Salary progression VTS operator

Average salary 41 400 kr
Males 41 900 kr
Females 40 200 kr

What does a VTS operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A VTS operator, or Vessel Traffic Service operator, monitors and manages vessel traffic in ports, waterways, and coastal areas to ensure safe and efficient maritime transport. The work is often carried out in staffed control centers using advanced radar systems, radio communication, and digital maps to communicate with ships and coordinate traffic flow. VTS operators work in shifts, including on-call and night shifts, and must make quick decisions in cases of accidents or bad weather. The work environment is characterized by a high safety focus, precision, and close collaboration with maritime authorities and other transport sector actors.

Salary development over time

The salary for VTS operators has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increased to 40 200 SEK in 2023, and reached 41 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.4% during the period, slightly above the average growth for similar professions within transportation and logistics. Factors driving salary increases include increased demand for safe shipping, technological development, and a growing need for qualified personnel with high stress tolerance. Employers in both public and private sectors have also needed to compete for experienced operators, further contributing to positive salary development.

VTS operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 41 900 SEK, women 40 200 SEK (women earn 96% of what men do)
  • Regional differences: Variations exist but detailed figures are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a VTS operator, post-secondary education in maritime, logistics, or related fields is usually required. Many employers demand specific certifications and approved VTS training according to international guidelines. Practical experience from maritime or traffic management is common, and training is often combined with internal internships and ongoing professional development.

  • Formal education: Post-secondary education in maritime, logistics, or engineering (2–3 years)
  • Certification: Approved VTS training according to IMO standards
  • Internship: Internships or trainee positions at VTS centers are common
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of English and Swedish, technical interest
  • Tips: Self-study in navigation and communication provides an advantage during recruitment

VTS operators often need to handle rapid and complex situations where multiple ships approach narrow passages simultaneously. The ability to stay calm and collaborate effectively with colleagues and ship crews is crucial to avoid incidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

VTS operators are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and night shifts, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and opportunities for further training and skill development. In some cases, additional vacation days and favorable shift work conditions are included, especially within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for VTS operator positions is considered moderate, with a balanced relationship between job openings and applicants. According to the Employment Service's forecast for transportation managers and coordinators, job opportunities are medium-sized and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include high demands on stress resilience, technical competence, and constant readiness for emergencies. Technological advancements also mean ongoing training is necessary to stay updated on new systems and safety procedures. The work environment can be demanding, especially during intensive traffic periods or major maritime accidents.

Tips for aspiring VTS operators

To succeed as a VTS operator, it is beneficial to have analytical skills and the ability to make quick, well-founded decisions under pressure. Training stress tolerance and concentration are crucial, especially since the work environment often involves shift work and high tempo. An interest in technology and navigation facilitates understanding of the advanced systems used daily. Communication is central in the profession, so practicing clear and calm dialogue with colleagues and ship crews is advantageous. Attention to detail and a sense of responsibility are other important qualities, as small mistakes can have significant consequences. Flexibility and adaptability also help, as tasks can vary greatly depending on the situation. Finally, early internships or trainee positions are recommended to gain practical experience and build a network within the industry.

Key facts about VTS operators

  • Educational level: Post-secondary education in maritime or logistics
  • Work environment: Shift work in staffed control centers
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities nationwide
  • Special skills: Navigation, communication, and safety
  • Number of job openings: 412 within the profession of transportation managers and coordinators

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a VTS operator, there are good opportunities to take on more qualified roles, such as senior operator, trainer, or supervisor within VTS operations. Some choose to further specialize as maritime safety experts or traffic managers responsible for larger geographic areas. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that demand will remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced job market and a stable number of available positions. For those wishing to broaden their skills, opportunities also exist within other parts of the transportation and logistics industry, where experience from a VTS center is highly valuable.

Frequently asked questions about VTS operators

  • What does a VTS operator earn?
    - The average salary for a VTS operator is 41 400 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a VTS operator?
    - Post-secondary education in maritime, logistics, or engineering, along with approved VTS certification, is required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 41 900 SEK and women 40 200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
  • What is the work environment like for a VTS operator?
    - The work is performed in shifts at control centers with a high safety focus and quick decision-making requirements.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Job opportunities are considered moderate and are expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical skills, stress tolerance, accuracy, responsibility, and good communication skills are essential.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Differences exist, but detailed regional figures are limited.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a VTS operator is 44500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a VTS operator is 38600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 32900 kr 34300 kr
25-34 98% 37600 kr 39100 kr
35-44 95% 40900 kr 42700 kr
45-54 94% 41000 kr 42700 kr
55-64 97% 41000 kr 42700 kr
65-68 40900 kr 42800 kr
Snitt 96% 39800 kr 41400 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 VTS operator has the SSYK code 4323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations

Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.

  • Read more about working as Freight center manager

    Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month • Transport

    Compare with VTS operator

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 17:19
  • Read more about working as Limousine driver

    Average salary: 30 300 SEK/month • Transport

    Compare with VTS operator

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 16:46
  • Read more about working as Tram conductor

    Average salary: 36 500 SEK/month • Transport

    Compare with VTS operator

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 15:02
  • Read more about working as Colporter

    Average salary: 31 100 SEK/month • Transport

    Compare with VTS operator

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 17:20
  • Read more about working as Quay guard

    Average salary: 41 400 SEK/month • Transport

    Compare with VTS operator

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 14:57
  • Read more about working as Warehouse worker

    Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month • Transport

    Compare with VTS operator

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 14:21
Latest posts
  • Promocode - Discount code for Smartphoto
    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 12:00
  • Public Opinion - Novus Opinion Poll 2026-06-17 – Social Democrats Lose
    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 09:35
  • National Debt - National Debt – Level, GDP Share, and Development to 2026
    Mon, 8 Jun 2026 - 09:59
  • Inflation - Inflation May 2026 – KPIF Rises to 1.5 Percent
    Thu, 4 Jun 2026 - 08:30
  • Tips - Create a Professional Website with AI - That's Why I Built Deffe.com
    Tue, 19 May 2026 - 22:28
  • Municipality -
    Tue, 19 May 2026 - 00:35
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2026 taxes