Order distributor

What does an order allocator do? – Tasks and work environment

An order allocator is responsible for coordinating and distributing incoming order flows within a company, often within logistics, manufacturing, or wholesale operations. Tasks include receiving orders, prioritizing and scheduling deliveries, and ensuring that production or inventory management functions efficiently. The role also involves communicating with internal departments and external customers to optimize delivery processes and resolve any issues. The work environment is usually office-based but may also include elements of work in warehouses or production facilities, especially at larger companies or during periods of high workload.

Salary development over time

The salary for an order allocator has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, rising to 38 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 000 SEK in 2024. This represents an overall salary increase of approximately 10.5% over the period. This development can be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel in logistics and supply chains, where digitalization and more complex order flows demand higher competence. A shortage of experienced order allocators, especially in certain regions and industries, has also contributed to rising salary levels. At the same time, the salary growth reflects the increased responsibilities and broader tasks that the role now encompasses.

Order allocator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 49,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 240 SEK
• Women earn: 38 100 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 41 600 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, with metropolitan regions often offering slightly higher wages than smaller towns.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an order allocator often involves secondary education in commerce, administration, or logistics, but post-secondary education in supply chain management or similar fields can increase opportunities for higher salaries and more qualified tasks. Practical experience from warehousing, logistics, or customer service is highly meritorious, as is technical understanding of business systems and order management software. For some positions, internal courses or certifications may also be required to handle specific IT systems or processes.

• High school diploma: Focus on commerce, logistics, or administration (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH/KY training in supply chain/logistics (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in business systems or order management
• Internship: Experience from warehousing, logistics, or customer service is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic IT skills and good Swedish language skills in speaking and writing

Common benefits and compensations

Order allocators are often offered collective agreement-based benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and insurance. Other common compensations include subsidized lunch, flexitime, the possibility of remote work, and sometimes bonuses based on performance or company results. In some industries, paid further training or internal career programs are also available.

Challenges and competition

The competition for roles as an order allocator varies depending on region and industry, but the role increasingly demands technical competence and the ability to manage digital systems. Challenges in the profession include rapid changes in order volumes, high pace, and the need to handle both internal and external contacts professionally. Automation and digitalization may eventually change the tasks, making continuous skill development important. For those who are flexible and well-organized, good career opportunities exist. The job market shows stable demand, but specialized knowledge in IT and logistics processes is becoming more sought after.

Tips for those who want to become an order allocator

To succeed as an order allocator, it is important to be meticulous and organized, as the role requires managing many orders simultaneously without losing overview. Flexibility and problem-solving skills help you adapt quickly to changes or unexpected challenges in the supply chain. Good communication facilitates cooperation with both customers and colleagues, especially when resolving urgent issues. Technical interest and willingness to learn new business systems are advantageous, as digital tools are used daily. The ability to work independently but also as part of a team is valued by employers, since the work often involves collaboration across departments. A good sense of order and initiative can contribute to optimizing processes and creating added value for the organization.

Key facts about order allocators

• Salary range: 36,100–49,100 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary education
• Work environment: Office-based, sometimes involving warehouse work
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 92% of men's salary
• Demand: 550 available jobs within the group (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of order allocator, there are opportunities to advance to positions such as team leader, logistics coordinator, or purchasing manager. Experience in order management also provides a good foundation for further education in supply chain management or business development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for order allocators, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group. Nonetheless, the demand in the job market remains stable, confirmed by over 550 available jobs within the “order coordinators and others” group. Future prospects are mainly influenced by companies' investments in digitalization and more efficient logistics, indicating continued need for competent order allocators in the future.

Frequently asked questions about order allocators

• What does an order allocator earn?
  - An order allocator has an average salary of 40 000 SEK per month, with a range between 36,100 SEK and 49,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and gender.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession, which corresponds to 38 100 SEK compared to men's 41 600 SEK.
• What education is required to become an order allocator?
  - High school diploma in commerce, logistics, or administration is common, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or YH training.
• What is the job market like for order allocators?
  - The job market is stable, with 550 available jobs within the occupational group “order coordinators and others” as of May 2024.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Collective agreements, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and flexitime are common benefits for order allocators.
• Is there potential for career development?
  - Yes, many progress to roles such as team leader, logistics coordinator, or purchasing manager after a few years in the profession.