- Salary statistics
- Soldier, Air Force
Soldier, Air Force
27 700 - 34 900 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Militärt arbete
Salary progression Soldier, Air Force
What does a soldier in the Air Force do? – Tasks and work environment
A soldier in the Air Force is responsible for maintaining and protecting Sweden's airspace through a range of operational and technical tasks. The work includes guarding air bases, participating in exercises, maintaining equipment, and supporting flight operations. The service often involves shift work, which can include day and night shifts, as well as readiness during periods of increased military activity. The work environment is varied and can switch between field conditions and technologically advanced settings, where safety procedures and teamwork are essential for effective operations.
Salary development over time
The salary for a soldier in the Air Force has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,800 SEK per month, while in 2023 it rose to 28 400 SEK. The latest data for 2024 shows a further increase to 30 400 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 13% during the period. This development can be linked to defense investments and an increased need for personnel within the Swedish Armed Forces, where competition for skills has led to improved pay conditions. Notably, the demand for soldiers with technical flying skills and good physical fitness has contributed to the positive salary trend.
Soldier, Air Force salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (male), 29,200 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (male), 33,200 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly wage: 183 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 30 600 SEK, women: 29 500 SEK)
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a soldier in the Air Force begins with basic military training (GMU) and can be followed by further education depending on the role and specialization. Physical and mental suitability are tested early, and many roles also require specific technical skills. After basic training, there are opportunities for further specialization in areas such as airfield security, logistics, or technical maintenance.
- Basic military training (GMU): approximately 3 months
- Further training in the Air Force: 6–12 months depending on specialization
- Health tests and security clearance: mandatory for all applicants
- Meritorious courses: technical training, language skills, leadership training
- Prerequisites: completed high school education, Swedish citizenship
Many soldiers in the Air Force have the opportunity to participate in international missions and exercises, gaining valuable experience of collaboration with other nations' armed forces and contributing to personal development. This international aspect makes the profession particularly dynamic and rewarding.
Common benefits and compensations
Soldiers in the Air Force often enjoy benefits such as free or subsidized food and accommodation during exercises and missions, as well as access to wellness allowances and insurance. Compensation for unsocial hours, overtime pay, and extra leave during weekend or night service are also common. Additionally, training and certifications can be funded by the employer, facilitating further career development within the defense forces.
Competition and challenges
The job market for soldiers in the Air Force is characterized by moderate competition, with a relatively high demand for skilled personnel. The profession demands good physical condition, endurance, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations. A significant challenge is passing the physical and psychological tests required for admission, as well as maintaining motivation during monotonous periods. The role also involves managing long deployments and sometimes being away from family and friends, requiring maturity and stress resilience.
Tips for those who want to become a soldier in the Air Force
To succeed as a soldier in the Air Force, it is beneficial to combine physical courage with endurance and a strong team spirit. Regular training and working on your fitness increase your chances of passing the entrance tests and handling demanding physical requirements. Precision and technical understanding are important qualities, especially for those aiming for technical or maintenance roles. Flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are crucial, as the work often involves quick adjustments and unexpected situations. A professional attitude and good communication skills facilitate teamwork with colleagues and leaders. Being open to further education and development is also important, as the Swedish Armed Forces offer many opportunities for career changes and specialization.
Key facts about soldiers in the Air Force
- Salary range: 27,700–34,900 SEK/month
- Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
- Education requirements: GMU (basic military training) + further education
- Work environment: Shift work, field and technical environments
- Demand: 39 job openings in the profession
Career paths and future prospects
A soldier in the Air Force can, after a few years of service, advance to specialist roles, instructor positions, or further train as non-commissioned officer or officer. Opportunities also exist to work in technical service, logistics, or security within the defense forces. The Swedish Employment Service assesses the future outlook as stable, with continued need for soldiers and potential for long-term career development. Those demonstrating leadership skills and technical competence have good chances for promotion and specialization within different parts of the Air Force.
Frequently asked questions about soldiers in the Air Force
- What does a soldier in the Air Force earn?
- The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, with a range of 27,700–34,900 SEK. - Are there differences between men and women in salary?
- Yes, women earn an average of 29 500 SEK, which is 96% of men's salary. - What education is required to become a soldier in the Air Force?
- Basic military training (GMU) and further education depending on specialization. - What does the work environment look like?
- The work environment is varied and includes both field and technical settings, often with shift work. - What are the most common benefits?
- Benefits include food and accommodation during exercises, wellness allowances, insurance, and compensation for unsocial hours. - What are the future prospects?
- Demand is stable with good opportunities for development and promotion. - Are there opportunities for international service?
- Yes, many soldiers have the opportunity to participate in international missions and exercises.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26000 kr | 29000 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27600 kr | 33000 kr |
| 35-44 | 29200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 26600 kr | 30400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26000 kr | 29000 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27600 kr | 33000 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 29200 kr | 35600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 31600 kr | 37000 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26600 kr | 30400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26000 kr | 29000 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27600 kr | 33000 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 29200 kr | 35600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 31600 kr | 37000 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26600 kr | 30400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26000 kr | 29100 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27500 kr | 33200 kr |
| 35-44 | 29000 kr | 35500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 26700 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26000 kr | 29100 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27500 kr | 33200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 29000 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 31700 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 34200 kr | 38500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26700 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26000 kr | 29100 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27500 kr | 33200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 29000 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 31700 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 34200 kr | 38500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26700 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26100 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27700 kr | 31200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26500 kr | 29500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26100 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27700 kr | 31200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 31000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 30900 kr | 35700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 34600 kr | 37600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26500 kr | 29500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26100 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 27700 kr | 31200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 31000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 30900 kr | 35700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 34600 kr | 37600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26500 kr | 29500 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 Soldier, Air Force has the SSYK code 310, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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