How much does a Helicopter pilot make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Helicopter pilot
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Helicopter pilot

69 800 kr

Pilots etc.

53 200 - 87 500 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Helicopter pilot

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

Helicopter pilots are responsible for flying helicopters across various sectors, such as medical transport, police operations, firefighting, passenger traffic, and offshore transport. Tasks include planning and executing flights, communicating with air traffic control, safety and aircraft checks, and navigation in varying weather and terrain conditions. The work environment is dynamic and may involve long shifts and standby duties, often at high altitudes and in challenging environments. Flexibility, stress resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure are often required.

Salary development over time

The salary trend for helicopter pilots has shown a decline over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month, which decreased to 71 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 69 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total decrease of approximately 6.2% during the period. The trend can be explained by factors such as increased competition, changes in demand for transport services, and some sectors becoming more efficient or shrinking. Education requirements and certification costs also influence salary levels, while the market remains relatively small and sensitive to economic fluctuations.

Helicopter pilots often work in teams with technicians and rescue personnel and must quickly adapt to unexpected situations, such as rescue operations or adverse weather conditions. Collaboration and communication are therefore crucial skills for success and satisfaction in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Helicopter pilot salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 420 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Men earn an average of 70 000 SEK/month; specific figures for women are unavailable, but the highest known salary for women is 74,700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Limited data available, but salary levels may vary depending on employer and type of assignment

Education and qualifications

To work as a helicopter pilot, extensive training and several certifications are required. The typical pathway involves approved pilot training, followed by practical experience and specialized courses. In addition to formal requirements, pilots must undergo regular medical examinations and continuous training to maintain valid licenses.

  • Formal pilot training: Approved helicopter pilot training (1.5–2 years at an approved flight school)
  • Pilot certificate: CPL(H) – Commercial Pilot License (Helicopter)
  • Medical requirements: Approved aviation medical certificate, Class 1
  • Practical experience: Flight hours under supervision required for certification
  • Continued education: Recurring courses and simulator training
  • Prerequisites: Complete secondary education and good English skills

Common benefits and compensations

Helicopter pilots are often offered benefits such as per diems when working away from home, compensation for unsociable hours, extra vacation days, and pension schemes. Some employers also provide wellness stipends, insurance, and opportunities for further training as part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for helicopter pilot positions is fierce due to the limited number of employers and the high educational requirements. The market is strongly affected by economic cycles, public funding, and technological developments. Many pilots must be prepared to work irregular hours and quickly adapt to new tasks. The physical and mental demands of the profession, along with the need for ongoing training, make it challenging to establish and remain in the industry.

Tips for aspiring helicopter pilots

To succeed as a helicopter pilot, it helps to combine technical interest with practical problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and responsibility are crucial for handling advanced flight equipment and ensuring passenger safety. Good stress resilience is necessary to stay calm in pressured situations, while teamwork skills facilitate cooperation with crew and ground staff. A strong interest in flying and a continuous desire to improve make it easier to learn new technology and regulations. Flexibility is beneficial for standby duties and irregular schedules, and good physical and mental health are prerequisites for meeting the demands of the profession.

Key facts about helicopter pilots

  • Education level: Approved helicopter pilot training and CPL(H) certificate
  • Work environment: Varies, often outdoors and in challenging environments
  • Typical work pattern: Irregular hours, standby duties, team collaboration
  • Demand: Approximately 412 job openings within the pilot profession and related fields
  • Special skills: Safety procedures, navigation, and technical troubleshooting

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a helicopter pilot, opportunities exist to advance to instructor, flight safety officer, or chief pilot. Some choose to specialize in areas such as medical flights or firefighting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no precise assessment is made for the helicopter pilot profession due to limited data, but generally, there are good opportunities within the pilot sector, with 412 job openings in Sweden. Future prospects are influenced by societal needs, technological development, and economic cycles, emphasizing the importance of ongoing training and openness to different types of assignments.

Frequently asked questions about helicopter pilots

  • What does a helicopter pilot earn?
    - A helicopter pilot has an average salary of 69 800 SEK per month.
  • How to become a helicopter pilot?
    - Approved flight training and a CPL(H) certificate are required.
  • What is the job market like for helicopter pilots?
    - There are approximately 412 job openings, but competition is high.
  • What are the duties of a helicopter pilot?
    - Tasks include flying, navigation, safety checks, and crew collaboration.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Men earn an average of 70 000 SEK; the highest known salary for women is 74,700 SEK, but data is limited.
  • What education is required to become a helicopter pilot?
    - Approved helicopter pilot training and CPL(H) certification are necessary, along with medical approval.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for helicopter pilots?
    - The highest salary is 87,500 SEK and the lowest 53,200 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 21:04:03

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Helicopter pilot 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 pilot 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 pilot has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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