Image that illustrates OSC

OSC

33 700 kr

Emergency operators etc.

32 900 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Säkerhetsarbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression OSC

Average salary 33 700 kr
Males 34 600 kr
Females 33 300 kr

What does an OSC do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An OSC, operator at the SOS center, is responsible for receiving and managing alarms and emergency calls from the public. Tasks include quickly assessing situations, prioritizing responses, and directing appropriate resources to the scene. The contact often occurs under stressful and pressured circumstances, where every second counts for the outcome. The work environment is technically advanced and involves shift work, including night and weekend shifts. The role requires a high level of stress tolerance, good multitasking ability, and a strong sense of service and empathy.

Salary development over time

The OSC profession has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 32 800 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows an average salary of 33 700 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 8.7% over two years. This positive trend reflects the increasing importance of the profession and the responsibilities associated with being a vital link between citizens and emergency services. Salary levels are influenced by factors such as experience, employer, and regional demand, but also by the high demands on mental and physical endurance in the work environment.

OSC salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 203 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between urban and rural areas

Education and qualifications

To work as an OSC, a high school diploma is usually required, but some employers also seek post-secondary courses or specific certifications in alarm management. Training often takes place internally at the employer, including practical exercises and simulated alarm scenarios. Prior experience from similar roles in security, healthcare, or customer service can be advantageous. Personal qualities such as stress resilience, good communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions are especially important.

  • High school diploma: Basic employment requirement
  • Internal training: The employer provides specialized training
  • Certifications: Some employers require courses in alarm handling
  • Previous experience: Meritorious from security, healthcare, or customer service
  • Simulations and internships: Part of the introductory training

An OSC often works in shift teams where collaboration and team spirit are crucial for handling quick and unexpected situations. Many describe the profession as a calling, where each workday can bring entirely new challenges and unforeseen events.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

OSC careers often include benefits such as overtime allowances for unsociable hours, wellness contributions, and opportunities for extra time off during shift work. Some employers also provide educational support, pension contributions, and access to occupational health services.

Competition and challenges

The job market for OSC is balanced, with 191 available positions nationwide. Recruitment is considered neither particularly difficult nor easy, offering good opportunities for suitable candidates. Challenges mainly involve meeting high demands for stress resilience and decision-making, especially in urgent and emotionally taxing situations. Competition for positions can vary regionally, with larger cities often having more openings but also more applicants. To stand out, clear references and relevant experience are essential.

Tips for aspiring OSC

To succeed as an OSC, it’s beneficial to combine stress resilience with good communication skills and a genuine interest in helping others. Practicing quick decision-making under pressure is crucial, as is developing the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without losing focus. Showing empathy and attentiveness when speaking with people in crisis is an important part of the role, along with integrity and the ability to follow routines and guidelines carefully. Gaining practical experience from similar service roles provides valuable insights into the work environment. Finally, being flexible and open to shift work, as working hours often vary around the clock, is advantageous.

Key facts about OSC

  • Education level: High school diploma, internal training
  • Work environment: Shift work, alarm center
  • Demand: 191 available jobs nationwide
  • Future outlook: Unchanged demand over five years
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to senior operator, team leader, or training coordinator within the alarm center. Some choose to further their education for roles in security and surveillance, such as supervisor or security coordinator. The employment agency’s forecast indicates unchanged demand over the coming five years, providing stable employment opportunities for those who wish to develop within the field. Since employers often invest in internal skills development, opportunities for career progression within the organization increase.

Frequently asked questions about OSC

  • What does an OSC earn?
    - An OSC has an average salary of 33 700 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region.
  • What are the gender differences in OSC salaries?
    - Women earn on average 33 300 SEK, which corresponds to 96% of men's salary at 34,600 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an OSC?
    - A high school diploma is the basic requirement, supplemented by internal training and sometimes specific certifications.
  • What does the job market look like for OSC?
    - There are 191 available jobs nationwide, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What does the work as an OSC involve?
    - The work involves receiving and managing emergency calls, prioritizing responses, and collaborating with rescue services around the clock.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, experienced OSCs can advance to senior roles, team leaders, or pursue further education within the security field.
  • What benefits are offered to OSCs?
    - Common benefits include overtime allowances, wellness contributions, and company health services.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a OSC is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a OSC is 32900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 27500 kr 32000 kr
25-34 95% 29300 kr 33300 kr
35-44 30500 kr 34600 kr
45-54 30600 kr 34900 kr
Snitt 96% 29500 kr 33700 kr
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 OSC has the SSYK code 5414, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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