Salary progression Eldare, ship

Average salary 39 600 kr
Males 39 800 kr
Females 37 500 kr

What does an Oiler on a ship do? – Tasks and work environment

An Oiler on a ship is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the ship's steam boilers, engines, and other machinery systems. The tasks include continuously checking pressure, temperature, and fuel supply to ensure safe and efficient operation of the ship’s propulsion system. The Oiler also performs maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on mechanical equipment and ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations onboard. The work environment is often noisy, hot, and sometimes cramped, with shift work and periods at sea where work is conducted around the clock.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for an Oiler on a ship has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, which increased to 38 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 39 600 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total salary increase of approximately 5.5% over three years. The salary growth can be linked to increased demand for technically skilled maritime personnel, alongside a general wage pressure in the job market. Despite technological advances and some automation, the need for qualified Oilermen remains, contributing to stable salary development. Gender differences persist, with men earning slightly more on average than women.

Oiler on a ship salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 39 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Men earn 39 800 SEK, women 37 500 SEK – women earn 94% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an Oiler on a ship, a technical high school education with a maritime or mechanical engineering focus is usually required, supplemented with maritime training at the post-secondary level. Most often, certification or licenses issued by the Swedish Transport Agency are necessary, along with onboard practical training. Some experience in machinery or maintenance work is advantageous and can sometimes substitute formal education.

  • High school education: Technical or maritime programs (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: Marine engineering or equivalent (2–3 years)
  • Certificates: Machine officer certification from the Swedish Transport Agency
  • Practical training: Mandatory onboard practice during education
  • Experience: Prior machinery or maintenance work is advantageous

Oilermen on ships often need to handle both technical challenges and quick decisions during operational disruptions. The ability to collaborate closely with other crew members is crucial onboard, as work is performed in tightly knit teams during long periods at sea.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Employment benefits for Oilermen on ships often include allowances for unsocial hours, overtime pay, and per diems for longer trips. Many employers also offer wellness contributions, occupational pensions, and opportunities for further training. Work on ships also includes meals and accommodation during the service period.

Competition and challenges

The market for Oilermen on ships is characterized by a balanced competitive situation, where the number of available jobs and qualified candidates are relatively equal. Technological advancements and increased automation have changed the profession, demanding higher technical competence and adaptability. Some simpler tasks are phased out, while more advanced and responsible tasks are added. The work environment can be demanding with shift work and long periods at sea, making endurance and stress resistance important qualities. Demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service prognosis.

Tips for those who want to become an Oiler on a ship

To succeed as an Oiler on a ship, it is beneficial to have both technical interest and good teamwork skills. Engagement in technical subjects during training provides a solid foundation, especially if combined with curiosity about machinery and ship operations. Demonstrating responsibility and precision in practical exercises increases chances of securing a good internship. The ability to work systematically and stay calm in unexpected situations is important, as the work often involves quick decisions and problem-solving. Flexibility and patience are crucial, as the work environment can be demanding and periods at sea long. Building a network within the maritime industry and actively seeking internships also offers good opportunities for future employment.

Key facts about Oilermen on ships

  • Education level: Post-secondary maritime or technical education required
  • Work environment: Demanding, noisy, and sometimes cramped at sea
  • Work form: Shift work and periods onboard ships
  • Demand: Moderate, with a balanced recruitment situation
  • Job openings: 481 in the field of operation technicians at heat and water plants

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an Oiler on a ship can advance to higher engineering or operational roles, such as motorman or technical manager onboard. Experience and further education can also open pathways to land-based machinery maintenance work or within shipping companies’ technical departments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is expected to remain stable and demand unchanged over the next five years, despite some impact from automation and technological development. The profession also offers opportunities for specialization in environmental technology or safety, increasing employability in the future.

Common questions about Oilermen on ships

  • What does an Oiler on a ship earn?
    - An Oiler on a ship earns an average of 39 600 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become an Oiler on a ship?
    - Post-secondary education in maritime or engineering, along with certification from the Swedish Transport Agency, is required.
  • What is the work environment like for an Oiler on a ship?
    - The working environment is noisy, hot, and often cramped, with shift work and long periods at sea.
  • Are there gender differences in salary within the profession?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 94% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What benefits are usually offered?
    - Common benefits include overtime allowances, onboard meals and accommodation, wellness contributions, and occupational pension.
  • How many job openings are there in the profession?
    - There are 481 job openings in the field of operation technicians at heat and water plants.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Eldare, ship is 43700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 41100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Eldare, ship is 33400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31200 kr 32900 kr
25-34 94% 36400 kr 38700 kr
35-44 95% 37600 kr 39800 kr
45-54 94% 38000 kr 40200 kr
55-64 96% 38100 kr 40100 kr
65-68 38000 kr 39000 kr
Snitt 94% 37500 kr 39600 kr
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 Eldare, ship has the SSYK code 8191, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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31 390
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11 718
Fees
12 582

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* Updated with 2026 taxes