Subway driver

43 100 kr

Train drivers

40 300 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Subway driver

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 200 kr
Females 42 600 kr

What does a metro driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A metro driver is responsible for operating subway trains according to a fixed timetable and safety regulations. The job involves monitoring train functions, communicating with traffic control, and managing passenger information both during normal and abnormal traffic situations. The working environment is characterized by operating in the driver's cab, often in shifts that include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. The technical environment is modern but demands high levels of concentration, responsibility, and the ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average monthly salary for metro drivers has increased from 40,800 SEK in 2022 to 41 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 5.6% over three years. The development reflects a stable demand for the profession and the increased need for public transportation in larger cities. The salary increase can also be linked to collective bargaining negotiations and industry efforts to retain experienced drivers. Gender differences are small, with women earning about 99% of men's salaries, which is unusually even for the transport sector. The highest salary for a metro driver is 45,100 SEK and belongs to a man in the regional sector, while the highest for a woman is 43,400 SEK.

Metro driver salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (woman, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (man, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 259 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 42 600 SEK, men earn 43 200 SEK (99% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a metro driver, a high school diploma and completed internal training arranged by the employer or traffic operator are usually required. The training emphasizes both theory and practical driving, with safety procedures and train operation in focus. Good vision, hearing, and suitability assessments are often prerequisites before employment. Previous experience from other service or transport jobs is advantageous but not always mandatory.

  • High school education: Usually at least 2–3 years, often with a technical or transport focus
  • Internal training: 8–20 weeks depending on the employer
  • Certification: Approved security clearance and driving test required
  • Health requirements: Good vision, hearing, and medical suitability
  • Practical training: Practical driving exercises are always included in the training

Many metro drivers report that the profession involves great responsibility, but also a unique opportunity to see the city from a new perspective every day. The rhythm of the train and meeting passengers provide an experience of being an important part of the city's everyday pulse.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Metro drivers are often covered by collective agreements that provide compensation for unsociable hours, occupational pension, and wellness allowances. Additional benefits may include staff tickets, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also offer insurance and extra vacation days depending on employment duration.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a metro driver varies depending on the region and economic conditions, but overall demand remains stable in metropolitan areas. The number of job openings in the profession is currently 412, indicating a relatively healthy job market. Challenges in the profession include shift work, stress during traffic disruptions, and high safety standards. Technological development and automation may influence the job content in the future. The ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for aspiring metro drivers

To succeed as a metro driver, it is helpful to be service-minded and able to communicate calmly with passengers and traffic control. Attention to detail is vital, especially regarding safety routines and train function checks. Being resilient under stress makes it easier to handle unexpected situations, such as delays or technical problems. Punctuality and a sense of responsibility are important qualities, as the job requires strict adherence to timetables. Flexibility and willingness to work shifts are also beneficial, as working hours often vary. For those with technical interests and a desire to develop further, there are good opportunities to take on additional responsibilities over time.

Key facts about metro drivers

  • Salary range: 40,300–45,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school + internal training
  • Work form: Shift work, often weekends and evenings
  • Number of job openings: 412 in the profession
  • Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a metro driver can advance to roles such as instructor, trainer, or operations supervisor. Further training and specialization in traffic management or work environment are possible paths for those seeking further development. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates that there is insufficient data for a specific assessment of future prospects for metro drivers, but the large number of available positions suggests stable demand. Automation and technological advancements may influence the profession, but personal competencies and safety awareness will continue to be highly valued qualities.

Frequently asked questions about metro drivers

  • What is the average salary of a metro driver?
    - A metro driver has an average monthly salary of 43 100 SEK.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women earn 42 600 SEK, which corresponds to 99% of men's salaries.
  • What is the job market like for metro drivers?
    - Currently, there are 412 job openings, indicating strong demand.
  • What education is required to become a metro driver?
    - High school education and internal training with approved security clearance are required.
  • What are the working hours like?
    - Shift work is common, involving early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Benefits include overtime pay, wellness allowance, occupational pension, and sometimes staff tickets.
  • How has the salary developed over recent years?
    - Salaries have increased from 40,800 SEK to 43 100 SEK over three years.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Subway driver is 45100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Subway driver is 40300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 41600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 32500 kr 35900 kr
25-34 101% 37800 kr 41100 kr
35-44 99% 40500 kr 43800 kr
45-54 101% 40700 kr 44100 kr
55-64 100% 41400 kr 45400 kr
65-68 42600 kr 45800 kr
Snitt 99% 39700 kr 43100 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 Subway driver has the SSYK code 8311, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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