- Salary statistics
- Boatswain salary
Boatswain salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 000 - 42 800 SEK / month
Women earn 88% of what men do.
Transport
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Salary progression Boatswain
What does a Boatswain do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Boatswain works onboard ships and is responsible for deck maintenance, safety, and security. Tasks include handling ropes and lines, maintaining ship parts, participating in loading and unloading, and monitoring safety routines. The role often involves close collaboration with the crew and requires high attention to safety and procedures. The work environment varies depending on the vessel type but is often outdoors, sometimes under challenging weather conditions, with irregular hours and long periods at sea.
Salary development over time
The profession of Boatswain has shown steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 SEK per month, which increased to 36 100 in 2023. By 2024, the average salary has risen further to 37 000, representing an increase of approximately 6% over three years. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified maritime personnel and a general upward pressure on wages within the transport sector. Additional factors influencing salary development include higher education requirements, specialized certifications, and the industry’s need to attract and retain competent staff in a competitive job market.
Boatswain salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 37 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, education 3+ years post-secondary)
- Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
- Gender differences: Men 37 800 SEK, Women 33,500 SEK (Women earn 88% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is limited, but differences may occur depending on where ships are based and the type of shipping company hiring.
Education and qualifications
To work as a Boatswain, a maritime high school education or equivalent experience is usually required, along with several mandatory certifications. Practical sea experience is often necessary, and many employers value further training or specialized courses. Some physical and mental endurance is required to handle the demands of the job and the responsibilities involved.
- Formal education: Maritime education at high school level (3 years)
- Certifications: Basic safety training (STCW), maritime certificate
- Practical training: Several months of onboard internship/trainee experience required
- Prerequisites: Approved medical examination for seafaring duties
- Tips for choosing: Opt for education with practical components and modern safety modules
Many Boatswains develop broad technical and practical skills onboard, which can facilitate further career advancement within maritime roles or transition into supervisory positions. Social skills and teamwork are often crucial for safety and job satisfaction onboard.
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits for Boatswains can include per diems, free meals and accommodation onboard, extra pay for inconvenient hours, and access to wellness allowances. Some employers also offer pension contributions, insurance, and opportunities for further training or certification courses.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the Boatswain profession varies depending on vessel type and employer, but there is generally a shortage of qualified personnel with the right certifications. Challenges include long periods away from home, physically demanding tasks, and high safety standards. The job market is also influenced by economic cycles, changes within the maritime industry, and technological development. Increased automation and digitalization require new skills and adaptability from those wishing to develop within the profession.
Tips for aspiring Boatswains
To succeed as a Boatswain, it’s important to have a strong sense of responsibility, as safety onboard must always come first. Early investment in comprehensive maritime education and taking advantage of internship opportunities to gain valuable experience is wise. Flexibility is a key trait, as the work often involves irregular hours and quick adjustments. Physical and mental endurance helps during long shifts and demanding environments. Initiative is appreciated by employers, especially if aiming for more responsible roles. Social skills facilitate teamwork and contribute to a positive work environment. Finally, maintaining an interest in technology and maintenance is important, as modern ships are constantly evolving.
Key facts about Boatswain
- Education level: Maritime high school education, certifications required
- Work environment: Onboard ships, often outdoors and shift work
- Occupational group: Deckhands and mates, among others
- Job openings: 412 listings within the profession (May 2024)
- Gender salary difference: Women 88% of men's salary
Career paths and future prospects
After several years of experience as a Boatswain, there are opportunities to advance to higher positions such as mate, engineer, or supervisor onboard. Further education and specialization, for example in safety or technical fields, can open doors to managerial roles or land-based maritime jobs. The Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that there is no specific forecast for the Boatswain profession, but with over 400 job openings, demand remains strong. The job market is affected by industry cycles and technological developments, so ongoing skills development is recommended for long-term career growth.
Frequently asked questions about Boatswain
- What does a Boatswain earn?
- The average salary is 37 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 217 SEK. - How does one become a Boatswain?
- Through maritime high school education, certifications, and onboard training. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 88% of what men do in the profession. - What are the duties of a Boatswain?
- Maintenance of the deck, safety, handling cargo and lines. - What is the job market like for Boatswains?
- There are over 400 job openings, but no specific forecast is available. - What benefits are often included?
- Per diems, free meals and accommodation, extra pay for inconvenient hours, and sometimes wellness allowances. - Can one advance in a career as a Boatswain?
- Yes, opportunities exist to progress to mate, engineer, or supervisor with experience and further training.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28100 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33700 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39200 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37500 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39400 kr | 41300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35700 kr | 37000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28400 kr | 29100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39500 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39800 kr | 41700 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 36400 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 32300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 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 Boatswain has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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