Image that illustrates Ship inspector

Ship inspector

43 000 kr

Safety inspectors etc.

37 400 - 55 600 kr / month

Women earn 114% of what men do.

Säkerhetsarbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ship inspector

Average salary 43 000 kr
Males 41 800 kr
Females 47 800 kr

What does a Ship Inspector do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A ship inspector is responsible for verifying that ships meet national and international safety standards. The work involves inspecting the technical condition of ships, verifying certificates, assessing work environment and safety routines, and reporting deficiencies. Ship inspectors also oversee environmental protection onboard and ensure compliance with laws and regulations in ports and open waters. The work environment is varied and can include office work, inspections in engine rooms or on decks, often under changing weather conditions and with travel both within and outside Sweden.

Salary Development Over Time

The profession of ship inspector has shown a clear salary increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,100 SEK per month, then increased to 43 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has stabilized somewhat and is at 43 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 12.9% from 2022 to 2024, but a slight decrease of 1.8% in the past year. The initial increase can be explained by higher demand for qualified personnel and increased safety requirements in maritime operations. The recent decline may be due to economic fluctuations and the salary levels reaching a more stable level after rapid growth.

Ship Inspector Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 43 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 55,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate degree)
  • Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK/hour
  • Men: 41 800 SEK/month
  • Women: 47 800 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 114% of what men do

Education and Qualifications

Ship inspectors typically have a technical or nautical educational background, often at university level. The role also requires experience from the maritime sector, such as as a marine engineer or ship captain. In addition to formal education, certain certifications and ongoing professional development are sometimes necessary to stay updated on regulations and technology. Internships or trainee programs are available with some employers and can serve as pathways into the profession.

  • Technical or nautical university degree: 3–4 years
  • Certifications: Examples include ISM, ISPS, or environmental inspector courses
  • Work experience: Previous work as a marine engineer, engineering officer, or similar
  • Internships or traineeships: Possible with larger shipping companies or authorities
  • Continued education: Ongoing updates on laws and technology

Many ship inspectors have the opportunity to travel internationally and inspect ships from around the world, providing a unique insight into global maritime standards and work cultures. The role often involves collaboration with authorities and private actors, demanding strong communication and diplomacy skills. For those interested in technology and regulations, the profession offers great variety and continuous development.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Ship inspectors are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include per diems for travel, extra vacation days, and flexible working hours. In some cases, bonuses or supplements for unsociable hours may also be provided, especially for international assignments or inspections outside regular hours.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a ship inspector is moderate, largely due to the specialized education and maritime experience required. A challenge is to stay updated on constantly changing regulations and new technology, especially concerning international standards. Workload can be uneven, with intense periods during major inspections or incidents. The profession can also involve travel, which may impact work-life balance. However, for those who thrive on responsibility and independent work, there are good opportunities for development.

Tips for Aspiring Ship Inspectors

To succeed as a ship inspector, it is helpful to be meticulous and analytical, as the work demands detailed review of both technical systems and documentation. Strong communication skills are important for clearly reporting inspection results and collaborating with crews, authorities, and other stakeholders. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities facilitate handling varied tasks and quick decisions. An interest in technology and regulations will help you stay current, and the ability to work independently is crucial, as many inspections are conducted solo. Building a network within the maritime industry can also open doors to new opportunities and specializations. Finally, be prepared to work under varying conditions and sometimes on short notice.

Key Facts about Ship Inspectors

  • Educational level: Technical or nautical university degree
  • Typical employment: Permanent employment, often in the public sector
  • Work environment: Varied – inspections on ships, in ports, and offices
  • Demand: 191 available jobs within the profession in 2024
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 14% more than men

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years of experience, ship inspectors can advance to leadership roles, such as chief inspector, training manager, or specialist in safety or environmental protection. There are also opportunities to work internationally, for classification societies or large shipping companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, no specific estimate is made for ship inspectors due to limited statistical data, but the overall demand for safety inspectors remains stable with 191 reported vacancies in 2024. The future looks promising for those with the right skills, especially as environmental and safety regulations become more stringent in maritime operations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ship Inspectors

  • What is the average salary of a Ship Inspector?
    - A ship inspector has an average salary of 43 000 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Women earn on average 47 800 SEK, which is 114% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Ship Inspector?
    - A technical or nautical university degree is required, often supplemented with certifications and work experience.
  • What is the job market like for Ship Inspectors?
    - There are 191 available jobs within the profession, and demand is considered stable.
  • What does work as a Ship Inspector involve?
    - The work involves inspecting ships, checking safety and environmental compliance, and reporting deficiencies.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 55,600 SEK and the lowest 37,400 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Ship Inspector?
    - Attention to detail, analytical skills, communication skills, and independence are particularly important.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ship inspector is 55600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 52800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ship inspector is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30400 kr 31000 kr
25-34 97% 37500 kr 38400 kr
35-44 45200 kr 46400 kr
45-54 113% 43200 kr 44500 kr
55-64 44700 kr 46200 kr
Snitt 114% 41800 kr 43000 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Ship inspector has the SSYK code 3354, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes