How much does a SOS operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. SOS operator
Image that illustrates SOS operator

SOS operator

33 700 kr

Emergency operators etc.

32 900 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression SOS operator

Average salary 33 700 kr
Males 34 600 kr
Females 33 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 19 Vacant jobs ->

What does an SOS operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An SOS operator is the first link between the public and society's emergency services. The job involves answering calls to the emergency number 112, quickly assessing the severity of the situation, and dispatching the appropriate assistance – whether it’s ambulance, rescue services, or police. The work is performed in shifts, often at control centers equipped with high-tech environments and advanced communication systems. The psychosocial work environment is characterized by a high pace, quick decision-making, and demands for accuracy, with a strong focus on empathy and communication.

Salary development over time

The salary for SOS operators has experienced steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK per month, which increased to 32 800 during 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 33 700, representing an increase of just over 8.7% over three years. This development reflects both an increased need for skilled operators and an overall salary adjustment within critical societal professions. Changes are driven by a greater focus on work environment, training, and the importance of attracting and retaining experienced staff in a vital societal function.

SOS operator 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
  • Women earn: 33 300 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Slight variations, but top salaries are among privately employed in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as an SOS operator, no specific university degree is required, but employers place high demands on personal suitability, stress tolerance, and communication skills. Recruitment is often through internal training programs, including both theoretical and practical components. Some employers require experience from similar roles or education in security, healthcare, or social services.

  • Internal training: 10–16 weeks depending on the employer
  • Internship/trainee: Included in the introductory period
  • Prerequisites: Complete high school education, proficiency in Swedish and English
  • Certifications: Some employers offer their own certificates
  • Tips for selection: Experience in customer service, healthcare, or security is advantageous

Working as an SOS operator means daily involvement in making a real difference for people in distress. The ability to stay calm and make quick decisions under pressure is crucial, and no two days are the same. It is a profession where each effort directly contributes to society's safety.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

SOS operators are often offered overtime pay for evening and night shifts, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training within the organization. Some employers also provide psychological support and ergonomically adapted workplaces to promote well-being in the demanding work environment.

Challenges and competition

The profession as an SOS operator is characterized by a relatively balanced job market with moderate employment opportunities. The number of available positions is stable, but competition can be high in certain locations where supply and demand meet. The biggest challenges involve high demands on stress tolerance, managing difficult calls, and shift work. At the same time, workload peaks can be intense, requiring good recovery and support from the employer.

Tips for those who want to become an SOS operator

To succeed as an SOS operator, it is beneficial to have a combination of stress resilience, empathy, and strong communication skills. Training in quickly analyzing situations is important, as fast and accurate decisions are often required under pressure. The ability to handle sensitive and sometimes dramatic calls calmly and objectively is crucial, as well as patience and listening skills. Flexibility and openness to shift work are major advantages, as the operation runs around the clock. For those looking to improve their chances, experience in service roles or communication-centered roles is recommended. Showing engagement and a genuine interest in societal service provides good prospects for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about SOS operators

  • Average salary: 33 700 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 32,900–34,600 SEK/month
  • Education: Internal training (10–16 weeks), high school diploma required
  • Work environment: Shift work at control centers, high pace
  • Demand: 191 available jobs, moderate opportunities according to the Swedish Public Employment Service

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an SOS operator, opportunities open for roles such as supervisor, trainer within the control center, or specialization in technical systems and management functions. Some choose further education in other critical societal professions, such as rescue services, ambulance, or security sectors. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that the profession has moderate job prospects nationally, with an expected unchanged demand over the next five years. The stable job market and ongoing need for societal preparedness make SOS operators a profession with secure future prospects.

Frequently asked questions about SOS operators

  • What does an SOS operator earn?
    - An SOS operator has an average salary of 33 700 SEK per month, with a range between 32,900 and 34,600 SEK.
  • How to become an SOS operator?
    - Usually via internal training with the employer, and a high school diploma is required as a foundation.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 33 300 SEK and men 34,600 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
  • What are the working hours for an SOS operator?
    - The work involves shift work, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - The job market is balanced with 191 available jobs and moderate employment opportunities according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Stress resilience, empathy, and good communication skills are central to success in the profession.
  • Are there opportunities for further development?
    - Yes, for example as a supervisor, trainer, or specializing in technology and management.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 03:06:47

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a SOS operator 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 SOS operator 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 SOS operator has the SSYK code 5414, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
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