Image that illustrates Quay guard

Quay guard

40 200 kr

Transport managers and coordinators

37 400 - 42 400 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Quay guard

Average salary 40 200 kr
Males 40 900 kr
Females 38 400 kr

What does a Kajvakt do? – Tasks and work environment

Kajvakter are responsible for safety and logistics at ports and other quay areas. The work includes monitoring cargo handling, coordinating transportation between ships and land, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and safety procedures. It is common for Kajvakter to check access to port areas, report incidents, and collaborate closely with ship crews, transport companies, and authorities. The work environment is characterized by varying weather conditions, shift work, and sometimes high pace, especially at larger ports or during intensive loading and unloading periods.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the Kajvakt salary has increased from 37,100 SEK per month in 2022 to 39 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 200 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total increase of just over 8% during the period, which is slightly higher than the average for similar professions within the transport sector. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel in port operations and a greater emphasis on safety routines. The role's requirement for responsibility and flexibility has also contributed to higher salary levels, especially in larger port cities where competition for labor is greater. Despite this positive trend, some salary differences between genders and regions still exist.

Kajvakt salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
  • Women earn: 38 400 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 40 900 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salaries are generally higher in larger port cities and in the public sector.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kajvakt, a high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on transport, logistics, or security. Many employers also view post-secondary education in transport management or similar fields positively. Practical experience from port operations or security work is often advantageous, and some employers may require specific certificates or completed safety courses.

  • High school education: Transport, logistics, or social studies (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: YH training or university education in logistics, transport management, or security (1–3 years)
  • Certifications: Safety courses, forklift licenses, or port-related certificates
  • Practical experience: Experience from ports or logistics is highly meritorious
  • Prerequisites: Good Swedish skills, sometimes driver's license and some computer skills

The work of a Kajvakt can involve both routine tasks and quick responses to unexpected events, making the profession attractive to those who appreciate variety and want a role with clear responsibility. In larger ports, opportunities for specialization in areas such as security monitoring or environmental work may also be available.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Kajvakter are often covered by collective agreements that provide overtime pay for evening and night work, as well as compensation for overtime. Other common benefits include wellness contributions, work clothing, opportunities for further training, and in some cases access to staff cafeterias or subsidized transportation to and from work. Occupational pensions and insurance are also included in most employment contracts.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Kajvakter is characterized by moderate competition with a balanced recruitment situation. Nationally, employment opportunities are considered stable, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. A challenge may be that some ports and regions offer fewer positions, making mobility and flexibility important for those wishing to work in the profession. The work can also be physically demanding at times and involve irregular hours, which may affect work-life balance. Digitalization of port operations is also increasing requirements for technical skills and the ability to adapt to new working methods.

Tips for those wanting to become a Kajvakt

To succeed as a Kajvakt, it is good to be thorough and enjoy responsibility. Demonstrating good cooperation skills and clear communication with different professional groups is a significant asset, especially in stressful situations. Flexibility and readiness for shift work increase chances of employment, as does an interest in technology and security. Being proactive and able to quickly identify risks contributes to a safer work environment. Continuously updating oneself on new safety routines and participating in relevant training provides an advantage in the job market. Engagement and patience are important qualities, especially when routines must be followed carefully even under time pressure.

Key facts about Kajvakt

  • Education level: High school or post-secondary education in logistics or security
  • Work environment: Shift work outdoors in port environments, sometimes physically demanding
  • Demand: Moderate with a balanced job market
  • Number of job openings: 412 within the profession of transport managers and coordinators
  • Special skills: Safety routines, logistics, and coordination

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kajvakt, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, transport manager, or security officer within port operations. Some choose to specialize in environmental work or digital logistics, while others further their education to move into administrative or planning roles. According to the Employment Service, demand for Kajvakter and related professions is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a continued balanced job market. Digitalization and increased security awareness may, however, create new career paths and demand for specialized skills within the port and logistics sector.

Frequently asked questions about Kajvakt

  • What is the average salary of a Kajvakt?
    - A Kajvakt has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 38 400 SEK (94% of men's salary), while men earn 40 900 SEK.
  • What is the job market like for Kajvakt?
    - The job market is balanced with moderate opportunities and around 412 job openings within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Kajvakt?
    - High school education with a focus on transport or security is most common, but post-secondary education is advantageous.
  • What are the working hours for a Kajvakt?
    - Shift work is common, involving work in evenings, nights, and weekends.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and occupational pension.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Quay guard is 42400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Quay guard is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 108% 31500 kr 33700 kr
25-34 95% 37100 kr 38500 kr
35-44 94% 38800 kr 40500 kr
45-54 93% 39200 kr 41200 kr
55-64 93% 40300 kr 42300 kr
65-68 37300 kr 38700 kr
Snitt 94% 38400 kr 40200 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 Quay guard has the SSYK code 4323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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