What does a first officer earn in aviation?

The average salary is 69,800 SEK per month, but it can vary between 53,200 SEK and 87,500 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.

How does one become a first officer in aviation?

By completing a commercial pilot training program and obtaining a CPL or ATPL certificate, followed by practical experience and medical examinations.

What are the job responsibilities of a first officer?

Navigation, communication, system monitoring, and collaborating with the captain to ensure safe flight operations.

Are there salary differences between men and women?

Statistics show that men earn an average of 70,000 SEK, but comprehensive data for women is lacking.

What is the job market outlook for first officers?

There are 412 job openings within the profession, but no specific forecast for first officers.

What personal qualities are important?

Accuracy, stress tolerance, good communication skills, and a sense of responsibility are key qualities.

Coxswain, flight salary

76 200 SEK

Pilots etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

60 900 - 99 000 SEK / month

Transport

Average salary 76 200 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 60 900 - 99 000 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a first officer in aviation do – job tasks and work environment Salary development over time First officer, aviation salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Coxswain, flight

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What does a first officer in aviation do – job tasks and work environment

The first officer in aviation is responsible for safely operating the aircraft alongside the captain, often called the pilot-in-command, during both short and long flights. The work includes pre-flight preparations, navigation, communication with air traffic control, system monitoring, and active participation in all flight operations. The first officer assists with checklists and procedures before takeoff, during flight, and landing, as well as handling unexpected situations that may arise in the air. The work environment is characterized by high safety standards, shift work, international travel, and long working hours, often in collaboration with a team of pilots and cabin crew.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a first officer in aviation has shown a downward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month, decreasing to 69 800 SEK in the following year, and further to 76 200 SEK in 2024. The reduction over the period amounts to approximately 6.2%. This development can be linked to changes in the airline industry, such as increased competition, fluctuating demand for flights, and post-pandemic conditions. Factors like pilot training levels, specialization, the number of available positions, and employer recruitment needs also influence salary levels.

First officer, aviation salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 76 200 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
Highest salary: 87,500 SEK (male, public sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
Hourly wage: 420 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
Gender differences: Men 76 700 SEK, women – no complete statistics available
Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a first officer in aviation involves extensive and specialized training that often combines theory and practical flying. The basic requirement is a completed secondary education and a certified commercial pilot training program. The training includes classroom studies and flight training, followed by medical examinations and safety assessments.

Commercial pilot training: 18–24 months, often at specialized flight schools
Flight certificates: CPL/ATPL (Commercial Pilot License or Airline Transport Pilot License)
Medical examinations: Approved class 1 medical certificate
Practical experience: Flight hours under supervision and simulator training
Prerequisites: Full secondary education, usually including mathematics, physics, and English
Additional courses: Safety training, radio communication, and emergency procedures

Many first officers in the aviation industry have opportunities to work internationally and develop intercultural skills through collaborations with crews from around the world. It is common for workdays to involve quick decision-making and problem-solving in unexpected situations, giving the profession a dynamic that few others can match.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

First officers in aviation are typically offered a comprehensive benefits package beyond the base salary. These may include per diems for overnight stays, additional compensation for irregular working hours, wellness allowances, pension contributions, and sometimes discounted or free flights for employees and their families. Insurance and access to corporate health services are also common.

Competition and challenges

The job market for first officers in aviation is highly dependent on economic conditions and is influenced by global events such as pandemics and economic fluctuations. Competition for training spots is fierce, and hiring often involves thorough testing and interviews. The industry requires ongoing training and certification updates, and workload can be high with irregular hours. A first officer must be prepared to quickly adapt to new procedures, technology, and safety requirements. Despite attractive salaries, working conditions can be challenging, especially during industry changes or economic downturns.

Tips for aspiring first officers in aviation

To succeed as a first officer in aviation, it is important to be goal-oriented and meticulous, as training is demanding and time-consuming. Strong analytical skills facilitate learning complex technical systems and procedures, while good stress management is crucial for maintaining composure under pressure. Communication skills are key, as the work involves teamwork and contact with air traffic controllers and passengers. Responsibility for safety—both your own and others'—is essential, along with flexibility regarding irregular hours and travel. Early familiarization with industry requirements and seeking internships or mentorships can provide a valuable advantage during recruitment and career start. Initiative and a willingness to continually update skills are highly valued, as regulations and technology are constantly evolving.

Key facts about first officers in aviation

Education level: Commercial pilot training with CPL/ATPL certification
Work environment: Shift work and international travel
Typical employment: Permanent employment, sometimes project- or seasonal-based
Job openings in the profession: 412 (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a first officer, there are good opportunities to advance to captain or take on instructor roles within the airline. It is also common for first officers to further train to fly larger or more advanced aircraft types, or to work in simulator training and safety roles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, detailed forecasts for first officers are lacking, but within the pilot profession, 412 job openings indicate ongoing demand. Future prospects are influenced by global airline industry development, technological innovations, and changing travel habits. Flexibility and continuous skills development remain crucial for long-term career growth.

Frequently asked questions about first officers in aviation

What does a first officer earn in aviation?
- The average salary is 76 200 SEK per month, but it can vary between 53,200 SEK and 87,500 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.
How does one become a first officer in aviation?
- By completing a commercial pilot training program and obtaining a CPL or ATPL certificate, followed by practical experience and medical examinations.
What are the job responsibilities of a first officer?
- Navigation, communication, system monitoring, and collaborating with the captain to ensure safe flight operations.
Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Statistics show that men earn an average of 76 700 SEK, but comprehensive data for women is lacking.
What is the job market outlook for first officers?
- There are 412 job openings, but no specific forecast for first officers.
What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, stress tolerance, good communication skills, and a sense of responsibility are key qualities.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 16:33:13

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	53500 kr	57900 kr
35-44	60700 kr	63800 kr
45-54	83000 kr	85700 kr
55-64	97000 kr	99100 kr
Snitt	73100 kr	76200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	82%	62800 kr	68000 kr
35-44	84%	75600 kr	81600 kr
45-54		93700 kr	97700 kr
55-64		93200 kr	96300 kr
Snitt	72%	80100 kr	84800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	82%	62800 kr	68000 kr
35-44	84%	75600 kr	81600 kr
45-54		93700 kr	97700 kr
55-64		93200 kr	96300 kr
Snitt	72%	80100 kr	84800 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	48600 kr	52500 kr
35-44	54100 kr	55900 kr
45-54	79200 kr	81600 kr
55-64	98200 kr	100000 kr
Snitt	70400 kr	72800 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	48600 kr	52500 kr
35-44	54100 kr	55900 kr
45-54	79200 kr	81600 kr
55-64	98200 kr	100000 kr
Snitt	70400 kr	72800 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	53800 kr	58400 kr
35-44	60700 kr	63900 kr
45-54	83000 kr	85800 kr
55-64	96500 kr	98600 kr
Snitt	73500 kr	76700 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	82%	63600 kr	68900 kr
35-44	84%	76200 kr	82400 kr
45-54		94100 kr	98100 kr
55-64		93200 kr	96300 kr
Snitt	72%	81000 kr	85800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	82%	63600 kr	68900 kr
35-44	84%	76200 kr	82400 kr
45-54		94100 kr	98100 kr
55-64		93200 kr	96300 kr
Snitt	72%	81000 kr	85800 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	48300 kr	52400 kr
35-44	54000 kr	55800 kr
45-54	79100 kr	81500 kr
55-64	97600 kr	99400 kr
Snitt	70500 kr	73000 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	48300 kr	52400 kr
35-44	54000 kr	55800 kr
45-54	79100 kr	81500 kr
55-64	97600 kr	99400 kr
Snitt	70500 kr	73000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	82%	54100 kr	56400 kr
35-44	84%	66700 kr	69100 kr
Snitt	72%	59800 kr	62000 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	82%	54100 kr	56400 kr
35-44	84%	66700 kr	69100 kr
Snitt	72%	59800 kr	62000 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 Coxswain, flight has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.