The harbor master

What does a port supervisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A port supervisor is responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing the daily work at a port. Tasks include planning and directing loading and unloading of ships, ensuring compliance with work environment regulations, and ensuring the team works efficiently and safely. The port supervisor often acts as the link between management and port workers and has overall responsibility for workflow on the quay. The work environment is often physically demanding and outdoor-based, with activities occurring around the clock, involving shift work and sometimes challenging weather conditions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for port supervisors has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 39 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years is approximately 8.3%, reflecting good salary progression in line with stable demand for experienced leaders in ports and logistics. The salary increases can be linked to higher demands for efficiency, safety, and leadership skills in the industry. Additionally, automation and digitalization of port operations have made tasks more specialized, positively influencing salary levels.

Port supervisor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 40 900 SEK, women 38 400 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on port size and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a port supervisor, a secondary education is usually required, preferably with a focus on transport, logistics, or technology. Many employers also view higher education in leadership or logistics positively, along with practical experience in port or transport sectors. Formal training can be supplemented with internal courses and internships to provide the skills needed for supervisory roles.

• Secondary education: Transport, technology, or equivalent (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Meritorious, e.g., vocational college in logistics/leadership
• Certifications: Courses in work environment, safety, and forklift licenses are often required
• Practical experience: Experience from port work or similar environments is highly valuable
• Prerequisites: B driver's license and proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written, are common requirements

Common benefits and compensations

Port supervisors are often offered benefits such as evening and night shift allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and opportunities for further training. Other common compensations include overtime pay and sometimes bonuses linked to productivity or safety efforts. Pension schemes and insurances are standard in both private and public sectors.

Competition and challenges

The job market for port supervisors is characterized by balance, with supply and demand for qualified candidates being aligned. One of the biggest challenges is the increased pace of port activities, where digitalization and automation demand new technical skills. At the same time, continued focus on work environment and safety is essential, so those seeking career advancement need to be willing to continuously develop their skills. Competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in larger ports where experience requirements are higher.

Tips for aspiring port supervisors

To succeed as a port supervisor, it is beneficial to have a structured work approach and strong stress management skills. Leadership is central, so developing clear and attentive leadership increases the chances of thriving and succeeding in the role. Technical understanding and interest in logistics improve the ability to streamline workflows and solve problems quickly. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with both teams and management, and flexibility is important as tasks and pace can vary daily. Finally, accuracy and safety awareness are crucial qualities, as ports are workplaces where risks can be high if routines are not followed.

Key facts about Port Supervisor

• Education level: Secondary education, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses
• Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, shift work
• Work form: Supervisory role responsible for a team
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, approximately 412 job openings in the field
• Special skills: Leadership, logistics, and safety routines

Career paths and outlooks

After three to five years as a port supervisor, opportunities open for more advanced leadership positions, such as operations manager, site manager, or logistics manager within port operations. It is also common to progress into roles as trainers in work environment and safety or specialist roles in digital port logistics. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for transport managers and logistics coordinators, including port supervisors, is expected to be moderate and unchanged over the next five years. The job market is expected to remain balanced, providing stable opportunities for experienced and educated candidates.

Frequently asked questions about Port Supervisor

• What does a Port Supervisor earn?
  - A port supervisor has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
• How does one become a port supervisor?
  - The path usually involves secondary education, preferably with a transport or technology profile, as well as several years of experience in port operations.
• Are there salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 40 900 SEK, while women earn 38 400 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What are the working hours for a port supervisor?
  - Shift work is common, including day, evening, night, and sometimes weekend shifts depending on the port's operations.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Leadership skills, stress tolerance, accuracy, and good communication are key qualities for the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The labor market is balanced with moderate opportunities and stable demand in the coming years.
• What education is recommended?
  - Secondary education with a transport or technology profile, supplemented with courses in work environment and leadership, is recommended.