Ramp technician

What does a ramp technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A ramp technician primarily works with loading, unloading, and handling cargo at airport ramps. Their tasks include coordinating and performing safe and efficient handling of luggage, freight, and aircraft equipment. The environment is often outdoors with changing weather conditions, requiring good physical fitness and attention to detail to ensure flight safety and smooth operations.

Salary development over time

The salary of ramp technicians has shown a stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month, increasing to 31 900 SEK in 2023 and 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 7% from 2022 to 2024, with no change between 2023 and 2024. This stabilization may be due to steady demand within the transport and logistics sector, and because the profession is part of a broad occupational group with similar skill requirements. The salary trend also reflects a balance between recruitment difficulties and unemployment in the industry, influencing bargaining power in the job market.

Ramp technician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK (female), 31,500 SEK (male)
• Highest salary: 31,400 SEK (female), 56,700 SEK (male)
• Hourly wage: 192 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Data unavailable, but wages may vary depending on workplace and region

Education and qualifications

The educational path to becoming a ramp technician is often practically oriented, focusing on transport and logistics. Formal education can vary but usually includes high school programs in transport or similar experience from related work. Certifications in safety and handling airport equipment can be advantageous.

• High school education: Transport or logistics programs (3 years)
• Certifications: Safety training and handling of hazardous goods
• Internships: Workplace-based training or trainee programs at airports
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and basic safety awareness
• Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on transport and logistics, and seek experience in similar professions

Common benefits and compensations

Ramp technicians are often offered benefits such as collective agreement wages, holiday pay, and sometimes shift or overtime pay depending on the workplace. Employers may also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for further training within transport and safety. Compensation for unsocial hours is common, as the profession often involves work evenings, nights, and weekends.

Competition and challenges

The profession of ramp technician is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment or part-time work within the group. This is partly because the tasks are physically demanding and can be perceived as stressful. At the same time, there is stable demand on the job market, making employment opportunities good, but competition can be fierce in some regions. The profession also requires good adaptability to varying working conditions and safety requirements.

Tips for those who want to become a ramp technician

To succeed as a ramp technician, it is important to be meticulous and have a strong safety awareness, as the work requires precision in an environment with high safety standards. Teamwork skills are vital since many tasks are performed in teams under tight deadlines. Being physically resilient facilitates daily work, which often involves heavy lifting and outdoor work in varying weather. Flexibility and willingness to work shifts are also crucial to fit into the workplace schedule. Finally, obtaining relevant education and certifications is recommended to strengthen your competitiveness in the job market.

Key facts about ramp technicians

• Education level: High school education in transport or logistics
• Salary range: 31,200–56,700 SEK/month
• Work environment: Physically demanding, outdoor near airport ramp
• Work form: Shift work with varying hours
• Demand: Stable with good job opportunities

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a ramp technician, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles within ramp personnel or logistics. Some choose to specialize in aviation safety or cargo handling, while others may move on to broader roles within transportation and distribution. The employment agency's forecast for the occupational group of ramp personnel, freight handlers, and stock replenishment staff estimates that the demand for ramp technicians will remain unchanged over five years. Despite recruitment challenges, job opportunities are plentiful, with over 400 vacancies nationwide.

Frequently asked questions about ramp technicians

• What does a ramp technician earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 31 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and workplace.
• What education is required to become a ramp technician?
  - Usually, high school education in transport or logistics plus workplace internships.
• Is it difficult to get a job as a ramp technician?
  - The job market is considered stable with good opportunities, despite some recruitment difficulties.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the environmental challenges?
  - The profession is physically demanding and involves outdoor work in varying weather and shifts.
• Can you advance within the profession?
  - Yes, with experience, you can move on to supervisory roles or specializations within logistics.