- Salary statistics
- Couplers, loading
Couplers, loading
31 200 - 56 700 kr / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Transport
Salary progression Couplers, loading
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 31 900 SEK, representing an approximately 7% raise. In 2024, the salary has remained at 31 900 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: 31 900 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: 32 000 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.
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 31 900 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 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29300 kr | 30500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30800 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33100 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 30600 kr | 31900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 41400 kr | 48700 kr | |
| Snitt | 40300 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 41400 kr | 48700 kr | |
| Snitt | 40300 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29200 kr | 30500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30800 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33100 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 30600 kr | 31900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29200 kr | 30500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30800 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 33900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33100 kr | 34000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 30600 kr | 31900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29200 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30900 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34100 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 30700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 41400 kr | 48700 kr | |
| Snitt | 40300 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 41400 kr | 48700 kr | |
| Snitt | 40300 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29200 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30900 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34000 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 30600 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29200 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30900 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34000 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33300 kr | 34200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 30600 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98% | 29700 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98% | 29700 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98% | 29700 kr | 31200 kr |
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.
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