Image that illustrates Harbor master

Harbor master

40 200 kr

Transport managers and coordinators

37 400 - 42 400 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Harbor master

Average salary 40 200 kr
Males 40 900 kr
Females 38 400 kr

What does a Harbour Master do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Harbour Master is responsible for coordinating and supervising the daily operations in ports and terminals. The primary tasks include receiving ships, handling cargo, security checks, and communication with shipping companies, truck drivers, and other personnel. The work environment is often dynamic and requires flexibility, as work is conducted both indoors and outdoors, sometimes under changing weather conditions. Harbour Masters need to make quick decisions, handle stress, and ensure that safety regulations are strictly followed.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary of a Harbour Master has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 37100 kronor per month, increasing to 39 000 kronor in 2023 and further to 40 200 kronor in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 8.4% over the period. The trend reflects increased demand for efficient logistics services and specialized personnel within the port and transportation sector. Salary development has also been influenced by higher education and skill requirements, while competition for qualified workers has led to some upward pressure on wages. Gender differences remain, but the development indicates a slow leveling trend.

Harbour Master salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 40 200 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,400 kr/month (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 42,400 kr/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 242 kr
  • Women earn: 38 400 kr/month (94% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 40 900 kr/month
  • Regional differences: Data on regional variation is lacking, but generally larger port cities may offer slightly higher wages.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Harbour Master, a minimum of high school education is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or vocational training in logistics, transportation, or maritime studies. Practical experience and good language skills are advantageous, as the profession involves extensive contact with various actors. Many employers also view certifications in security and transportation handling positively.

  • High school education: Focus on transport, logistics, or maritime studies
  • Post-secondary courses: For example, vocational college (1–2 years)
  • Certifications: Security training, forklift or crane operator certificates
  • Language skills: English is often a requirement
  • Practical experience: Meritorious, e.g., through internships or trainee programs

Harbour Masters play a key role in Sweden's international trade, as they are often the first contact point for crews and drivers from around the world. The role requires intercultural competence and the ability to handle unexpected situations with both service-mindedness and decisiveness.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Harbour Masters are often offered benefits such as overtime pay, extra vacation days, and wellness allowances. In some cases, employers may also provide training, health checks, and pension contributions. Compensation for unsociable working hours is common, as work often occurs around the clock.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Harbour Masters is characterized by balance, with roughly equal numbers of applicants and vacancies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for transport managers and logistics coordinators, job opportunities are expected to be moderate, with demand remaining unchanged over the next five years. Challenges within the profession include rapid changes in logistics flows, increased digital competence requirements, and the need to constantly update safety regulations. Competition may be tougher in larger urban regions where more people seek port-related jobs.

Tips for aspiring Harbour Masters

To succeed as a Harbour Master, good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize in a high-paced environment are beneficial. Being communicative and attentive facilitates collaboration with colleagues, shipping companies, and transport firms. A problem-solving attitude is important when unexpected situations arise, and flexibility helps manage varying working hours and tasks. Being meticulous contributes to safety, while a service-oriented mindset is appreciated by visitors and partners. Curiosity about technology and digital systems is an advantage, as digitalization becomes increasingly important in the industry.

Key facts about Harbour Masters

  • Education level: High school education with recommended supplementary courses
  • Work environment: Varies, both indoor and outdoor, shift work common
  • Demand: Moderate, with a balance between supply and demand
  • Special skills: Safety procedures, logistics systems, English
  • Number of job openings: 412 within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities for advancement include roles such as port manager, operations leader, or transportation coordinator. Some choose to specialize in security or environmental work within port operations. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that demand for Harbour Masters and similar roles is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years, with nationally moderate job opportunities. Digitalization and automation are likely to influence the profession in the future, increasing the importance of technical skills and adaptability.

Frequently asked questions about Harbour Master

  • What is the monthly salary of a Harbour Master?
    - A Harbour Master has an average monthly salary of 40 200.
  • What does the difference between men and women look like?
    - Men earn on average 40 900, women 38 400, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Harbour Master?
    - At least high school education with a focus on transport, and preferably post-secondary courses or certifications in logistics or security.
  • What are the future prospects for Harbour Masters?
    - The forecast indicates moderate demand and a balance between supply and demand over the next five years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Harbour Master?
    - The highest salary is 42,400 kr/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education), the lowest is 37,400 kr/month (female, private sector, high school education).
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Regional differences occur, often with slightly higher wages in larger port cities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Harbor master is 42400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Harbor master is 37400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 108% 31500 kr 33700 kr
25-34 95% 37100 kr 38500 kr
35-44 94% 38800 kr 40500 kr
45-54 93% 39200 kr 41200 kr
55-64 93% 40300 kr 42300 kr
65-68 37300 kr 38700 kr
Snitt 94% 38400 kr 40200 kr
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 Harbor master has the SSYK code 4323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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