Transport technician

What does a transport technician do? – Tasks and work environment

Transport technicians are responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing the transportation of goods and materials within and between companies. The work involves analyzing logistics chains, handling customs and freight documents, booking transports, and solving problems that arise along the way. The role involves close collaboration with freight forwarders, transport companies, warehouse staff, and customers to ensure punctuality and quality of deliveries. The work environment is often office-based with a fast pace, where flexibility and problem-solving skills are crucial to handle rapid changes and unexpected situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for transport technicians has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 37,900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.2%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary rose even more significantly to 41 100 kr, an increase of over 8.4%. This salary increase can be partly explained by increased demand for logistics skills and transport optimization as global supply chains become more complex. Additionally, technological advancements within the transport sector have driven up the requirements for specialist competence, positively impacting salary levels.

Transport technician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 247 SEK
• Men (average): 43 000 SEK/month
• Women (average): 38900 SEK/month
• Women earn: 90% of men's salary
• Regional differences: No significant variation has been identified based on available data

Education and qualifications

To work as a transport technician, a high school diploma with a focus on transport or logistics is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary education in logistics, economics, or engineering. Many employers also value experience in transport planning and knowledge of international regulations. Internships and certifications within logistics systems are advantageous and can increase employment opportunities.

• High school education: Transport or logistics focus, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: YH or university education in logistics/economics, 2–3 years
• Certifications: e.g., customs handling, transport planning, or digital logistics systems
• Internships: Common part of education, often decisive for employment
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and English, and IT skills

Common benefits and compensations

Among the most common benefits for transport technicians are occupational pension, wellness contributions, and opportunities for skills development through courses and training. Other benefits may include flexible working hours, subsidized lunch or travel expenses, and sometimes bonuses based on performance and achieved goals.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a transport technician is moderate but increasing as the industry digitizes and demands higher technical competence. One of the biggest challenges is quickly managing unforeseen disruptions in the supply chain, such as delays, new regulations, or technical problems. Additionally, the ability to stay updated on changing laws and environmental requirements within international trade is essential. The profession is characterized by a high pace and sometimes tight deadlines, which requires accuracy and stress resilience. The lack of formal statistics on the competitive landscape makes it difficult to precisely assess future challenges, but the demand for logistics skills is expected to remain.

Tips for those who want to become a transport technician

To succeed as a transport technician, it is good to combine analytical skills with a structured approach and an interest in problem-solving. Developing good communication skills is crucial, as the role involves many contacts with internal and external parties. A strong sense of order and attention to detail helps manage complex logistics flows and administration. Flexibility is important to quickly adapt to changes in transport plans and regulations. Being resilient and solution-oriented under pressure offers significant advantages, as does a willingness to continuously learn new systems and processes. Building a network within the industry can also open doors to new opportunities and contribute to a smoother daily work life.

Key facts about Transport Technicians

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Salary range: 37,900–50,000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school + YH/university
• Work environment: Office-based, often high-paced
• Demand: About 550 available jobs in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a transport technician can move on to more specialized roles such as logistics manager, transport coordinator, or project manager within larger logistics companies. It is also common to advance to managerial roles or work on international logistics projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no exact assessment for transport technicians, but within the profession, freight forwarders and transport brokers have a steady number of available positions—about 550. The increasing complexity of global supply chains and the digitalization of the transport sector suggest that demand for skills will persist, although competition for the most attractive positions may increase.

Frequently asked questions about transport technicians

• What does a transport technician earn?
  - A transport technician has an average salary of 41 100 SEK per month, with a range between 37,900 and 50,000 SEK.
• How does the salary differ between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 43 000 SEK per month, while women earn 38900 SEK, which means women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a transport technician?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with a focus on transport or logistics, often supplemented with YH or university education in logistics or economics.
• What are the most common job tasks?
  - Planning and optimizing transports, contacting customers and suppliers, and managing documentation and logistics systems.
• What is the job market outlook for transport technicians?
  - There are approximately 550 available jobs, but no exact forecast exists for future employment conditions.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical ability, resilience to stress, structure, flexibility, and good communication skills are important qualities.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No significant regional differences have been identified based on available data.