Image that illustrates Forwarding Assistant

Forwarding Assistant

40 200 kr

Transport managers and coordinators

37 400 - 42 400 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Forwarding Assistant

Average salary 40 200 kr
Males 40 900 kr
Females 38 400 kr

What does a shipping assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A shipping assistant works with planning, coordinating, and monitoring the transportation of goods, both nationally and internationally. Tasks include contact with transportation companies, customs handling, documentation, booking transports, and ongoing communication with customers and suppliers. The work environment is mainly office-based, often in open-plan offices or logistics centers, where the pace can be high and workdays varied. The role requires good organizational skills, accuracy, and the ability to handle rapid changes in the supply chain.

Salary development over time

The salary for shipping assistants has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 39 000 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5.1%. In 2024, the growth continued, and the average salary reached 40 200 SEK per month, a further increase of just over 3.1% from the previous year. This development reflects increased demand for logistics services and a growing need for qualified personnel in transport and forwarding, along with some influence from inflation and collective bargaining. Despite this, salary increases remain moderate, typical of a profession where the labor market is characterized by balance between supply and demand.

Shipping assistant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK/hour
  • Women: 38 400 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
  • Men: 40 900 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a shipping assistant, a typical requirement is upper secondary education with a focus on transport, trade, or logistics. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed additional post-secondary courses or training in logistics and transport economics. Practical experience from the industry, such as through internships or trainee programs, is often advantageous and can be decisive in recruitment.

  • Upper secondary education: Business and Administration program or transport specialization, 3 years
  • Post-secondary courses: Logistics, forwarding, or customs handling
  • Internship or trainee: Common and often advantageous
  • Certifications: Customs and transport certificates can be a plus
  • Language skills: English and possibly other languages are often required

Many shipping assistants work with transports worldwide, gaining a unique insight into international trade and global logistics flows. It is common that the workday involves contact with different countries, making the profession especially varied and rewarding.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Shipping assistants are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and subsidized lunch. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and training support for further development within logistics and transport are also common. Overtime pay and bonuses may be provided, especially in larger organizations.

Competitions and challenges

The competition for positions as a shipping assistant is moderate, with a labor market characterized by a balance between supply and demand. One of the main challenges is staying updated on changing regulations within transport and customs handling, especially in a globalized world. Digitalization and automation increase the demands for technical skills and adaptability. Additionally, workload can vary significantly depending on season and market conditions, requiring good stress resilience and flexibility.

Tips for those wanting to become a shipping assistant

To succeed as a shipping assistant, it is beneficial to have a structured working method and good prioritization skills among many tasks. Clear communication and clarity facilitate collaboration with colleagues and external partners, especially when quick decisions are needed. Flexibility is a valuable trait, as transport flows often change at short notice. Showing curiosity and willingness to learn new digital tools can give an edge, as the industry becomes increasingly technology-oriented. Precision minimizes risks of errors in documentation and customs handling, which is crucial for smooth transports. Finally, initiative and problem-solving skills are appreciated, as unexpected situations often arise in logistics daily operations.

Key facts about shipping assistants

  • Salary range: 37,400–42,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: Upper secondary education with supplementary courses
  • Work environment: Office-based, often in open-plan offices
  • Demand: 412 available jobs in the profession (balanced labor market)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a shipping assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as transport manager, logistics coordinator, or team leader within forwarding. Some also choose to specialize in customs handling or international logistics. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the demand for shipping assistants and related professions remains stable and is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. The labor market is considered balanced, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of qualified candidates. However, digitalization and increased global trade may create new opportunities for those willing to further their education and broaden their skills.

Frequently asked questions about shipping assistants

  • What is the average salary of a shipping assistant?
    - A shipping assistant has an average monthly salary of 40 200 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 40 900 SEK and women 38 400 SEK, which means women earn 94% of what men do.
  • What education is required to become a shipping assistant?
    - The most common is upper secondary education with a focus on transport, trade or logistics, along with supplementary courses or internships.
  • What is the job market like for shipping assistants?
    - The job market is balanced with 412 available jobs within the profession and stable demand.
  • What are typical tasks for a shipping assistant?
    - Planning transports, handling documentation, communicating with customers and suppliers, as well as customs and freight management.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, after a few years, one can advance to roles such as transport manager or logistics coordinator.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for shipping assistants?
    - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK and the lowest 37,400 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Forwarding Assistant is 42400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Forwarding Assistant is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 108% 31500 kr 33700 kr
25-34 95% 37100 kr 38500 kr
35-44 94% 38800 kr 40500 kr
45-54 93% 39200 kr 41200 kr
55-64 93% 40300 kr 42300 kr
65-68 37300 kr 38700 kr
Snitt 94% 38400 kr 40200 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 Forwarding Assistant has the SSYK code 4323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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