Teachers, seafaring professions

What do teachers in maritime professions do? – Tasks and work environment

Teachers in maritime professions are responsible for educating students in practical and theoretical aspects related to shipping, navigation, and safety at sea. Tasks include planning and conducting lessons, supervising in simulators and onboard ships, and assessing students' knowledge according to industry standards and regulatory requirements. The work often involves close collaboration with the industry, such as shipping companies and maritime authorities, to ensure training meets current needs. The work environment varies between classrooms, specialized training facilities, and ships, requiring flexibility and the ability to adapt teaching methods to different situations.

Salary development over time

Salary levels for teachers in maritime professions have developed steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.4% over the period, with a particularly clear rise between 2023 and 2024. The trend reflects a continued high demand for maritime education skills, where retirements and an increased need for certified personnel positively influence salary levels. The market is characterized by a shortage of qualified teachers, which further pushes up wages. At the same time, gender pay gaps are small, and the profession generally offers attractive conditions compared to other teaching roles within vocational subjects.

Teachers in maritime professions salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, 3-year vocational education)
• Highest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, research qualification)
• Hourly wage (average): 250 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 41 300 SEK/month (99% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 41 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data varies, but larger ports and educational locations may have slightly higher salary levels.

Education and qualifications

To work as a teacher in maritime professions, a combination of pedagogical training and industry experience is usually required. A formal vocational teaching qualification is often a prerequisite, along with relevant certificates or authorizations depending on the educational focus. Practical sea experience and knowledge of current regulations are crucial for effective and credible teaching.

• Vocational teacher certification: Post-secondary education (3–4 years) with pedagogical focus
• Maritime education: For example, ship captain, engineering officer, or equivalent degree
• Certifications: IMO certificates, licensing, and safety courses according to international standards
• Practical experience: Several years of work onboard ships are often required
• Additional courses: Pedagogy for vocational teachers, updates in maritime law and technology

Common benefits and compensations

Teachers in maritime professions are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training in both pedagogy and maritime-related subjects. Many employers also provide favorable working hours, longer vacations, and access to specialized equipment or training ships. Travel for work may occur, especially when participating in international projects or collaborations.

Challenges and competition

The job market for teachers in maritime professions is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there is high demand for qualified teachers, yet recruitment of sufficiently many with the right skills is difficult. Many leave the profession or work part-time, leading to vacancies. Challenges include keeping up with rapid changes in maritime technology and regulations, and meeting high pedagogical standards. Competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in larger educational centers, but the overall outlook indicates good employment prospects for those with the right skills.

Tips for aspiring teachers in maritime professions

To succeed as a teacher in maritime professions, it is beneficial to combine a strong interest in shipping with pedagogical skills and a willingness to develop others. Patience is valuable when supervising students with diverse backgrounds and experience, and flexibility is necessary to adapt teaching to both classroom and practical environments. Sea experience is invaluable and lends credibility to teaching, so take every opportunity to work onboard before pursuing a teaching role. Staying updated on new regulations and technological innovations is also a key to success. Initiative and teamwork facilitate industry and colleague contacts, while a structured work style helps create security and clarity for students.

Key facts about teachers in maritime professions

• Education level: Vocational teacher qualification and maritime education required
• Work environment: Varies between classrooms, simulators, and ships
• Demand: Great employment opportunities according to the Employment Service
• Gender distribution: Small salary differences between men and women
• Number of job openings: 434 in 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a teacher in maritime professions, opportunities exist to develop into training coordinators, course managers, or take on specialized roles in certification and quality assurance. Some move on to work as inspectors or advisors for authorities and industry organizations. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the labor market is very good with ample opportunities for employment, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. However, recruitment challenges in finding the right skills suggest continued good career prospects for those committed to the profession.

Frequently asked questions about teachers in maritime professions

• What do teachers in maritime professions earn?
  - The average salary is 41 600 SEK per month, but it can vary between 34,400 SEK and 47,600 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a teacher in maritime professions?
  - A combination of vocational teacher training and maritime education, along with relevant certifications and sea experience.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn 99% of men's average salary in the profession, which corresponds to 41 300 SEK and 41 800 SEK.
• What is the job market like for teachers in maritime professions?
  - Opportunities are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What career options are available within the profession?
  - Opportunities to advance to training coordinator, course manager, inspector, or advisor within the industry.
• What does the work environment entail for teachers in maritime professions?
  - Work occurs in classrooms, simulators, and onboard ships, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• How many job openings are there in the industry?
  - There are 434 available positions according to current statistics.