How much does a Ship telegraph operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Ship telegraph operator
Image that illustrates Ship telegraph operator

Ship telegraph operator

41 700 kr

Image and broadcast technicians

35 200 - 47 200 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ship telegraph operator

Average salary 41 700 kr
Males 44 700 kr
Females 37 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does a ship's radio operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A ship's radio operator's main task is to ensure communication onboard the vessel, primarily by managing radio transmissions and receiving important messages. The work involves monitoring radio equipment, establishing contact with other ships and land stations, and ensuring emergency communication functions during crises. The role requires high attention to detail and accuracy, as communication is often critical for safety at sea. The work environment is technically oriented, with work conducted in dedicated communication rooms onboard, often in shifts and sometimes in challenging weather conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary development for ship's radio operators has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 39 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 41 700 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 11.5% over three years. This development can be linked to increased demand for technical skills onboard and general wage adjustments within technical maritime professions. Differences in education level and experience have also influenced salary levels, with the most experienced and well-educated radio operators earning the highest salaries.

Ship's radio operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, more than 3 years of post-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 47,200 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education level)
  • Hourly wage: 251 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Men 44 700 SEK, women 37 800 SEK (women earn 85% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship's radio operator, specialized technical education focusing on radio communication and maritime safety is required. The education combines theoretical components in signal processing and radio technology with practical training onboard ships or in simulated environments. Formal certification and licenses are often mandatory, along with approved maritime medical examinations.

  • Education: Maritime Academy's radiotelegraphist training, typically 1–2 years
  • Certification: GOC (General Operator’s Certificate) or equivalent
  • Practical training: Onboard practical training during education
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical education or high school diploma with a focus on technology/electrical engineering
  • Courses: Regular refresher courses in radio communication

The role of the ship's radio operator has evolved with technological development – today, knowledge of digital systems and troubleshooting onboard are also required, not just radio communication skills. Those with technical curiosity and flexibility have great opportunities to grow in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ship's radio operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide occupational pensions, health insurance, and extra compensation for irregular working hours. The maritime nature of the profession also grants rights to free food and accommodation during service at sea, and sometimes travel allowances and longer leave periods between assignments.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of ship's radio operator is relatively low, but challenges mainly involve staying updated with rapid technological advancements at sea. Digitalization of communication systems has changed work tasks and requires continuous retraining. The lack of new recruits and retirements means demand for competent radio operators remains stable, even though the number of positions is limited. The ability to work independently under pressure and in isolated environments is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for those who want to become a ship's radio operator

To succeed as a ship's radio operator, it is beneficial to have strong technical curiosity and a willingness to learn new systems, as the profession evolves quickly with new technology. Precision and stress resistance are important qualities, especially when handling emergency situations or working long shifts under pressure. Being communicative and having good teamwork skills facilitate cooperation with the crew. Good self-leadership makes it easier to handle periods of solitude and monotony onboard. Lastly, good physical and mental health are vital, as the work can be demanding both mentally and physically.

Key facts about Ship's Radio Operator

  • Occupational group: Image and transmission technician
  • Average salary: 41 700 SEK/month
  • Educational requirements: Certified radiotelegraphist, formal education 1–2 years
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, often in shifts and in technically advanced environments
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the occupational group (May 2024)

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to senior technical roles onboard, such as technical manager or transition to other specialist functions within maritime operations. The skills of a ship's radio operator are also valuable within maritime authorities and maritime education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the image and transmission technician occupational group, there is no specific assessment for ship's radio operators, but demand for technical personnel at sea is considered stable. The move towards more digital and automated ships may change work content over time, but technical specialist knowledge will continue to be in demand.

Frequently asked questions about Ship's Radio Operator

  • What does a ship's radio operator earn?
    - The average salary is 41 700 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and gender.
  • What education is required to become a ship's radio operator?
    - A technical education focusing on radio communication, often 1–2 years, along with certification as a radiotelegraphist (GOC).
  • What is the work environment like for ship's radio operators?
    - Work takes place onboard ships, often in shifts and in technologically advanced communication rooms.
  • Are there gender pay differences?
    - Yes, men earn on average 44 700 SEK and women 37 800 SEK; women earn 85% of men's salary.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Occupational pension, health insurance, free food and accommodation onboard, and compensation for irregular hours are common benefits.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The outlook is stable, but the number of positions is limited; technical skills and further training increase opportunities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 15:55:05

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ship telegraph operator is 47200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ship telegraph operator is 35200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 91% 35200 kr 38500 kr
35-44 85% 39700 kr 41500 kr
45-54 44500 kr 46700 kr
Snitt 85% 39200 kr 41700 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Ship telegraph operator has the SSYK code 3521, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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