What does a coupling operator in loading do?

The average salary is 31,900 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 192 SEK.

Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?

Yes, women earn 98% of men's salaries, with an average of 31,200 SEK for women and 32,000 SEK for men.

What education is required to become a loading coupling operator?

High school education in transportation or logistics is common, but internal training is often provided.

What is the job market like?

Demand is high and there are 412 job openings within the profession according to the latest statistics.

What occupational health and safety risks are present?

Heavy lifting, noise, and outdoor work in varying weather conditions are common risks.

Are there opportunities for career development?

Yes, with experience, one can advance to supervisor or logistics coordinator.

What benefits are common in the profession?

Compensation for unsocial hours, wellness contributions, and work clothing are common benefits.

Couplers, loading salary

31 000 SEK

Ramp staff, movers and stock replenishment staff etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

30 100 - 48 600 SEK / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Transport

Average salary 31 000 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 30 100 - 48 600 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a loading coupling operator do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Loading coupling operator salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data

Salary progression Couplers, loading

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What does a loading coupling operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A loading coupling operator is responsible for securing, connecting, and disconnecting cargo on vehicles, ships, or other transportation means. Tasks include checking cargo weight and distribution, using lifting equipment, and communicating with drivers and other staff to ensure safe and efficient loading. The environment is often physical and outdoor-based, with requirements for precision and safety, especially when handling heavy or bulky goods. Work may occur in shifts and sometimes under time pressure, particularly at airports, terminals, and large logistics centers.

Salary development over time

The salary for a loading coupling operator has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 31 000 SEK, representing an approximately 7% raise. In 2024, the salary has remained at 31 000 SEK, indicating a leveling off after the previous increase. The notable rise between 2022 and 2023 can be explained by increased demand for logistics services and a generally strong labor market within the transport sector. Subsequently, salary development has stabilized, likely due to balancing supply and demand for workers in the profession.

Loading coupling operator salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (female)
Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour
Men's average salary: 31 100 SEK/month
Women's average salary: 31,200 SEK/month
Women earn: 98% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a loading coupling operator, usually no lengthy formal education is required, but some employers may prefer high school education in transport, warehousing, or logistics. Practical experience and good physical condition are important, and sometimes certificates for forklifts or cranes are needed. Introductory training is often provided at the workplace, and specialized courses in safe loading and work environment can be advantageous.

High school education: Focus on transport, logistics, or technology
Certificates: Forklift license, crane certificate, or similar may be required
Internship: Often available through apprenticeships or practical training during education
Workplace introduction: Internal training upon employment is common
Physical ability: Good stamina and strength are recommended

Loading coupling operators often work closely with machine operators and logistics planners, making communication skills and problem-solving abilities valuable assets in daily work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Within the profession of loading coupling operators, compensation for unsocial hours, evening and weekend bonuses, and sometimes wellness allowances are common. Other benefits may include work clothing, opportunities for skill development, and occasional bonuses linked to efficiency and safety. Union membership is common and provides security through collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a loading coupling operator is generally low, as demand is assessed to be high nationwide. At the same time, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where a shortage of qualified personnel exists alongside high turnover, partly due to the physically demanding work and shift work. The work environment can be challenging with heavy lifting, noise, and varying weather conditions. Long-term success requires resilience and attention to safety. Digitalization and automation influence the role, but the human factor remains crucial for safety during loading and unloading.

Tips for aspiring loading coupling operators

To succeed as a loading coupling operator, it is good to have good physical condition and endurance, as the work is often heavy and occurs under varying conditions. Precision and safety awareness are essential to reduce accident risks, so always follow routines and instructions. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate shift work and changing work pace. Being communicative and able to collaborate effectively with colleagues and other professionals is a valuable asset, especially in complex loading situations. An interest in technology and willingness to learn to operate different machines and tools makes it easier to quickly get started. Demonstrating responsibility and punctuality is appreciated by employers and offers good opportunities for advancement. Finally, being able to handle stress is beneficial, as the job sometimes involves quick decisions and working under pressure.

Key facts about loading coupling operators

Education level: High school education often sufficient
Work environment: Physically demanding and often outdoors
Demand: Great opportunities for jobs nationwide
Number of job openings: 412 within the profession (May 2024)
Typical work pattern: Shift work, including day and night shifts

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a loading coupling operator, opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, logistics coordinator, or machine operator, especially for those interested in further training and taking on more responsibility. According to the Employment Service’s forecast for the profession, the prospects for employment are high nationwide, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite recruitment difficulties in the field, there are good prospects for those willing to work in the industry. Automation and digitalization may eventually change some tasks, but the need for experienced and responsible operators remains. Related professions include warehouse worker, forklift driver, and logistics assistant.

Common questions about loading coupling operators

What does a loading coupling operator earn?
- The average salary is 31 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 192 SEK.
Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn 98% of men's salaries, with an average of 31,200 SEK for women and 31 100 SEK for men.
What education is required to become a loading coupling operator?
- High school education within transport or logistics is common, but internal training is often provided.
What is the job market like?
- Demand is high, and there are 412 job openings according to the latest statistics.
What occupational health and safety risks are present?
- Heavy lifting, noise, and outdoor work in varying weather conditions are common risks.
Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, with experience, one can advance to supervisor or logistics coordinator.
What benefits are common in the profession?
- Compensation for unsocial hours, wellness contributions, and work clothing are typical benefits.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 06:02:32

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29300 kr	30700 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30900 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33000 kr
55-64		32000 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44		45600 kr	50700 kr
Snitt		42200 kr	49100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44		45600 kr	50700 kr
Snitt		42200 kr	49100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29300 kr	30700 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30900 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33000 kr
55-64		32000 kr	32900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29300 kr	30700 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30900 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33000 kr
55-64		32000 kr	32900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28800 kr
25-34		29100 kr	30400 kr
35-44		30100 kr	30800 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33100 kr
55-64		32800 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		42700 kr	48600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		42700 kr	48600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29100 kr	30400 kr
35-44		30000 kr	30800 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33100 kr
55-64		32800 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27700 kr	28700 kr
25-34		29100 kr	30400 kr
35-44		30000 kr	30800 kr
45-54		31900 kr	33100 kr
55-64		32800 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	30000 kr	31100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	98%	29500 kr	30500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	98%	29400 kr	30400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt	98%	29400 kr	30400 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 Couplers, loading has the SSYK code 9332, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.