopter pilot, extensive education and several formal certifications are required. The pathway typically starts with a high school diploma, followed by specialized pilot training focused on helicopters. The training includes both theoretical studies and practical flying, where students learn navigation, flight techniques, and safety procedures. After completing the training, a commercial helicopter certificate (CPL-H) is necessary to work professionally.

  • Formal education: High school diploma plus approved pilot training (about 1.5–2 years)
  • Certificates: Commercial helicopter certificate (CPL-H)
  • Practical training: Flight training and simulator exercises
  • Prerequisites: Medical fitness certificate, good physical health, and good vision
  • Tip: Choose training providers approved by the Swedish Transport Agency

Helicopter pilots can work in a variety of fields, from mountain rescue and fire fighting to offshore transport and nature filming. The versatility of the profession often leads to unique working days and the opportunity to experience environments few other professions can access.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Typical benefits for helicopter pilots include extra pay for unsociable hours, overtime compensation, wellness allowances, and sometimes accommodation when stationed elsewhere. Employers may also offer pension contributions, travel allowances, and training support for further pilot development.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for available helicopter pilot positions is intense, especially in attractive segments like ambulance or offshore work. Training costs are high, and the number of training spots is limited, making entry challenging. Continuous further training and regular medical checks are required to maintain certifications. Market fluctuations, technological developments, and demand for helicopter services also affect job availability, sometimes leading to periods with fewer openings. Nonetheless, there is ongoing demand for experienced pilots, particularly for specialized missions.

Tips for Aspiring Helicopter Pilots

To succeed as a helicopter pilot, combine technical interest with a strong sense of responsibility. Attention to detail is crucial for safety procedures and aircraft checks. Good stress management helps in handling unexpected situations, and quick decision-making is essential. Develop strong communication skills for effective collaboration with colleagues and air traffic controllers. Be patient with the lengthy training process and prepared to invest time and money. Flexibility is also important, as working hours and locations often vary. Showing initiative and staying updated on new techniques and regulations can help advance your career.

Key Facts about Helicopter Pilots

  • Educational level: High school diploma + approximately 2 years of pilot training
  • Work environment: Mobile, often outdoors and in varying conditions
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work, sometimes on call and standby
  • Demand: 395 job openings (May 2024)
  • Special skills: Navigation, flight safety, communication

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many helicopter pilots have opportunities to become instructors, safety officers, or take on specialized roles such as mountain rescue or offshore operations. Some pursue larger aircraft certifications or leadership roles within aviation companies. The Swedish Public Employment Service does not provide a specific outlook for helicopter pilots due to limited data, but in the pilot profession, there were 395 job openings in spring 2024. The forecast depends on market needs, technological advances, and shifts in public and private demand. Flexibility and ongoing training are key for long-term career development.

Frequently Asked Questions about Helicopter Pilots

  • What is the average salary of a Helicopter Pilot?
    - The average salary is 69 800 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for Helicopter Pilots?
    - The highest reported salary is 87,500 SEK per month, and the lowest is 53,200 SEK.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Men earn an average of 70 000 SEK/month; the highest for women is 74,700 SEK/month, and the lowest is 53,200 SEK/month.
  • What education is required to become a Helicopter Pilot?
    - High school diploma and approved pilot training with a commercial helicopter certificate (CPL-H).
  • What is the job market like for Helicopter Pilots?
    - There are 395 job openings, but no specific forecast for helicopter pilots.
  • How long is the training?
    - About 1.5–2 years after high school.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Stress resilience, responsibility, accuracy, and good communication skills are key.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-08 19:50:42

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Helicopter driver is 87500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 74700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Helicopter driver is 53200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 62900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 48800 kr 51500 kr
35-44 55900 kr 58100 kr
45-54 72500 kr 74000 kr
55-64 94400 kr 95700 kr
Snitt 67900 kr 69800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Helicopter driver has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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