- Salary statistics
- Machinist, flight
Machinist, flight
47 000 - 51 200 kr / month
Tekniskt arbete
Salary progression Machinist, flight
What does a machine operator in the aviation industry do? – Tasks and work environment
An aviation machine operator is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and sometimes troubleshooting the technical systems of aircraft on the ground. The role includes daily checks of engines, hydraulics, electrical and fuel systems, and other vital components to ensure safety before each flight. The work environment is often located in hangars, at technical areas of airports, or out on the airfield, where work can be performed both day and night depending on traffic and scheduling. The profession requires great accuracy, technical knowledge, and the ability to work systematically even under time pressure.
Salary development over time
The salary for machine operators in the aviation sector has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,700 SEK per month. During 2023, it decreased slightly to 48 200 SEK, but then increased significantly to 51 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 6.2 percent between 2023 and 2024. This development can be linked to increased demand for technical competence in the aviation industry, while the profession's specialized requirements and responsibilities contribute to higher salary levels. The market's need for qualified machine operators has likely also been strengthened by the recovery of the aviation industry and technological advancements.
Machine operator, aviation salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 51 200 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Information missing, but variations may occur depending on experience and employer
- Hourly wage: 308 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 51 100 SEK/month; specific data on women is missing
- Regional differences: Information missing, but some differences may exist depending on airport and region
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine operator in aviation, a high school or post-secondary technical education in aviation technology is usually required. Many employers also require certifications and practical experience in the industry. The requirements for formal qualifications are high, reflecting the profession’s responsibility and complexity. Internships or trainee positions are often part of the pathway into the profession.
- High school education: Aviation technology program, 3 years
- Post-secondary education: Vocational college or technical university, often 2–3 years
- Certifications: Specific aviation technical certificates are required
- Internships: Longer internship periods or trainee programs are common
- Prerequisites: Technical interest and good grades in mathematics and physics
Many aviation machine operators have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and follow the latest innovations in the aviation industry. It is a profession where there is always room for further education and specialization, making the workday rarely monotonous.
Common benefits and compensations
Machine operators in aviation are often offered benefits such as night and weekend work supplements, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense. Additional compensations may include paid overtime, occupational pension, and insurance tailored to the safety requirements of the profession.
Competitions and challenges
The competition for jobs as a machine operator in aviation varies depending on the region and economic climate, but there is generally high demand for qualified personnel. Challenges in the profession often relate to rapid technological development and high safety and precision requirements. Workload can be uneven, and working hours vary, demanding flexibility and stress resilience. Since the aviation industry is sensitive to global events, the job market can change quickly. The lack of clear future forecasts makes it important to stay updated on industry developments.
Tips for those who want to become an aviation machine operator
To succeed as a machine operator in aviation, it is good to have a strong sense of accuracy and safety, as the work requires precision in every step. Technical interest and willingness to learn new systems are crucial, especially since aviation technology is constantly evolving. The ability to work systematically under time pressure is appreciated by employers and makes everyday work smoother. Being flexible and prepared for varying work hours is also important, as air traffic operates around the clock. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in teams, and communication with other professionals is necessary. Initiative and responsibility open opportunities for development and advancement. Finally, an analytical mindset helps in troubleshooting and problem-solving in complex technical environments.
Key facts about Machine Operator, aviation
- Education level: High school or post-secondary aviation technical education
- Work environment: Hangars and airfields, often shift work
- Demand: 564 available jobs within the profession
- Technical specialization: Requires certifications and ongoing training
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are often opportunities to advance to leading technical roles, such as supervisor or specialist within a specific aircraft system. Some choose to further their education to become aviation technicians or inspectors responsible for larger projects or training new machine operators. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no specific outlook for aviation machine operators due to limited data. However, the number of available positions within the profession indicates stable demand. Those who invest in continuous skills development are well prepared for a long-term career in the aviation industry.
Frequently asked questions about Machine Operator, aviation
- What does a machine operator in aviation earn?
- The average salary is 51 200 SEK per month. - What is the work environment like for aviation machine operators?
- The work mainly takes place in hangars and at airports, often during shifts and sometimes at night. - What education is required to become an aviation machine operator?
- High school or post-secondary education in aviation technology and certifications. - Are there many job opportunities in aviation for machine operators?
- Yes, there are 564 available jobs according to current statistics. - What are the future prospects?
- No forecast is available, but demand is considered stable due to technological development and retirements. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Information is lacking, but variations may occur depending on location and airport. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, technical interest, responsibility, and flexibility are key qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 47000 kr | 51200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52000 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52000 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46900 kr | 51200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46900 kr | 51200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46900 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52000 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52000 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46800 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46800 kr | 51100 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 Machinist, flight has the SSYK code 3155, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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