Salary progression Heavy handlers, goods etc.

Average salary 31 000 kr
Males 31 100 kr
Females 30 500 kr

What does a heavy goods handler do – tasks and work environment

A heavy goods handler works with moving, loading, and unloading heavy and bulky goods in locations such as warehouses, terminals, or during various transports. Tasks often include manual handling of large or heavy items, using aids like forklifts, lifting devices, and sometimes specialized vehicles. The work is often done in teams and requires good cooperation, especially when coordinating heavy lifts or complex moving tasks. The work environment can vary from indoor settings in large warehouses to outdoor work at construction sites or during relocations. Physical strength and endurance are central qualities, as the work often involves heavy lifting and many physically demanding tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary for heavy goods handlers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month, while in 2023 and 2024, it increased to 31 000. This represents an increase of about 7% over two years, indicating an improved salary trend for the profession. The increase is linked to continued high demand in transportation and logistics, where employers need to attract and retain staff with competitive wages. Despite the positive trend, salaries have stabilized between 2023 and 2024, suggesting a certain stabilization in the labor market. Women in the profession earn slightly less than men, but the gap has narrowed over time. Regional factors and sector of employment can also influence salary development.

Heavy goods handler salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month
  • Average hourly wage: 192 SEK
  • Women: 31,200 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men: 31 100 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Possible, especially between urban and rural areas

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a heavy goods handler is often practical and does not always require formal education, but some employers prefer a high school diploma with a focus on transport or logistics. Experience in similar tasks and knowledge of work environment and safety are advantageous. For certain positions, a forklift license or other certifications for handling lifting equipment are required.

  • High school education: Transport or industrial programs (3 years)
  • Forklift license/certification: Common requirement for many employers
  • Practical experience: Meritorious, often gained through summer jobs or internships
  • Prerequisites: Physical ability and good health
  • Work environment training: Often provided internally by the employer

Many heavy goods handlers quickly gain broad experience across various industries since assignments often take place at diverse locations—from construction sites to large warehouses and moving companies. This variation makes the profession an excellent starting point for those looking to build networks and understand the breadth of the logistics industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Heavy goods handlers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for irregular hours, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes insurance, pension contributions, and opportunities for skills development through internal or external training.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a heavy goods handler is considered moderate to low nationally. The demand for labor remains stable, and job opportunities are plentiful. However, the profession faces a paradoxical recruitment situation, with both difficulties in finding qualified personnel and a high turnover rate. Physical strain, monotonous tasks, and irregular working hours can be challenging and contribute to high staff turnover. Nonetheless, the availability of job openings remains good, with over 400 advertised positions, providing good opportunities for those seeking work in the field.

Tips for aspiring heavy goods handlers

To succeed as a heavy goods handler, it’s beneficial to combine physical endurance with accuracy and a strong sense of safety. Demonstrating responsibility by always following safety routines reduces injury risks and builds trust with employers. Flexibility is valuable since tasks and environments can vary daily. Good teamwork skills are an asset, especially when performing heavy lifts and coordinated tasks. Punctuality and initiative are appreciated and can lead to more responsibilities. Practical experience, such as summer jobs or internships, provides a competitive edge in hiring. Maintaining a positive and solution-oriented attitude helps in a profession where unexpected challenges often arise.

Key facts about heavy goods handlers

  • Average salary: 31 000 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,200–56,700 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn on average 98% of men's salary
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, both indoors and outdoors
  • Job openings: Approximately 412 advertised positions in the profession

Career paths and future outlook

After gaining several years of experience as a heavy goods handler, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader, warehouse manager, or logistics coordinator. Specializations in forklift operation, machinery handling, or work environment safety can open new career avenues. According to the Employment Service’s forecast for the profession of porters and movers, job prospects are large nationwide, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is paradoxical, with both difficulty in finding the right skills and high turnover within the profession. For those seeking further development, related careers in transport, warehousing, and logistics are also accessible.

Frequently asked questions about heavy goods handlers

  • What does a heavy goods handler earn?
    - The average salary is 31 000 SEK per month, with variations based on experience, sector, and region.
  • What is the work environment like for heavy goods handlers?
    - The environment is often physically demanding and can involve indoor and outdoor work with heavy lifting and varied tasks.
  • What education is required to become a heavy goods handler?
    - Often, a high school diploma with a focus on transport or industry suffices. Forklift licenses and practical experience are advantageous.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
  • What are the common benefits?
    - Benefits include overtime allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes insurance and training opportunities.
  • What is the salary range for heavy goods handlers?
    - The salary range is from 31,200 SEK to 56,700 SEK per month depending on experience, sector, and education level.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Heavy handlers, goods etc. is 48600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Heavy handlers, goods etc. is 30100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 30400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 27700 kr 28700 kr
25-34 29300 kr 30700 kr
35-44 30100 kr 30900 kr
45-54 31900 kr 33000 kr
55-64 32000 kr 33000 kr
Snitt 98% 30000 kr 31000 kr
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 Heavy handlers, goods etc. has the SSYK code 9332, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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