- Salary statistics
- Boat builder, wood
Boat builder, wood
31 900 - 32 300 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Boat builder, wood
What does a wooden boat builder do – tasks and work environment
A wooden boat builder works with manufacturing, repairing, and renovating boats where wood is the primary material. Tasks include sawing and joining wood parts, installing fittings and interiors, and applying finishes and varnishes to completed boats. The work requires high craftsmanship and precision, as each boat is often unique and requires tailored solutions. The work environment varies between traditional boatyards, small specialized workshops, and larger marine companies. Often, work takes place in workshop settings with dust, noise, and machinery, but outdoor work during launching or repairs can also occur.
Salary development over time
The profession of wooden boat builder has experienced fluctuating salary trends over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 33 000 SEK, which is approximately an 8% rise. In 2024, the average salary slightly decreased to 32 300 SEK per month, a decline of just over 2% compared to the previous year. These variations may be due to changes in demand, economic conditions, and competition within the craft trades. The profession is part of a broader occupational group where salary levels are influenced by specialization and regional differences. Despite some uncertainty about future salary development, the income remains stable compared to similar craft professions.
Wooden boat builder salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 194 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Salary data available only for men (32 300 SEK), no specific data for women
- Regional differences: No detailed salary data available, but variations may occur depending on labor market and demand
Education and qualifications
To work as a wooden boat builder, a high school education in crafts, often with a focus on carpentry or boat building, is typically required. Many employers value practical experience, and it is common to supplement education with internships or apprenticeships. Specialized courses in traditional boatbuilding and wood technology can provide additional advantages in the job market. Self-study and further training are important to stay updated on new techniques and materials.
- High school education: Crafts program, carpentry/boat building (3 years)
- Vocational college: Specialized training in boat building (1–2 years)
- Internship/apprenticeship: Common for gaining practical experience
- Courses/certifications: Examples include wood technology, marine safety, or traditional craft methods
- Prerequisites: Interest in crafts and good physical condition
Many wooden boat builders work on restoring classic wooden boats, which means each project can be unique and require creative problem-solving. A genuine interest in traditional craftsmanship and historical techniques increases the chances of becoming sought after in the profession.
Common benefits and compensation
Typical benefits in the profession include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes access to tools and machinery provided by the employer. Some workplaces also offer additional insurance, pension contributions, or opportunities for further training. Working hours can be flexible, especially in smaller workshops, and overtime pay is common during peak periods.
Competition and challenges
The profession of wooden boat builder is characterized by tough competition, as the number of job opportunities is relatively limited nationwide. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, job prospects are small and there is an oversupply of trained professionals in the field. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, making it important to differentiate oneself through specialization or niche skills. Technological developments in materials and tools require continuous further education. At the same time, interest in traditional craftsmanship and classic boats is an advantage for those focusing on renovation and restoration.
Tips for aspiring wooden boat builders
To succeed as a wooden boat builder, it helps to combine precision with a passion for craftsmanship. Early internships or summer jobs at boatyards provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. Creative problem-solving skills are important when restoring older boats or creating custom solutions. Good physical condition and endurance are needed for heavy lifting and long workdays. Flexibility and openness to learning new techniques increase employment chances, especially in a competitive industry. Finally, responsibility and the ability to work independently and in teams are highly valued by employers.
Key facts about Wooden Boat Builders, wood
- Education level: High school or vocational college
- Work environment: Workshop, boatyard, and sometimes outdoors
- Demand: Limited job opportunities nationwide
- Number of available jobs in the profession: 341
- Special skills: Wood technology and traditional craftsmanship
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a wooden boat builder can advance to supervisor, project manager, or start their own business, especially if they develop specialized skills in renovation or traditional craftsmanship. Opportunities also exist to work internationally, where demand for classic wooden boats may be higher. However, forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the profession belongs to a occupational group with limited job opportunities and an oversupply of workforce. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, meaning competition for available positions will continue to be high. For those seeking further development, specialization in design, leadership, or marine services may be relevant.
Frequently asked questions about Wooden Boat Builders, wood
- What does a wooden boat builder earn?
- The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month for men, with an hourly wage of 194 SEK. - Are there regional differences?
- Regional differences may occur, but detailed statistics are lacking for this profession. - What education is required?
- High school education in crafts or vocational college with a focus on boat building is recommended. - What are the future prospects?
- Job opportunities are limited and competition is high, according to the Employment Service. - What qualities are important?
- Precision, creativity, good physical condition, and responsibility are central qualities. - Which workplaces can employ a wooden boat builder?
- Traditional boatyards, marine companies, and small craft workshops are common employers. - Is it possible to start your own business?
- Yes, many experienced boat builders start their own companies in renovation or custom construction.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 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 Boat builder, wood has the SSYK code 7522, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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