The harbor master

What does a harbour pilot do? – Tasks and working environment

A harbour pilot plays a central role in navigating and maneuvering ships within port areas. Tasks include assisting the captain and ensuring the safe movement of the vessel during arrival and departure, sometimes also during mooring and unloading. The harbour pilot is responsible for adhering to safety regulations and collaborates with tug operators, crew, and port personnel. Work often occurs in varying weather conditions and may involve shift work, requiring flexibility and the ability to handle stressful situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for harbour pilots has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, increasing to 48 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 50 500 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 6.1% over three years. The trend indicates a continued demand for maritime expertise, possibly due to increased safety and efficiency requirements in port operations and a general shortage of experienced pilots. Education level and specialized experience also positively influence salary development, especially for those working in the private sector with longer training.

Harbour pilot salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (male, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary for women: 54,900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 48,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 304 SEK
• Gender differences: Salary data for women is incomplete in some areas, but the highest and lowest salaries show little difference between genders.
• Regional differences: No specific data available, but differences may occur depending on port size and traffic.

Education and qualifications

To work as a harbour pilot, generally a post-secondary education in shipping is required, often at a vocational college or university, with a focus on maritime officer training. The education combines practical sea service and requires specific certificates. Depending on responsibilities, further training or specialized courses may be needed, and prior maritime experience is often advantageous.

• Formal education: Maritime officer classes VII–V, typically 2–4 years
• Certifications: Endorsements from the Swedish Transport Agency, safety courses
• Practical training: Mandatory sea service included in education
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility, often maritime practical experience or relevant work background
• Tips for choosing: Select education with strong links to port and ship operations for the best chances of employment

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for harbour pilots include per diems when working away from home, overtime pay, additional allowances for unsociable hours, and sometimes wellness contributions. Many employers also offer collectively agreed pension schemes, insurance, and opportunities for skills development through courses and further training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for harbour pilots is characterized by a limited number of positions and high requirements for formal education and experience. The profession is part of a broader occupational group where competition for the most attractive roles can be fierce, especially in larger ports. Technological changes and increased safety demands require continuous skills development. At the same time, the work environment is often challenging, with shift work, night shifts, and exposure to weather conditions, demanding good physical and mental resilience. For those flexible and willing to work at various locations nationally or internationally, good employment opportunities exist.

Tips for aspiring harbour pilots

To succeed as a harbour pilot, it’s beneficial to combine technical precision with strong communication skills and stress resilience. An initial step is to seek internships in shipping early to gain experience and insight into the profession. Being responsible and having good teamwork skills facilitates collaboration with officers and crew, especially during complex maneuvers. It’s also important to continuously update knowledge on new regulations and safety procedures to stay competitive. Flexibility and the ability to work under changing conditions, including unsociable hours, are crucial for thriving and developing in the role. Finally, an interest in international contacts and logistics can open doors to exciting career paths within ports and shipping sectors.

Key facts about harbour pilots

• Educational level: Post-secondary education in shipping (2–4 years)
• Work environment: Port areas, often shift work and varying weather
• Employment type: Permanent or temporary, sometimes international
• Demand: 412 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Special skills: Navigation, safety regulations, cooperation with tugs and crew

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, harbour pilots can advance to senior officer roles, such as chief mate or captain on larger vessels, depending on education and experience. Further training in shipping or logistics can also open opportunities for administrative roles within port management or shipping companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for harbour pilots due to limited data, but within the maritime officer group, 412 job openings indicate a certain demand. The industry is influenced by economic cycles and technological development, making flexibility and continuous skills upgrading important factors for long-term career development.

Frequently asked questions about harbour pilots

• What does a harbour pilot earn?
  - A harbour pilot has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a harbour pilot?
  - Post-secondary education in shipping, often with a Class VII–V maritime officer qualification, combined with practical training and certification.
• What is the working environment like for a harbour pilot?
  - Work takes place in ports, often with shift work and varying weather conditions.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary data shows small differences; highest salary for men is 55,300 SEK, for women 54,900 SEK.
• What are the future prospects for harbour pilots?
  - No exact forecast exists, but 412 job openings within the profession indicate demand.
• What personal qualities are important for a harbour pilot?
  - Attention to detail, stress resilience, and teamwork skills are central qualities.
• What is the hourly wage for a harbour pilot?
  - The average is 304 SEK per hour.