Port engineer

What does a Harbour Engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A Harbour Engineer works with planning, development, and maintenance of port facilities. Tasks include everything from project design and technical planning to safety assessments and environmental analyses. The role often involves coordinating work between various technical disciplines and working closely with clients and contractors. The work environment is varied; a Harbour Engineer switches between office, construction sites, and port areas, requiring flexibility and good communication skills. Safety and environmental considerations are central to daily work, especially in larger ports where logistics are complex and sustainability requirements are high.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Harbour Engineer has shown a stable and positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 45,900 SEK per month, which increased to 49 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 50 200 SEK per month. This represents an increase of approximately 9.4% over three years. The development reflects both increased demand for technical expertise in the port and logistics sector and a greater focus on modernization and automation of ports. Salary increases are also driven by skill shortages in certain specialist areas, particularly environmental technology and digitalization. Despite the positive trend, salary levels still depend on education and sector, with government employers often offering slightly higher salaries for higher academic qualifications.

Harbour Engineer salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 50 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 57,900 SEK/month (female, government sector, research degree)
• Highest salary (male): 52,500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (male): 46,400 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 302 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 47 300 SEK (92% of men's salary, which is 51 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, with slightly higher wages in metropolitan areas and for government jobs.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Harbour Engineer, a university or master’s degree in construction, civil engineering, road and water engineering, or similar technical fields is usually required. Practical experience in project management and knowledge of port logistics and environmental technology are often advantageous. Many employers also value certifications in project management and occupational safety, especially for larger infrastructure projects.

• Formal degree: University or master’s degree (3–5 years), often in construction, civil engineering, or road and water engineering
• Certifications: Project management, occupational safety, environmental technology
• Internships: Work experience or trainee programs within port or infrastructure sectors
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and an interest in engineering
• Tips for choosing: Specializing in logistics or sustainability can be beneficial

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Harbour Engineers include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Occupational pension, extra vacation days, and professional development are often offered, especially in the public and municipal sectors. Larger projects may also include performance-based bonuses or allowances for unsocial hours.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Harbour Engineer is moderate, with a balanced supply and demand according to the latest forecast from the Employment Service. Challenges mainly arise in larger ports and projects where specialized skills in digitalization or environmental technology are particularly sought after. Technological changes and increased sustainability requirements mean the role develops rapidly, requiring ongoing training. Employers often seek candidates with both technical and communicative skills, as collaboration among different stakeholders is central. For younger engineers, gaining experience in complex infrastructure projects can be challenging initially.

Tips for aspiring Harbour Engineers

To succeed as a Harbour Engineer, it’s good to combine technical interest with analytical skills and strong teamwork abilities. Building a broad knowledge base in both construction technology and logistics is recommended, along with early internships to gain insight into port operations. Being solution-oriented helps in projects where unforeseen problems often occur, while precision is critical to ensure compliance with laws and environmental standards. Initiative and curiosity are valued, as technological development progresses quickly, so staying updated on new tools and methods is a clear advantage. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with contractors and authorities. Finally, patience and perseverance are important, as larger projects often last a long time and require careful follow-up.

Key facts about Harbour Engineers

• Education level: University or master’s degree (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Varied between office, construction sites, and port areas
• Demand: Moderate, with increasing projections over 5 years
• Special skills: Environmental technology, logistics, project management
• Number of job openings (2024): 379 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Harbour Engineer, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as project manager, technical specialist, or manager of larger port projects. Some choose to specialize in environmental technology, digitalization, or logistics, opening doors to expert roles and consulting assignments. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate moderate job opportunities today and an expected increase in demand over the next five years, especially due to the need for technological development and automation in ports. The profession also offers opportunities for international assignments, as Swedish engineers are sought after in large infrastructure projects abroad. The number of job openings is relatively high, indicating a stable job market and good future prospects.

Frequently asked questions about Harbour Engineers

• What does a Harbour Engineer earn?
  - The average salary for a Harbour Engineer is 50 200 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salaries?
  - Women earn an average of 47 300 SEK, which is 92% of men's average salary of 51 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Harbour Engineer?
  - A university or master’s degree in construction, civil engineering, or similar technical fields is required.
• What are the future prospects for Harbour Engineers?
  - Demand is expected to increase over the next five years, with particular needs for expertise in technical development and automation.
• Are there regional salary differences for Harbour Engineers?
  - Yes, salaries are often higher in metropolitan areas and within the government sector compared to the public sector in smaller regions.
• What is the highest salary for a Harbour Engineer?
  - The highest salary is 57,900 SEK per month, belonging to a woman in the government sector with a research degree.
• How many job openings are available for Harbour Engineers?
  - There are 379 job openings within the profession.