How much does a Deckman make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Deckman
Image that illustrates Deckman

Deckman

36 100 kr

Sailors and deckhands etc.

31 800 - 42 100 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Deckman

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 400 kr
Females 33 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a deckhand do? – Tasks and work environment

A deckhand works onboard ships and is responsible for a range of practical and safety-related tasks. The work includes maintenance of the deck and equipment, assisting with loading, unloading, and mooring ships. The role also involves active participation in safety drills, handling life-saving equipment, and contributing to the daily operation of the vessel. The work environment is often varied and can involve working in tough weather conditions, shift work, and longer periods at sea, which demands both physical endurance and good teamwork skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a deckhand has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 900 SEK in 2023 and reached 36 100 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 6.2% during the period. The positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for maritime personnel and a growing need for expertise in safety and logistics. Other factors include collective bargaining salary adjustments and a greater focus on work environment and conditions, which has driven up salary levels in the profession. It is also worth noting that salary development may vary slightly depending on employer, experience, and education level.

Deckhand salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
  • Highest for men: 41,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest for women: 33,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 92% of what men do (men: 36 400 SEK, women: 33,500 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a deckhand, a high school education in maritime studies is generally required, often supplemented with specific certifications and licenses. The education includes both theoretical courses and practical onboard training, providing a thorough understanding of the work environment, safety, and vessel routines. Employers also often require some work experience or a trainee period within the profession to qualify for employment.

  • High school education: Maritime program, 3 years
  • Certificates: Basic safety training, vessel license
  • Practical training: Onboard internships during education, usually at least 6 months
  • Prerequisites: Approved grades in Swedish, mathematics, and English
  • Additional merits: Experience at sea, good health, and swimming skills

Working as a deckhand often involves long periods at sea, offering opportunities for international travel and experiences few other professions can provide. This can be a strong motivation for those seeking adventure and variety in their careers. At the same time, it requires a high degree of independence and the ability to thrive in a small group over extended periods.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and allowances

Benefits for a deckhand often include per diems during longer trips, access to food and accommodation onboard, and various supplements for inconvenient working hours and overtime. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, comprehensive insurance coverage, and opportunities for further training, which enhance working conditions and career prospects within the profession.

Challenges and competition

Competition for positions as a deckhand is relatively stable but can vary depending on season, shipping company, and vessel type. A challenge is that the job market depends on the global shipping industry’s development, making it sensitive to economic fluctuations and changes in the transport sector. The Employment Service does not provide specific forecasts for deckhand opportunities, but currently, there are 412 available jobs within the profession, indicating some demand. Challenging work environments, long working periods, and flexibility requirements can pose additional challenges for those entering the profession.

Tips for aspiring deckhands

To succeed as a deckhand, it’s good to have good physical fitness and endurance, as the work is often physically demanding and involves long shifts. Engagement and responsibility are important qualities, especially regarding safety routines and onboard cooperation. Being flexible and able to adapt to different situations facilitates job tasks that can vary greatly from day to day. Showing initiative and interest in further training is also valuable, as new certificates and courses can open more doors in maritime careers. Building a network within the industry, such as through internships or summer jobs, increases employment chances. Finally, it’s important to be able to work both independently and as part of a team, as efforts are often carried out in small groups where cooperation is crucial.

Key facts about deckhands

  • Education level: High school vocational training in maritime studies
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, varied and often physically demanding
  • Demand: 412 available jobs in the profession
  • Typical work form: Shift work with longer periods at sea
  • Special requirements: Basic safety training and good health

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a deckhand, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles onboard, such as able seaman, boatswain, or mate assistant. Further education and additional certifications, such as higher vessel licenses, can lead to leadership positions in maritime operations. Forecasts from the Employment Service show no specific future assessments for deckhands, but the broader group of sailors and mates has some recruitment needs, with 412 current vacancies. The profession is vital for the operation and development of shipping, which can create opportunities in the future, especially for those willing to further their education and take on greater responsibilities.

Common questions about deckhands

  • What does a deckhand earn?
    - A deckhand has an average salary of 36 100 SEK per month according to current statistics.
  • How do you become a deckhand?
    - Most commonly, by attending the maritime program at high school and then obtaining the necessary safety certificates and practical experience.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 92% of what men do within the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for deckhands?
    - Currently, there are 412 available jobs within the profession, but no exact future forecast.
  • What qualities are important for a deckhand?
    - Physical endurance, responsibility, flexibility, and teamwork skills are central qualities.
  • What is the highest salary for a deckhand?
    - The highest reported salary is 42 100 SEK per month for a woman with post-secondary education.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 11:50:42

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Deckman is 42100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 41800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Deckman is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 26700 kr 29900 kr
25-34 32700 kr 34300 kr
35-44 37300 kr 38400 kr
45-54 35600 kr 37900 kr
55-64 37500 kr 39000 kr
Snitt 92% 34100 kr 36100 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 Deckman has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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