What does a Traffic Agent in Aviation do? – Tasks and Work Environment
An aviation traffic agent mainly works at airports and is responsible for assisting travelers before departure and upon arrival. Tasks include passenger and baggage check-in, ticket handling, information services, and coordination with cabin and ground staff to ensure smooth operations. The role requires good service skills, accuracy, and the ability to handle stressful situations, as the pace can be high and the work environment often dynamic. Working hours are shift-based and may include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends depending on the airport's hours and traffic flows.
Salary Development Over Time
Salaries for aviation traffic agents have shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, which increased to 32 500 SEK in 2023. In the latest year, 2024, the average salary has reached 34 100 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for qualified personnel in the aviation industry, especially after pandemic effects, as well as strengthened collective agreements and generally higher salary levels in the transport sector. A slight leveling between genders has also been noted, with women now earning slightly more than men on average in the profession.
Traffic Agent in Aviation Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
- Highest salary for women: 37,100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary for women: 30,800 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 205 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 101% of what men do
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is unavailable
Education and Qualifications
To work as an aviation traffic agent, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on tourism, service, or transportation. Many employers offer in-house training and induction programs to ensure new employees quickly familiarize themselves with airport routines and safety regulations. Some positions may also require specific certifications, such as for handling dangerous goods or working in security-sensitive areas, as well as good knowledge of English and other languages.
- High school diploma: Tourism, service, or transportation
- In-house training: Common upon employment
- Certifications: Security training, dangerous goods (IATA DGR)
- Language skills: English, preferably additional languages
- Internship/Trainee: May occur, especially at larger airports
Many aviation traffic agents gain a unique insight into international travel and different cultures, as the profession involves daily contact with people from around the world. This experience can be valuable even when switching to other customer service or logistics-related careers.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Traffic agents in aviation are often offered benefits such as night shift allowances for evening, night, and weekend work, wellness contributions, occupational pensions, and sometimes discounted travel. Larger employers may also provide staff cafeterias, uniform allowances, and insurance coverage.
Competition and Challenges
The competition for positions as an aviation traffic agent varies over time and between regions, but the profession often attracts many applicants due to its international profile and development opportunities. Challenges include irregular working hours, high work pace, and the need to handle unexpected situations quickly, such as delays or dissatisfied travelers. Digitalization and automation have also changed job tasks, requiring technical skills and adaptability. The industry is strongly affected by economic fluctuations and global events, which can impact the number of vacancies and job security.
Tips for Aspiring Aviation Traffic Agents
To succeed as an aviation traffic agent, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in service and meeting people from different cultures. Strong stress resilience makes it easier to handle pace changes and unexpected situations, while good organizational skills help when multiple tasks are performed simultaneously. Flexibility and willingness to work shifts are advantages, as well as communication skills and the ability to express oneself clearly in both Swedish and English. Showing initiative and being solution-oriented is appreciated by employers, especially during rapid changes in air traffic. Staying updated on industry regulations and digital tools is also important, and gaining internship or summer job experience at airports can provide valuable insights for future employment.
Key Facts about Traffic Agent in Aviation
- Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with in-house training
- Work environment: Airport setting with shift work and high pace
- Typical employment: Full-time or part-time, often shift-based
- Demand: 550 job openings in Sweden (2024)
- Special skills: Language skills and safety certification
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years as an aviation traffic agent, opportunities open for roles such as team leader, supervisor, or trainer in customer service and airport logistics. Some choose to further qualify as traffic controllers, traffic planners, or work within administration and coordination. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for traffic agents remains relatively stable, although the industry is sensitive to economic swings and global events. Digitalization may change job tasks, but personal service and local knowledge will continue to be valued skills.
Common Questions about Traffic Agent in Aviation
- What does a Traffic Agent in Aviation earn?
- The average salary is 34 100 SEK per month.
- What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn an average of 34 200 SEK, which is 101% of men's salary at 34 000 SEK.
- What education is required to become a traffic agent in aviation?
- A high school diploma is most common, often supplemented with in-house training and certifications.
- Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, for example to team leader, supervisor, or administrative roles.
- What is the work environment like for a traffic agent in aviation?
- The environment is fast-paced and shift-based, often at airports with an international atmosphere.
- What are common benefits in the profession?
- Night shift allowances, wellness contributions, occupational pension, and sometimes discounted travel.
- How many job openings are there in the profession?
- There are about 550 job openings in Sweden right now.
