Fishing engineer

What does a Fisheries Engineer do? – tasks and work environment

A Fisheries Engineer works on developing, evaluating, and optimizing fishery operations, both in commercial fishing and aquaculture. Tasks may include project management, advising on sustainable catch methods, analyzing fish stocks, and working with environmental issues and water quality. Fisheries Engineers may be responsible for technical solutions in fish farming, implementing new technology, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. The work environment varies between offices, laboratories, and fieldwork along coasts, lakes, or seas, depending on the employer and project.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Fisheries Engineers has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK per month, increasing to 45 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 45 700 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 13.4%, with the largest salary improvement between 2022 and 2023. This positive development can be linked to increased focus on sustainable fishing, technological innovation, and a growing need for specialists in aquaculture and environmental management. Although the profession belongs to a smaller occupational group, demand for qualified workers has contributed to rising salaries.

Fisheries Engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 275 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 48 700 SEK, women 41 300 SEK (85% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but higher salaries are often found in coastal regions with significant commercial fishing or aquaculture

Education and qualifications

To work as a Fisheries Engineer, a higher education in biology, aquaculture, environmental science, or related technical fields is usually required. Many employers also seek experience from fieldwork, project management, or technical development within fisheries or aquaculture. Internships and relevant work experience are often advantageous, especially for roles with greater responsibility.

• Bachelor's degree: Biology, aquaculture, or environmental science (3 years)
• Master's degree: Recommended for specialization (additional 2 years)
• Internship: Field studies or internships within fisheries/farming are advantageous
• Certifications: Examples include environmental management, water management, or project management certifications
• Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education

Common benefits and compensations

Fisheries Engineers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development and further education. In some cases, supplements for unsocial hours and travel allowances for fieldwork are included. Job security and flexible working hours are common, especially with government and larger private employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Fisheries Engineer is relatively low, but the number of available roles is also limited since the profession is part of a small, specialized labor market. Challenges may include requirements for broad competence in both technology and biology, as well as the ability to stay updated on environmental legislation and new technology. Additionally, tasks can involve periods of fieldwork in tough weather conditions. However, increasing focus on sustainability and global food security makes the role increasingly important and likely to expand in the future.

Tips for those aspiring to become a Fisheries Engineer

To succeed as a Fisheries Engineer, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and an interest in both technology and nature. Curiosity and problem-solving abilities are valuable, especially when developing new methods for sustainable fishing or aquaculture. Good collaboration skills facilitate working with various stakeholders, from researchers to industry and authorities. Flexibility and comfort with diverse work environments are also important, as work often shifts between offices, laboratories, and field sites. Keeping up with environmental regulations and technological innovations is crucial to remain competitive. Practical experience from field studies or summer jobs in the field can give an extra edge in the job market. Finally, being communicative and pedagogical is an advantage, as advising and training are often part of the role.

Key facts about Fisheries Engineers

• Education level: At least a bachelor's degree, often a master's
• Work environment: Varies between office, field, and laboratory
• Typical work form: Project-based, often advisory or investigative
• Demand: Limited number of positions but low competition
• Special skills: Biology, technology, environmental law

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Fisheries Engineer, opportunities may open for roles such as project manager, manager of fishery operations, or specialist in environmental analysis or technology development. There is also potential to work internationally, especially within organizations focusing on sustainable development of the fishing industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service for the group of specialists and advisors within agriculture are uncertain due to limited data, but currently, there are about 360 job openings in the field. The industry’s focus on sustainability and technological innovation indicates a continued need for competent engineers, although the availability of positions may vary regionally and over time.

Common questions about Fisheries Engineers

• What does a Fisheries Engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 45 700 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, region, and employer.
• How to become a Fisheries Engineer?
  - A bachelor's degree in biology, aquaculture, or environmental science is required, often supplemented with master's studies and internships.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for Fisheries Engineers?
  - Yes, women earn on average 85% of men's salaries within the profession.
• Which workplaces hire Fisheries Engineers?
  - Common employers include government agencies, research institutes, private consulting firms, and aquaculture companies.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is stable but the number of positions is limited; approximately 360 job openings are available in the field.
• What do Fisheries Engineers do daily?
  - Workdays vary between project management, analysis, advising, and fieldwork.
• What education is needed to become a Fisheries Engineer?
  - At least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, often complemented with a master's and certifications.