How much does a Train driver make

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Train driver

43 100 kr

Train drivers

40 300 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Train driver

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 200 kr
Females 42 600 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a train driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A train driver is responsible for operating trains safely and efficiently on Sweden's railways. Tasks include starting, driving, and stopping trains, monitoring technical systems, and following safety procedures. Good communication skills are essential since contact with traffic control, station staff, and colleagues is a vital part of the job. The profession involves shift work, often early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. The work environment mainly consists of spending most of the time in the driver’s cab, where focus and concentration are crucial to handle unexpected situations and ensure passenger safety.

Salary development over time

The salary for train drivers has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,800 SEK per month, rising to 41 900 during 2023 and reaching 43 100 in 2024. This represents a salary increase of about 5.6% over three years, which is slightly higher than the average for many other transport professions. This positive trend is linked to continued high demand for trained train drivers, along with retirements and the need for workforce supply. Union negotiations and improved working conditions have also contributed to a gradual increase in salary levels for the profession.

Train driver salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 40,300 SEK
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
  • Women: 42 600 SEK (99% of men's salary)
  • Men: 43 200 SEK
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in regional sectors, mainly among men

Training and qualifications

To work as a train driver, specific training and approved medical tests are required. The training is vocational and relatively short compared to many other professions but demands technical understanding and responsibility. After training, approved practical training and, in some cases, additional certifications are necessary depending on the employer and train type.

  • Training: Vocational college training, approximately 1 year
  • Certification: Railway companies' own qualification tests and medical examinations
  • Practical training: Mandatory practical period included
  • Prerequisites: Complete high school education and good vision and hearing
  • Tips for choosing: Ensure the training is approved by the Swedish Transport Agency

Many train drivers report a strong camaraderie and close collaboration with colleagues, despite often working alone in the driver’s cab. The social community during breaks and meetings is important for well-being and safety at the workplace.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Train drivers are often covered by collective agreements with additional pay for unsociable hours, overtime, and extra days off during shift work. Many employers offer wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and insurance. Opportunities for further training and skill development within the company are also common.

Competition and challenges

The job market for train drivers is influenced by factors such as infrastructure investments, technological development, and retirements. The demand for trained train drivers remains high, but competition may vary by region and railway company. Challenges in the profession include irregular working hours, responsibility for safety, and managing stressful situations, such as technical failures or delays. Digitalization and automation also pose new demands, but the human factor remains central to railway safety.

Tips for those who want to become a train driver

To succeed as a train driver, it’s important to have a high safety consciousness and be meticulous, as the work requires constant attention to detail and routines. Good stress tolerance is essential for handling traffic disruptions and unexpected events without losing focus. Flexibility and adaptability are needed since working hours often vary between days, evenings, and weekends. The ability to work independently is crucial, but collaboration and communication with colleagues and traffic control must also function smoothly. Technical understanding and interest in vehicles facilitate both training and daily work. Being service-minded contributes to a safe and pleasant journey for passengers and colleagues.

Key facts about train drivers

  • Education level: Vocational college, approximately 1 year
  • Work environment: Shift work and technically advanced environment
  • Typical employment: Permanent employment at railway companies
  • Number of job openings: 412 within the profession
  • Demand: High, but varies regionally

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, a train driver can take on more advanced roles, such as instructor, trainer, or safety officer within the railway company. Opportunities also exist to further qualify as a traffic controller, technical specialist, or supervisor. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for train drivers, but the overall demand within transport, distribution, and warehousing remains high. The number of job openings in the profession is 412, indicating good prospects for new and experienced train drivers. Pensions and ongoing development of the railway network are expected to keep the profession attractive in the future.

Frequently asked questions about train drivers

  • What does a train driver earn?
    - The average salary for a train driver is 43 100 SEK per month.
  • How long is the training to become a train driver?
    - The vocational college training lasts about 1 year.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 42 600 SEK and men 43 200 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salaries.
  • What personal qualities are important for a train driver?
    - Accuracy, stress resistance, technical interest, and good communication skills are central qualities.
  • What is the job market like for train drivers?
    - Demand remains high, with 412 job openings in the profession.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for train drivers?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK and the lowest 40,300 SEK.
  • Do train drivers often work shifts?
    - Yes, shift work with irregular hours is common in the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-25 14:04:03

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Train driver is 45100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Train driver is 40300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 41600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 32500 kr 35900 kr
25-34 101% 37800 kr 41100 kr
35-44 99% 40500 kr 43800 kr
45-54 101% 40700 kr 44100 kr
55-64 100% 41400 kr 45400 kr
65-68 42600 kr 45800 kr
Snitt 99% 39700 kr 43100 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 Train driver has the SSYK code 8311, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
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