Security inspector, airport

What does a security officer do in an airport environment? – Tasks and working conditions

A security officer at an airport is responsible for maintaining safety for travelers, staff, and facilities. Their main tasks include inspecting passengers, luggage, and freight to prevent prohibited items from being brought onboard aircraft. The job also involves monitoring security equipment, handling alarms, and collaborating with police or other security personnel in case of incidents. The work environment is often fast-paced, with shifts that include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Security officers work in teams but also have significant individual responsibility, encountering many different people from around the world daily.

Salary development over time

The salary for airport security officers has shown a stable and cautious increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, which increased to 32 800 SEK in 2023. In the latest year, 2024, the average has risen to 34 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 7.5% over three years. This development is partly driven by increased demand for security services as air travel recovers, and efforts to meet recruitment challenges through more competitive wages. Although the salary levels are still relatively similar between genders, smaller differences remain where women earn 97% of men's salaries. The trend indicates continued stable salary growth, but without dramatic increases in the near future.

Security officer, airport salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,200 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Hourly wage: 206 SEK/hour (average, hourly employee)
• Gender differences: Men 34 600 SEK, women 33 500 SEK (women earn 97% of men's salaries)
• Regional differences: Some variation between regions, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a security officer at an airport, no extensive formal education is required, but certain basic qualifications and certifications are necessary. Most employers require a high school diploma and approved security training according to Transport Agency standards. Practical introduction and further training are often provided at the workplace, supplemented with regular tests and refresher courses. Personal qualities such as meticulousness and stress resistance are crucial for success in the role.

• High school diploma: Usually required, completed in 3 years
• Transport Agency security training: Mandatory certification before employment
• Internship/trainee: Introductory period and supervision on site
• Prerequisites: Approved background check and criminal record extract
• Regular tests: Ongoing knowledge and skills assessments

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, extra pay for unsociable hours and shift work is often offered. Many employers provide wellness allowances, opportunities for further training, and sometimes subsidized meals. Some positions include occupational pension schemes and additional insurance coverage. Uniforms and work clothes are always provided, and in some cases, employee discounts at the airport area are available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an airport security officer is moderate, but the profession faces a paradoxical recruitment situation. Despite high demand and many vacancies, there are challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, partly due to working conditions and high staff turnover. The tasks are demanding, requiring high accuracy and stress tolerance. The work also involves certain risks of confrontations, which must be handled professionally. Over the next five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged according to the Employment Service's forecasts, but developments in the airline industry could influence the need for security officers.

Tips for aspiring airport security officers

To succeed as an airport security officer, it is beneficial to have a strong attention to detail and the ability to focus even under stressful conditions. Being service-minded and able to treat travelers with respect and patience is crucial, especially in pressured situations. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration, and flexibility is needed to handle shift work and irregular hours. It is also important to be observant and able to quickly identify deviations, as well as maintaining high integrity when following security routines. Continuously updating your knowledge and being open to further training also offers advantages in the profession.

Key facts about airport security officers

• Salary range: 33,200–37,600 SEK/month
• Education requirements: High school diploma and security training
• Work environment: Shift work, high tempo, international environment
• Demand: 191 job openings in the profession, good job prospects
• Gender differences: Women earn 97% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as an airport security officer, opportunities exist to advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader or instructor within security control. Experience from airport environments can also open pathways to other roles within security, surveillance, and logistics, both in private and public sectors. According to the Employment Service forecasts, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. There is also potential to further train as a security guard, security officer, or other specialized security roles, which can provide additional career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about airport security officers

• What does an airport security officer earn?
  - The average salary is 34 300 SEK per month, with variation between 33,200 and 37,600 SEK depending on experience and sector.
• What education is required to become a security officer?
  - High school diploma and approved security training according to Transport Agency requirements.
• What is the working environment like?
  - Fast-paced work at the airport, often with shifts and lots of customer contact.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 97% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is expected to be high and stable in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
• What benefits are common?
  - Shift pay, wellness allowances, further training, and sometimes employee discounts.
• Can you advance within the profession?
  - Yes, opportunities exist for supervisory roles and further education within the security industry.