How much does a Train driver make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Train driver
Image that illustrates Train driver

Train 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 Train driver

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 200 kr
Females 42 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Train Driver do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Train Driver is responsible for operating passenger and freight trains according to schedules, following safety procedures and traffic regulations. Tasks also include checking the train's technical functions before departure, maintaining contact with traffic control, and handling any disruptions during travel. Train Drivers often work in shifts, which may involve early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. The work environment is characterized by a high safety focus, working in the cab, and sometimes long periods of solitary work, especially on longer routes.

Salary development over time

The profession of Train Drivers has experienced stable and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,800 SEK per month, which increased to 41 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average monthly salary reached 43 100 SEK. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 5.6% over three years. This development reflects a continued demand for qualified train drivers, especially as retirements and increased public transport needs impact the market. Salaries have also been influenced by collective agreements and negotiations within the transportation sector, securing real wage increases, particularly as employers compete for experienced drivers.

Train Driver salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 40,300 SEK/month (female, 3-year high school education)
  • Maximum salary: 45,100 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year high school education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 99% of men's salary (42 600 SEK vs 43 200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries in the regional sector, with some variation depending on employer and region

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Train Driver typically involves completing a specialized locomotive driver training program offered by vocational colleges and approved training providers. Admission usually requires a high school diploma and passing medical and psychological tests. The training combines theory, practical exercises, and extensive safety components, culminating in certification to operate trains in commercial traffic.

  • Vocational college training: Locomotive driver training, approximately 1 year
  • Formal requirements: High school diploma, approved results on medical and psychological tests
  • Certificates: Traffic safety certificate and train driving license
  • Practical training: Extensive internship during training
  • Tips: Attention to detail and stress resilience are highly valued during admission

Many train drivers describe a unique sense of freedom and great responsibility. The work combines technical interest with independence, and it is common for workdays to vary greatly in pace and challenges.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits such as overtime pay for unsocial hours, extra compensation for night and weekend shifts, and occupational pension are often offered. Many employers in the industry also provide wellness allowances, subsidized meals, and opportunities for further training. Sick pay, insurance, and generous vacation policies are standard within collective agreements for train drivers.

Competition and challenges

The demand for trained train drivers is relatively high, with currently 412 job openings in the profession. Competition for positions may vary depending on geographic area and employer, with larger cities and major operators often offering more opportunities. Challenges in the role include responsibility for safety, managing unforeseen events, and shift work. Technological changes and digitalization require ongoing training. The ability to work independently and make quick decisions under pressure is crucial for success in the role.

Tips for aspiring Train Drivers

To succeed as a Train Driver, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with attention to detail and stress resilience. Flexibility and openness to shift work facilitate success, as early mornings and late evenings are common. Good communication skills are important when collaborating with traffic control and colleagues, along with a sense of responsibility for safety and passengers. Preparing well for medical and psychological tests increases chances of admission. Analytical skills help in quickly assessing and solving technical problems if they arise during operation. At the same time, independence and the ability to work alone for extended periods are valuable qualities in everyday life as a train driver.

Key facts about Train Drivers

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 40,300–45,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Vocational college training, approx. 1 year
  • Work environment: Shift work, high safety focus, often solitary work
  • Job openings: 412 advertised positions in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining several years of experience, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as instructor, trainer, or traffic controller within the railway sector. Some choose to further qualify as traffic planners or supervisors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, there is no precise assessment of the profession’s future outlook, but the high number of job openings and ongoing retirements suggest good prospects ahead. Digitalization and technological development may create new roles, such as remote operation or train monitoring. Overall, train drivers are expected to have stable employment prospects in the coming years.

Common questions about Train Drivers

  • What is the average salary of a Train Driver?
    - The average salary for a Train Driver is 43 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Train Driver?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK and the lowest is 40,300 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn 42 600 SEK and men 43 200 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salary.
  • How does one become a Train Driver?
    - By completing an approved locomotive driver training at a vocational college, usually about one year long, and passing medical and psychological tests.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Train Driver?
    - Attention to detail, stress resistance, sense of responsibility, and independence are key qualities.
  • What is the job market like for Train Drivers?
    - Currently, there are 412 job openings in the profession, and demand is stable.
  • What is the average hourly wage for a Train Driver?
    - The hourly wage averages at 259 SEK for hourly workers.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 05:50:47

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Train 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 Train 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Train driver has the SSYK code 8311, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics