How much does a Commercial pilots make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Commercial pilots

Commercial pilots

69 800 kr

Pilots etc.

53 200 - 87 500 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Commercial pilots

Average salary 69 800 kr
Males 70 000 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Traffic Pilot do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Traffic Pilot is responsible for operating commercial aircraft, such as passenger and cargo planes, in accordance with current laws and safety regulations. Tasks include planning flights, checking aircraft systems, communicating with air traffic control, and handling unexpected situations in the air. The work environment often involves shift work, long shifts, and periods of high concentration, where safety and precision are always prioritized. Collaboration with cabin crew and technical staff is crucial to ensure a safe and efficient flight.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Traffic Pilots have experienced a downward trend in salary development. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month, which decreased to 71 200 SEK in 2023, and further to 69 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total decrease of approximately 6.2% over the period. The decline can partly be explained by changes in demand, economic cycles in the job market, and possible effects of restructuring within the airline industry. Industry-specific challenges, such as the pandemic's impact and increased competition, have contributed to lowering salaries for Traffic Pilots during this period. Despite this, the profession remains high-paying compared to many other jobs on the labor market.

Traffic Pilot salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector)
  • Hourly wage: 420 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 70 000 SEK, women lack sufficient statistics
  • Regional differences: No detailed statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Traffic Pilot, extensive education and specific certifications and licenses are required. The typical pathway involves approved traffic pilot training, often at university level or through a specialized flight school. In addition to theoretical studies, a large number of practical flying hours are needed to obtain the necessary licenses. The selection process is strict and includes medical and psychological tests.

  • Formal education: Traffic pilot training, often 2–3 years
  • Certifications: CPL (Commercial Pilot License) and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)
  • Practical training: Many hours of supervised flight practice
  • Prerequisites: Approved high school grades, Class 1 medical certificate
  • Tips: Prepare for tough selection processes and invest time in both theory and practice

Many Traffic Pilots have backgrounds in the Air Force or other military flying services, which can provide valuable experience and networks for a civilian career. This pathway can also offer faster career advancement and broader skills within the aviation industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, Traffic Pilots often receive benefits such as per diems for overnight stays, occupational pensions, wellness allowances, and airline-specific bonus programs. Other common compensations include insurance and discounted flights for employees and their families. Shift work may sometimes include extra night shift allowances and compensation for inconvenient working hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Traffic Pilot is generally high, especially for attractive airlines and long-haul routes. Training spots are limited, and selection among applicants often involves rigorous tests and interviews. Uncertainty in the industry, influenced by global events and economic conditions, can lead to periods of reduced recruitment. At the same time, continuous professional development and medical examinations are required, meaning employees must be prepared to invest time and resources into their skills. Technological innovations and regulatory changes also demand adaptability and ongoing learning.

Tips for aspiring Traffic Pilots

To succeed as a Traffic Pilot, it is beneficial to develop accuracy and stress resilience early on, as the profession requires making quick and correct decisions under pressure. A strong technical interest facilitates learning aircraft systems and navigation equipment, while good communication skills are essential for cooperation with crew and air traffic controllers. Flexibility and adaptability to changing working conditions are important, as working hours and destinations often vary. Discipline and a sense of responsibility are fundamental to maintaining safety routines and following strict regulations. Finally, a genuine commitment to aviation safety and continuous education is crucial for thriving and progressing in the role.

Key facts about Traffic Pilots

  • Education level: Traffic pilot training and commercial pilot license
  • Work environment: Shift work and high safety focus
  • Job market: 395 job openings within the profession
  • Special requirements: Medical certificate and ongoing training

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Traffic Pilot, there are opportunities to advance to captain, instructor, or specialized roles such as flight safety or operations management. Some choose to further educate themselves as flight instructors or examiners. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for Traffic Pilots due to limited data, but within the pilot profession, there are approximately 395 job openings. Future prospects are influenced by airline expansion, technological development, and economic cycles. International experience and specialized skills, such as instrument flying or type certification for new aircraft models, can provide advantages on the job market.

Common questions about Traffic Pilots

  • What does a Traffic Pilot earn?
    - The average salary for a Traffic Pilot is 69 800 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Traffic Pilot?
    - An approved traffic pilot training and a commercial pilot license (CPL/ATPL) are required.
  • What is the job market like for Traffic Pilots?
    - Within the pilot profession, there are 395 job openings, but demand can vary.
  • Are there significant salary differences within the profession?
    - Yes, salaries range between 53,200 and 87,500 SEK depending on experience, sector, and gender.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Accuracy, stress tolerance, technical interest, and a sense of responsibility are key qualities.
  • What benefits are offered beyond salary?
    - Common benefits include per diems, occupational pension, insurance, and discounted travel.
  • How does shift work affect the role of a Traffic Pilot?
    - Shift work involves irregular hours, requiring flexibility and good planning.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-18 08:52:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Commercial pilots is 87500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 74700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Commercial pilots is 53200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 62900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 48800 kr 51500 kr
35-44 55900 kr 58100 kr
45-54 72500 kr 74000 kr
55-64 94400 kr 95700 kr
Snitt 67900 kr 69800 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 Commercial pilots has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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