- Salary statistics
- Shift locomotive driver salary
Shift locomotive driver salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
42 100 - 46 700 SEK / month
Women earn 97% of what men do.
Transport
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Salary progression Shift locomotive driver
What does a Växlingslokförare do? – Tasks and work environment
A Växlingslokförare is responsible for maneuvering and moving trains or wagons within rail yards, depots, and industrial areas. The work involves coupling and decoupling wagons, moving trains to correct locations for loading, unloading, or maintenance, and ensuring all activities adhere to safety regulations. The work environment is often outdoors, sometimes in varying weather conditions, requiring technical knowledge and precision. Växlingslokförare often work in shifts, which may include evenings, nights, and weekends, and collaborate closely with other railway personnel to ensure smooth and safe transportation.
Salary development over time
The salary for Växlingslokförare has increased positively over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,800 kronor per month, rising to 43 100 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise and now stands at 45 100 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 5.6% over the period. This growth can partly be explained by an increased need for qualified personnel in the railway sector and collective bargaining wage adjustments. Despite being a specialized profession requiring thorough training, salary increases have been stable rather than explosive, reflecting a balanced demand on the job market.
Växlingslokförare salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 45 100 kr/month
- Lowest salary: 40,300 kr/month (female, high school education, 3 years)
- Highest salary: 45,100 kr/month (male, high school education up to 2 years, regional sector)
- Hourly wage: 259 kr/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn 44 100 kr, men 45 300 kr (women earn 97% of men's salaries)
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, with variations between sectors
Education and qualifications
To work as a Växlingslokförare, a high school education in transport or technology is usually required, supplemented with specialized locomotive driver training. Medical and psychological tests as well as practical training are also necessary. Many employers offer internal trainee programs, and some training can also be completed via vocational colleges or directly with railway companies. Knowledge of technology and good problem-solving skills are important.
- Education: High school (3 years) or equivalent in technology/transport
- Specialized training: Locomotive driver training (often via vocational college, about 1 year)
- Certifications: Mandatory safety and authorization tests
- Practical training: Hands-on training under supervision/trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Good vision, hearing, and psychological suitability
The work of a Växlingslokförare demands high levels of multitasking and communication skills, as coordination with other railway staff is critical for safety. The work often takes place outdoors in varying weather and under time pressure, contributing to a dynamic and varied workday. For many, the practical problem-solving and variation are among the profession's major advantages.
Common benefits and compensations
Växlingslokförare are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to overtime pay, night shift allowances, and holiday pay. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension schemes, and sometimes employee discounts or favorable insurance plans. Shift work also involves additional pay for unsociable hours, which can positively impact total income.
Competitions and challenges
The profession of Växlingslokförare is relatively specialized, which means competition for jobs can vary depending on the region and employer. Challenges often include managing safety risks and quickly solving practical problems in sometimes stressful environments. Shift work and outdoor work in various weather conditions demand high physical and mental endurance. Additionally, technological advancements in the railway industry require Växlingslokförare to continually update their skills. A limited recruitment pool can sometimes create good opportunities for new applicants.
Tips for aspiring Växlingslokförare
To succeed as a Växlingslokförare, it helps to have a genuine interest in technology and transportation, as well as being meticulous and responsible. A structured approach helps you quickly learn routines and safety regulations, while good communication skills facilitate teamwork under pressure. Flexibility and the ability to work shifts are a great advantage, as is having good physical condition to handle outdoor work environments. The ability to make quick decisions and solve problems independently is valued by employers. Continuously staying updated on new rules and technical solutions demonstrates engagement and can lead to more career opportunities. Patience and resilience to stress are invaluable qualities when unexpected situations arise in the job.
Key facts about Växlingslokförare
- Education level: High school + specialized locomotive driver training
- Work environment: Outdoors at rail yards and depots, often shift work
- Demand: 412 job openings within the profession
- Gender distribution: Small salary differences between women and men
- Special skills: Technical knowledge, safety awareness
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a Växlingslokförare, opportunities open to advance to other roles within the railway industry, such as instructor, supervisor, or safety and technical trainer. Some choose to further qualify as a locomotive driver for long-distance traffic with broader responsibilities. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for Växlingslokförare, but the industry has noted steady demand with over 412 job openings within the profession. Technological innovations and increased investments in railway transport may positively influence the future job market, although digitalization and automation could eventually change the profession.
Frequently asked questions about Växlingslokförare
- What does a Växlingslokförare earn?
- A Växlingslokförare has an average salary of 45 100 kronor per month. - Are there significant salary differences between women and men?
- No, women earn 97% of what men do within the profession. - What education is required to become a Växlingslokförare?
- High school education plus specialized locomotive driver training and certifications are required. - What are the future prospects?
- There is steady demand, with 412 job openings in the profession, but no exact forecast for the occupation. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, resilience to stress, technical interest, and good communication are key qualities. - What is the work environment like for a Växlingslokförare?
- Work mainly takes place outdoors at rail yards and depots, often in shifts and under varying weather conditions. - Is there opportunity for further development?
- Yes, experienced Växlingslokförare can advance to leadership roles or pursue further training in other railway professions.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35100 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42000 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 42200 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 48500 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41200 kr | 45100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35100 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42000 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 42200 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 48500 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41200 kr | 45100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35100 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42000 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 42200 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 48500 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41200 kr | 45100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 43300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42100 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 42300 kr | 46300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42700 kr | 46900 kr |
| 65-68 | 44700 kr | 48600 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41400 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 43300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42100 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 42300 kr | 46300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42700 kr | 46900 kr |
| 65-68 | 44700 kr | 48600 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41400 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 43300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42100 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 42300 kr | 46300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42700 kr | 46900 kr |
| 65-68 | 44700 kr | 48600 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41400 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 43000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 41100 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 41800 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42400 kr | 46100 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 40400 kr | 44100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 43000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 41100 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 41800 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42400 kr | 46100 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 40400 kr | 44100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 43000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 41100 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 41800 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 42400 kr | 46100 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 40400 kr | 44100 kr |
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 Shift locomotive 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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