How much does a Masters, ships make

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  2. Masters, ships
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Masters, ships

50 500 kr

Ship officers etc.

44 900 - 55 300 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Masters, ships

Average salary 50 500 kr
Males 50 500 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a ship captain do? – Tasks and work environment

A ship captain has ultimate responsibility for the vessel's operation, safety, and crew. Tasks include navigation, supervising loading and unloading, and ensuring compliance with all rules and laws onboard. The captain leads the crew’s work, manages emergencies, and represents the shipping company to authorities and ports. The work environment is varied and can involve long periods at sea, sometimes under challenging weather and working conditions, but also opportunities for international travel and technically advanced tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary for ship captains has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 kronor per month, which increased to 48 600 kronor in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 50 500 kronor, representing an increase of about 6.1% over the period. This development reflects, among other things, a growing demand for qualified ship officers and the competitive nature of the industry. The clear salary increase can also be linked to higher requirements for education, technical skills, and responsibilities within the profession.

Ship captain salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (men), 48,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (men), 54,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 304 SEK
  • Gender differences: Only the average salary for men is available; women have slightly lower or comparable levels according to available top and bottom values
  • Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on shipping company and traffic areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship captain, a solid education in maritime studies and several years of practical experience are required. The path to the profession involves formal maritime training, followed by certifications and onboard internships. The requirements are high regarding both technical and leadership skills.

  • Formal education: Maritime captain program (3–4 years at university or college)
  • Certificates: Ship captain certificates class VII–I (depending on vessel size and route)
  • Practical experience: Several months onboard as cadet and mate
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and specific maritime-related subjects
  • Additional courses: Safety and leadership training, sometimes online or in simulators

A ship captain faces a unique daily life where the workplace constantly changes location and landscape. The international environment onboard means the profession often involves meeting colleagues from around the world and quickly adapting to new cultures and regulations.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ship captains are often offered benefits such as free food and accommodation during service, paid travel home, extra vacation, and access to wellness allowances and insurance solutions. Some shipping companies also offer bonus schemes and pension contributions, especially for long-term contracts and international routes.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a ship captain varies depending on ship type and shipping company, but it is generally a profession with high demands and relatively few entry-level positions. Challenges include long periods at sea, responsibility for crew safety, and complex regulations to follow. Technological advancements and digitalization increase demands for further training and adaptability. Additionally, periods of economic downturn can impact job availability within the profession.

Tips for aspiring ship captains

To succeed as a ship captain, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with strong leadership and resilience. Gaining practical experience and sea time early gives an advantage, while accuracy and a sense of responsibility facilitate studies and work. Good communication skills are crucial, especially in international crews and when interacting with ports and authorities. Flexibility is needed to handle unforeseen situations and make quick decisions. Building a network within the industry and continuously updating oneself on new regulations and technologies are also important factors for long-term success.

Key facts about ship captains

  • Educational level: University education (maritime captain program, 3–4 years)
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, often international environment
  • Work pattern: Shift work and longer periods at sea
  • Demand: 412 available jobs within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: Navigation, safety, and leadership

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a ship captain can advance to larger ships or more specialized roles, such as inspector, trainer, or operations manager within a shipping company. The employment agency’s forecast for ship officers is uncertain due to limited data, but there are indications of continued demand for experienced captains, especially in international shipping and specialized transports. The profession reports 412 available jobs, indicating a healthy job market for qualified candidates. Digitalization and increased sustainability requirements may create new career opportunities within environmental and safety work at sea.

Frequently asked questions about ship captains

  • What is the salary of a ship captain?
    - The average salary is 50 500 kronor per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
  • How does one become a ship captain?
    - By completing the maritime captain program, gaining experience as a mate, and obtaining necessary certifications.
  • What are the duties of a ship captain?
    - Responsibility for navigation, safety, crew management, and contact with authorities.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment is onboard ships, often international, with periods at sea and sometimes challenging weather conditions.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Salary data shows small differences between genders, but statistics are limited.
  • What career opportunities are available?
    - Opportunities to advance to larger ships, become trainers, or take leadership roles within shipping companies.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Projections are uncertain but there is demand for qualified ship captains, especially internationally.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 19:12:00

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Masters, ships is 55300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 54900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Masters, ships is 44900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 48700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 47100 kr 51800 kr
45-54 49000 kr 54200 kr
55-64 45500 kr 48800 kr
Snitt 46400 kr 50500 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 Masters, ships has the SSYK code 3152, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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