Traffic controllers, flights

What does a flight traffic controller do – tasks and work environment

A flight traffic controller is responsible for planning, monitoring, and coordinating air traffic within their airspace or at a specific airport. Tasks include issuing instructions to pilots, managing flight routes, assessing weather conditions, and ensuring safety regulations are followed. The role requires direct communication with pilots and other traffic controllers to minimize incident risks and optimize air traffic flow. The work environment is high-tech, often located in control towers or operations centers, where work is conducted in shifts and during periods of high tempo and concentration.

Salary development over time

The salary for a flight traffic controller has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 76,700 SEK per month, slightly rising to 77 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has taken a larger jump to 81 400 SEK per month, representing an increase of approximately 5.7% compared to the previous year. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for qualified air traffic control, technological changes, and a growing need for safety expertise in the aviation sector. Educational requirements have also been tightened, influencing salary levels upward. The market for qualified traffic controllers has been stable, but competition for the most experienced controllers drives salaries higher.

Flight traffic controller salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 81 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 62,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 88,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 490 SEK
• Women earn: 82 400 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 80 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No data available on larger geographical variations

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a flight traffic controller involves specialized training in air traffic management, often at a post-secondary level. Formal requirements include a completed high school diploma with a focus on science or technical subjects, along with approved training at an authorized air traffic control school. In addition to theoretical components, extensive practical training and ongoing certification are required. Approved medical and psychological tests are mandatory to ensure suitability for the high demands on concentration and stress tolerance.

• Post-secondary education: Air traffic control training (about 2–3 years)
• Certification: Approved practical and theoretical exams, with ongoing re-certification
• Practical training: Trainee period under supervision of experienced instructors
• Prerequisites: Completed high school education, often with a science or technical background
• Medical tests: Mandatory health examinations and psychological suitability tests

Common benefits and compensations

Flight traffic controllers are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, generous overtime pay, wellness allowances, and occupational pension schemes. Since the work involves shift work and sometimes inconvenient hours, per diems and special insurances may also be included in the employment package. Some employers additionally offer subsidized lunches, training opportunities, and access to recreational facilities.

Competition and challenges

Competition for places in training programs and the job market for flight traffic controllers is high, mainly due to the limited number of training spots. The high formal and medical requirements mean only a small proportion of applicants are eligible. The work environment is characterized by high tempo, significant responsibility, and constant concentration, which can be challenging over time. Rapid technological developments also require continuous retraining. Despite this, the profession remains attractive due to good salary conditions and the opportunity to work in an international environment.

Tips for aspiring flight traffic controllers

To succeed as a flight traffic controller, it is important to have excellent stress management skills, as the work often involves quick decisions under pressure. Strong concentration and attention to detail are crucial for quickly detecting and managing changes in air traffic. Flexibility and adaptability are needed, as shift work and irregular hours are common. Being communicative and clear is important, as the role requires constant contact with pilots and colleagues. Finally, technical interest and a willingness to continuously learn are key factors to keep up with developments and new safety procedures in air traffic management.

Key facts about flight traffic controllers

• Average salary: 81 400 SEK/month
• Education level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years) with certification
• Work environment: Shift work in control rooms or towers, high safety focus
• Women's share of salary: 102% of men's salary
• Job openings in the profession: 412 positions (May 2024)

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a flight traffic controller, opportunities arise for more specialized roles, such as instructor, training manager, or supervisory positions. Some choose to advance into leadership roles within air traffic management or work internationally. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is insufficient data for an exact assessment, but the number of available positions suggests continued stable demand. Technological advances and increased safety requirements are expected to sustain the need for skilled traffic controllers in aviation.

Common questions about flight traffic controllers

• What does a flight traffic controller earn?
  - A traffic controller in aviation has an average salary of 81 400 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
• How do you become a flight traffic controller?
  - The profession requires post-secondary education in air traffic control, approved tests and certification, as well as practical training.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women have an average salary of 82 400 SEK per month, which corresponds to 102% of men's salaries.
• What are the working hours for a flight traffic controller?
  - Work is shift-based, including nights, weekends, and major holidays.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The profession is expected to maintain stable demand, but an exact forecast is unavailable due to limited data.
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 88,700 SEK per month (female, private sector, post-secondary education), and the lowest is 62,200 SEK (male, public sector, high school education).
• How many job openings are available?
  - There are approximately 412 available positions within the air traffic controller profession.