Electrician, ship

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

An electrical engineer in ships is responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of the ship's electrical systems and machinery. The work includes monitoring power supply, troubleshooting, and installing new components onboard. The electrical engineer often collaborates with other engineering officers and technical personnel to ensure that the engine room and electrical network function safely and efficiently. The work environment is characterized by technical equipment, sometimes confined spaces, and challenging sea conditions, demanding high safety awareness and problem-solving skills.

Salary development over time

Salaries for electrical engineers in ships have shown relatively stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK, which decreased slightly to 43 900 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, the salary increased significantly to 45 100 SEK in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 2.7 % compared to the previous year. The trend indicates a recovery and some growth, likely due to increased demand for technically skilled engineering officers and an aging workforce in the maritime sector. Salary development is also influenced by education level, work experience, and the sector of employment. Despite some fluctuations, the profession has maintained its attractiveness through stable salary conditions.

Electrical engineer, ship 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
• Gender differences: Men 45 700 SEK, women 39,100–35,700 SEK
• Regional differences: Data unavailable at regional level

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an electrical engineer in ships typically involves post-secondary education in maritime, technical, or electrical engineering, often with a focus on engineering officer training. To work onboard, specific certificates and authorizations are also required, regulated by national and international laws. Practical experience and supervised onboard training are important parts of the education, along with knowledge of safety at sea.

• Formal degree: Post-secondary education in maritime or electrical engineering (at least 3 years)
• Qualifications: Engineering officer certification and certificates for electrical work onboard
• Internship: Ship-based internship, often as a trainee
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with a technical or nautical focus recommended
• Tips: Choose programs that offer collaboration with shipping companies and onboard internships

Common benefits and compensations

Electrical engineers in ships are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as extra vacation, overtime pay for night and weekend work, and pension contributions. Additional compensations may include free meals and accommodation onboard, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training and certification courses paid by the employer.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an electrical engineer in ships is considered moderate, mainly due to the limited number of qualified candidates and the specific certification requirements. Challenges in the profession include managing advanced technical equipment under time pressure and in demanding environments at sea. Working hours can be irregular and involve long periods at sea, affecting work-life balance. Technological innovations and increased safety requirements make continuous professional development necessary to stay competitive. Changes in the shipping industry and global demand for transportation may also impact the job market for electrical engineers.

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

To succeed as an electrical engineer in ships, it is beneficial to have an analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills, as unforeseen faults and technical challenges are common onboard. Precision is crucial to maintaining safety in the engine room and avoiding operational disruptions. High stress tolerance helps in emergency situations at sea and under demanding working conditions. It is also advantageous to be communicative and able to collaborate with other officers and crew members, as the work is often team-based. Practical experience from internships or trainee programs onboard provides valuable insight into the profession and increases employment chances. Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies and regulations are important traits, especially given the industry's rapid development. Finally, staying updated on certification requirements and further training is wise to strengthen your position in the job market.

Key facts about an electrical engineer, ships

• Education level: Post-secondary education, at least 3 years
• Work environment: Onboard ships, technically advanced environment
• Work arrangement: Shift work, often long sea passages
• Demand: 412 job openings within the engineering officer group
• Requirements: Certifications and ship-based internship

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an electrical engineer in ships, there are opportunities to advance to higher positions within the engineering department, such as chief engineer or technical manager onboard. Some choose to further their education to work in technical maintenance on land, e.g., with shipping companies or in marine technology industry. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service show no precise assessment of future prospects for electrical engineers due to limited data, but within the engineering officer group, there were 412 job openings during the latest period. Technological developments in shipping and increased demands for energy efficiency and safety are expected to contribute to continued demand for qualified electrical engineers.

Frequently asked questions about electrical engineer, ships

• What does an electrical engineer in ships earn?
  - The average salary is 45 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
• How does one become an electrical engineer in ships?
  - Post-secondary education in maritime or electrical engineering plus a machine officer certification is required, often supplemented with onboard practical training.
• Are there significant salary differences within the profession?
  - Yes, salaries range from 33,400 SEK to 51,000 SEK depending on education, experience, gender, and sector.
• What is the work environment like for an electrical engineer?
  - Work occurs onboard ships in technically advanced and sometimes demanding environments, often with shift work and long hours.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Projections are lacking specifically for electrical engineers, but stable demand exists within the engineering officer group.
• What benefits are common?
  - Collective agreements, overtime pay, free meals and accommodation onboard, and pension contributions are common benefits.
• Do you need certifications to work as an electrical engineer?
  - Yes, specific certificates and authorizations are required according to national and international regulations.