- Salary statistics
- Ship engineer salary
Ship engineer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
37 500 - 55 900 SEK / month
Transport
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Salary progression Ship engineer
What does a Fartygsmaskinist do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Fartygsmaskinist works onboard ships and is responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of machines and technical systems. Tasks include inspecting engines, monitoring technical installations, troubleshooting, as well as preventive and emergency maintenance. The Fartygsmaskinist ensures that the ship’s propulsion system functions optimally and that safety regulations are followed. The work environment is characterized by shift work, often during longer periods at sea, with both physical and technical challenges. The work is carried out in cooperation with the crew and requires great precision and responsibility.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of a Fartygsmaskinist has shown relatively stable development. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK, while in 2023 it slightly decreased to 45 100 SEK. In 2024, the average salary increased to 51 700 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 2.7% compared to the previous year. This development is largely explained by continued demand for qualified engineering personnel in maritime industries and general adjustments for inflation and collective agreements. Despite some variation year to year, the profession has maintained a competitive salary level, especially for those with more experience and post-secondary education.
Fartygsmaskinist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 51 700 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 52 400 SEK, women 39,100 SEK (highest reported salary)
- Regional differences: Data on regions is unavailable, but variations may occur between larger port cities and other parts of the country
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a Fartygsmaskinist typically involves technical secondary education with subsequent vocational or university maritime studies. To serve onboard, specific certificates and often practical experience are required. Employers often seek both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and it is important to meet the medical and safety requirements for working at sea.
- Formal education: Post-secondary education in maritime studies, at least 3 years
- Certifications: Engine officer class VIII or higher, STCW certificates
- Practical experience: Mandatory seafaring service/practice onboard
- Prerequisites: Technical high school or equivalent, approved medical certificate for seafarers
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with close collaboration with shipping companies to increase chances of internships
Many Fartygsmaskinists get the opportunity to work internationally and visit ports around the world. This involves not only technical challenges but also the chance to learn about different cultures and work in multinational crews.
Common benefits and compensations
Fartygsmaskinists are often offered benefits such as free food and accommodation onboard, extra vacation time during longer work periods, and compensation for unsociable hours and overtime. Some employers also provide wellness allowances, pension contributions, and opportunities for skill development through internal training or courses. The extent of benefits varies depending on the shipping company and employment type.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a Fartygsmaskinist is often relatively low due to the specific educational requirements and the physical work environment. One of the biggest challenges is the periodic work schedule at sea, which can mean long periods away from home. Rapid technological development requires continuous further training and adaptability. Safety standards are high, and the work environment can be noisy and physically demanding. However, for those who enjoy a dynamic and international environment, there are good opportunities for development and variation.
Tips for those who want to become a Fartygsmaskinist
To succeed as a Fartygsmaskinist, it is good to combine technical interest with a strong sense of responsibility and good teamwork skills. Being meticulous and organized helps with troubleshooting and maintaining machinery, while flexibility facilitates adapting to sudden changes at work. Good physical and mental endurance is crucial, as shifts are often long and the work environment challenging. It is also important to communicate well and work in teams, especially in multinational crews. Continuous education and staying updated on technological innovations in maritime industry provide competitive advantages. Finally, a positive attitude towards travel and long periods away from home helps to thrive in the profession.
Key facts about Fartygsmaskinist
- Education level: Post-secondary education, at least 3 years
- Work environment: Onboard ships, often internationally
- Common employment type: Permanent or seasonal employment with shipping companies
- Demand: 412 available jobs in the engineering group
- Special skills: Mechanical engineering, safety procedures, STCW certification
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Fartygsmaskinist, opportunities open up for positions such as first engineer, technical manager, or transition into training and safety roles within maritime industries. Some choose to specialize in larger ships or specific machinery systems, while others move toward land-based roles within shipping companies and technical consulting firms. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates uncertainty due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs suggests continued demand. Technological advancements and increased environmental regulations are expected to influence the job market and create new career opportunities for qualified and certified professionals.
Frequently asked questions about Fartygsmaskinist
- What is the average salary of a Fartygsmaskinist?
- The average salary is 51 700 SEK/month. - What education is required to become a Fartygsmaskinist?
- Post-secondary education in maritime studies, at least 3 years, plus certification as engineering officer. - What is the work environment like for a Fartygsmaskinist?
- Work takes place onboard ships, often with shift work and sometimes during extended periods at sea. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men have a highest reported salary of 51,000 SEK, women 39,100 SEK. - What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is uncertain, but there are 412 available jobs in the engineering group. - What are the lowest and highest salaries?
- The lowest salary is 33,400 SEK (men), 35,700 SEK (women); the highest is 51,000 SEK (men), 39,100 SEK (women). - What does an hourly wage mean for a Fartygsmaskinist?
- The hourly wage is 271 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42100 kr | 50900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 46500 kr | 53000 kr | |
| Snitt | 44500 kr | 51700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 32800 kr | 37800 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41100 kr | 50500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 45400 kr | 52900 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55200 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43100 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 32800 kr | 37800 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41100 kr | 50500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 45400 kr | 52900 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55200 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43100 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42700 kr | 51600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 47000 kr | 53500 kr | |
| Snitt | 45100 kr | 52400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 33300 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41600 kr | 51300 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 46000 kr | 53600 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43700 kr | 51900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 33300 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41600 kr | 51300 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 46000 kr | 53600 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43700 kr | 51900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 31000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 37200 kr | 44500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 34100 kr | 39300 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 46900 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 81% | 36000 kr | 41900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 31000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 37200 kr | 44500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 34100 kr | 39300 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 46900 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 81% | 36000 kr | 41900 kr |
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 engineer has the SSYK code 3151, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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