Trainers

What does a Tågbildare do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Tågbildare is responsible for ensuring that trains are assembled and depart according to schedule, which includes tasks such as switching, brake testing, wagon inspections, and communication with train drivers and traffic control. The work often involves shift work, including evenings, nights, and weekends, and is primarily performed outdoors at rail yards and near train stations. The work environment demands high precision, safety awareness, and teamwork skills, as the Tågbildare is a central link in the railway logistics chain. Physical endurance and the ability to handle varying weather conditions are important qualities for success and performance in the profession.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary development for Tågbildare has been stable but positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, which increased to 39 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 8.4% over this three-year period. This development reflects a combination of collective agreement-based raises and increased demand for experienced Tågbildare, especially as railway traffic expands and retirements increase. Salary growth is also influenced by the employer sector and the individual's education level, with public sector and higher education often resulting in somewhat higher salaries. Despite the positive trend, gender pay gaps remain noticeable within the profession.

Tågbildare Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK/hour (hourly worker, average)
• Gender differences: Men 40 900 SEK, women 38 400 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salaries)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations is unavailable

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Tågbildare, a high school education with a focus on transport or technology, as well as industry-specific training often provided by the employer, is generally required. The training includes both theoretical components, such as railway safety and regulations, and practical parts, where tasks like switching and wagon inspection are practiced under supervision. For certain positions, a valid health test and drug test are also required due to the high safety standards in the railway industry.

• High school education: Transport or technology program, 3 years
• Industry-specific training: 3–6 months, often via employer
• Internship/Trainee: Internship during training is common
• Certification: Safety clearance and approved health test required
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, normal vision and hearing

Common Benefits and Compensation

Tågbildare often have collective agreements that provide for overtime pay for inconvenient working hours, overtime compensation, extra vacation days for shift work, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits include occupational pension, work clothing, and sometimes travel allowances within the railway company. Some employers also offer training support and opportunities for skills development.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for Tågbildare is considered balanced, with moderate opportunities for employment according to the latest forecast from the Employment Service. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but competition for positions can vary regionally and between employers. The profession requires high safety standards and a responsible attitude, making the selection process thorough and including extensive testing. Challenges may also arise from inconvenient working hours and physical strain. Those who quickly adapt to new routines and enjoy shift work have good chances of establishing themselves in the industry.

Tips for Aspiring Tågbildare

To succeed as a Tågbildare, it is important to have a strong sense of safety and structure, as the profession demands precision and responsibility in every task. Flexibility is an asset since working hours often vary, and tasks can change rapidly depending on traffic conditions. Good teamwork skills are essential because the work is performed in teams, where communication and trust are critical for safety. Physical endurance facilitates tasks like switching and outdoor work in varying weather. It is also wise to spend time understanding railway regulations and technical systems, which will facilitate both training and future work. A positive attitude towards shift work and a willingness to continuously develop are also helpful for long-term satisfaction. Finally, high stress resistance is an invaluable trait, as rapid changes and a high tempo are common in the railway environment.

Key Facts About Tågbildare

• Salary range: 37,400–42,400 SEK/month
• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Education level: High school + industry training
• Work environment: Shift work, outdoor environment, high safety requirements
• Demand: Balanced, 412 available jobs in the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, experienced Tågbildare can advance to roles such as instructor, supervisor, or safety coordinator within the railway company. Further education can also lead to positions like transportation manager or planning roles within logistics and traffic management. The Employment Service assesses the opportunities for employment as moderate, with demand expected to remain unchanged over five years. Developments in railway technology and systems also create opportunities for specialization, such as digital traffic control or training new Tågbildare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tågbildare

• What is the average salary of a Tågbildare?
  - The average salary for a Tågbildare is 40 200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Tågbildare?
  - High school education with a focus on transport or technology and industry-specific training are required.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the job market like for Tågbildare?
  - The job market is balanced with approximately 412 available jobs within the profession.
• What are the working hours for a Tågbildare?
  - Shift work is common, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Tågbildare?
  - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK (male, public sector), and the lowest is 37,400 SEK (female, private sector).
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, sense of responsibility, teamwork skills, and stress resistance are key qualities.