How much does a Subway driver make

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  2. Subway driver
Image that illustrates Subway driver

Subway driver

43 100 kr

Train drivers

40 300 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Subway driver

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 200 kr
Females 42 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a subway driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A subway driver is responsible for operating subway trains according to schedules and safety regulations within the city’s public transport system. The role involves not only driving the train but also monitoring technical systems, communicating with traffic control, and handling disruptions and passenger incidents. The work environment is often varied with shift work, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends regularly. A subway driver must be attentive, stress-resistant, and able to act quickly in unexpected situations to ensure safe and punctual transportation.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for subway drivers have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 40,800 SEK per month. The following year, the average salary increased by approximately 2.7% to 41 900 SEK. Between 2023 and 2024, the trend continued with a further increase of 2.9%, meaning the current average salary is 43 100 SEK. This salary growth reflects an increased demand for qualified train operators in public transport, as well as the labor market's adjustment to inflation levels and union agreements. The increase can also be linked to higher requirements for safety, service, and technical competence in the profession.

Subway driver salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (female, high school diploma, 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school diploma up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 259 SEK
  • Men: 43 200 SEK/month
  • Women: 42 600 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a subway driver, a completed high school education and internal training provided by the employer or partner training providers are generally required. The training includes both theory and practical components, focusing on safety, traffic rules, and technical understanding. The ability to handle stress and communicate effectively are important qualities, and some employers also conduct aptitude tests as part of the selection process.

  • High school diploma: Required
  • Internal training: 8–16 weeks, often via the employer
  • Practical training/Traineeship: Included as a mandatory part of the training
  • Medical and psychological tests: Vision, hearing, and suitability checks
  • Language skills: Good Swedish in speech and writing

Many subway drivers report that the profession offers a unique insight into the city's pulse, as drivers daily encounter a wide range of passengers and quickly develop a sense of how the city lives and changes over time.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Subway drivers are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, overtime pay for irregular hours, and wellness allowances. Additional compensation may be offered for night and weekend work, and some employers also provide subsidized meals or staff discounts. Sick pay and insurance are regularly included in employment terms.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a subway driver is considered moderate, but the labor market can vary depending on region and economic conditions. Many applicants are attracted by the stable employment and favorable conditions, while employers set high standards for punctuality, safety, and service. Shift work and irregular hours pose challenges for many, and technological changes require drivers to undergo continuous training. The work environment can also involve stress during traffic disruptions or incidents, requiring mental resilience and problem-solving skills.

Tips for aspiring subway drivers

To succeed as a subway driver, it is important to be meticulous and have a strong safety mindset, as the safety of passengers is always the top priority. Patience and stress management skills are helpful when unexpected situations arise in traffic or contact with passengers. Good communication skills facilitate teamwork with colleagues and traffic control, contributing to a pleasant service experience for passengers. Flexibility is key, as irregular hours and shift work are a natural part of the job. Quickly familiarizing oneself with technical systems and routines increases the chances of thriving and developing within the profession. An interest in public transport and community service is also an advantage, as the job offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in many people's daily lives.

Key facts about subway drivers

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 40,300–45,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school diploma + internal training (8–16 weeks)
  • Work form: Shift work, often full-time
  • Job openings in the profession: 412 positions

Career paths and outlook

After gaining some experience as a subway driver, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as instructor, trainer, or traffic controller within public transport companies. It is also possible to specialize in safety, technical maintenance, or management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no precise assessment is made for subway drivers due to limited data, but the number of job openings indicates ongoing demand. The technological development and expansion of public transport systems in major cities may create additional career opportunities over time, especially for those interested in training, leadership, or technology.

Frequently asked questions about subway drivers

  • What is the average salary of a subway driver?
    - The average salary is 43 100 SEK per month.
  • How long is the training to become a subway driver?
    - Internal training typically takes 8–16 weeks after high school graduation.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Women earn 99% of what men do; the difference is small but noticeable.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for subway drivers?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK, and the lowest is 40,300 SEK per month.
  • What is the work environment like for subway drivers?
    - The work environment involves shift work, high safety responsibility, and contact with passengers.
  • What does the future look like for subway drivers?
    - Forecasts are unavailable, but 412 job openings indicate continued demand.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, stress resilience, and good communication are essential for success in the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 09:05:36

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Subway driver is 45100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Subway driver is 40300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 41600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 32500 kr 35900 kr
25-34 101% 37800 kr 41100 kr
35-44 99% 40500 kr 43800 kr
45-54 101% 40700 kr 44100 kr
55-64 100% 41400 kr 45400 kr
65-68 42600 kr 45800 kr
Snitt 99% 39700 kr 43100 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 Subway driver has the SSYK code 8311, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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