Electrical engineer, ship

What does an electrical engineer in ships do – tasks and work environment

An electrical engineer specializing in ships is responsible for planning, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems onboard various types of vessels. Tasks include high- and low-voltage systems, navigation equipment, communication systems, and monitoring electrical safety according to applicable regulations. The work often involves close collaboration with engineering officers, technicians, and crew, with both urgent repairs and long-term maintenance handled in a complex and sometimes challenging environment. The engineer works both practically and administratively, from reading drawings to documenting and reporting completed actions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for electrical engineers in ships has shown a relatively stable trend with moderate increases. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK per month, which slightly decreased to 43 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary rose to 45 100 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 2.7% compared to the previous year. This change can be explained by increased demand for technical expertise at sea, while the education requirements and specialization within the profession remain high. The market is also influenced by international regulations and technological innovations in shipping, driving up the need for qualified electrical engineers and consequently salaries.

Electrical engineer in ships salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,400 SEK/month (men), 35,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (men), 39,100 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 271 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn on average 45 700 SEK/month, data for women is not available for the average
• Regional differences: Specific data is not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an electrical engineer specializing in ships involves post-secondary technical education of at least three years, often supplemented with maritime-related courses and certificates. Practical experience from working onboard ships or trainee programs is common and valuable for meeting safety and competency requirements. In addition to technical skills, approved medical tests and certain government-approved certifications are often required.

• Formal degree: Post-secondary education (3 years or more), often a university engineering degree or maritime technical education
• Certifications: Certification for engineering officer and electrical installation onboard
• Internship: Practical training or trainee programs onboard ships
• Prerequisites: High school education with a technical focus, often electrical and energy programs
• Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on maritime and electrical engineering

Common benefits and compensations

For electrical engineers in ships, common benefits include free meals and accommodation during service, generous per diems, travel allowances, and opportunities for extra pay during overtime or on-call duty. Pension schemes, wellness allowances, and insurance are often included in employment conditions, especially with larger shipping companies and public employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an electrical engineer on ships is generally moderate but can vary depending on specialization and experience level. Challenges include working under pressure, sometimes with long periods at sea and quick troubleshooting of technical issues. Safety standards are high, and ongoing technological development within vessel systems requires continuous skill updates. The gender imbalance within the profession is evident, and career development opportunities can be affected by education level and practical experience. Additionally, demand in the job market can fluctuate with the economic cycle in transportation and shipping sectors.

Tips for those who want to become an electrical engineer in ships

To succeed as an electrical engineer in ships, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with problem-solving skills and precision. Flexibility and resilience under stress are crucial, as the work often involves quickly handling complex faults under time pressure. Good teamwork facilitates communication with crew and other technicians, while initiative and independence make it easier to make decisions at sea. Besides formal education, early internships onboard are recommended to build experience and networks within the industry. Staying updated on new technological solutions in shipping enhances career prospects, and engagement in safety issues is highly valued by employers.

Key facts about electrical engineers in ships

• Education level: Post-secondary (3 years or more)
• Work environment: Onboard ships, often international environment
• Typical work pattern: Service periods followed by leave
• Demand: 412 available jobs in the engineering officer group
• Special skills: Electrical engineering, maritime safety, troubleshooting in complex systems

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an electrical engineer in ships, opportunities open for more senior roles such as technical manager, engineering officer, or operations manager onboard. Some choose to further specialize in marine systems, project management, or underwater installations, while others move into land-based positions within shipping companies or technical consulting firms. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, specific assessments for this profession are limited due to sparse data, but within the engineering officer group, there are currently 412 available jobs, indicating some demand. Future developments are influenced by ongoing technological advancements in shipping and the need for high expertise in electrical and safety systems.

Frequently asked questions about electrical engineers in ships

• What does an electrical engineer in ships earn?
  - The average salary is 45 100 SEK per month, with the highest at 51,000 SEK and the lowest at 33,400 SEK.
• What is the work environment for an electrical engineer on ships?
  - The work environment is characterized by international ship environments, periods at sea, and collaboration with crew and technicians.
• What education is required to become an electrical engineer in ships?
  - A post-secondary technical education of at least three years, often supplemented with maritime-related certificates, is required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 45 700 SEK. Data for women is not complete, but the highest salary is 39,100 SEK and the lowest 35,700 SEK.
• What does the job market look like for electrical engineers in ships?
  - Currently, there are 412 available jobs in the engineering officer group, indicating good prospects.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Problem-solving ability, stress resilience, accuracy, and teamwork are crucial qualities.
• What career paths are available for an electrical engineer in ships?
  - Career paths include roles such as technical responsible, engineering officer, operations manager, or consultant within maritime technology.