- Salary statistics
- Light sailor salary
Light sailor salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 000 - 42 800 SEK / month
Women earn 88% of what men do.
Transport
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Salary progression Light sailor
What does an Able Seaman do? – Tasks and Work Environment
An Able Seaman primarily works aboard ships where duties include deck service and maintenance. Common tasks involve participating in loading and unloading, equipment care, simple repairs, and assisting officers and more experienced sailors with daily routines. The work is often in shifts, and the environment can vary, sometimes on open sea and sometimes in port. Safety procedures are a central part of the daily routine, and the work environment involves both physical tasks and requirements for good teamwork.
Salary development over time
The salary for an Able Seaman has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 36 100 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows that the average salary is now 37 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.2% during the period. The trend indicates continued positive development, likely driven by increased demand for maritime personnel and a greater focus on safety and certifications. Inflation and changes in collective agreements have also influenced salary setting within the profession.
Able Seaman salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 37 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 217 SEK
- Men's average salary: 37 800 SEK/month
- Women's average salary: 33,500 SEK/month
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 88% of what men do
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as an Able Seaman, a high school maritime education is normally required, followed by practical experience and certain certifications. An approved maritime education is fundamental, and thereafter sea time and completed safety courses according to international maritime regulations are necessary. Practical experience and the ability to collaborate are crucial, and advancement through hierarchy aboard ships is common.
- High school maritime education: 3 years
- Certificates for Able Seaman: STCW courses (international standard)
- Practical experience: Minimum 12 months of sea service required
- Prerequisites: Approved health examination and swimming skills
- Recommended: Additional courses in safety and first aid
Many Able Seamen get early opportunities to travel to places they would otherwise never visit, contributing to a unique work experience. The international crew aboard makes the profession suitable for those curious about other cultures and who enjoy variety. For those who are flexible and social, this can become a lifestyle rather than just a job.
Common benefits and compensations
Able Seamen are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to allowances for unsociable hours, per diems for longer trips, and pension contributions. Many employers also offer free meals and accommodation onboard, as well as insurance and opportunities for further training. Some shipping companies also provide bonuses for long periods of service and extra leave during extended sea voyages.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as an Able Seaman can vary depending on economic conditions and shipping companies' needs. Despite there being 412 job openings, reports indicate limited data for labor market forecasts. Challenges in the profession include long periods away from home, shift work, and sometimes harsh weather conditions. Physical demands and safety routines are always present, and quick adaptation to new crews and vessel types is necessary. Technological changes in shipping also require ongoing skill development.
Tips for those who want to become an Able Seaman
To succeed as an Able Seaman, flexibility and the ability to adapt to rapid changes onboard are beneficial. Good teamwork skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and physical endurance makes daily routines easier when the pace is high. Attention to safety routines is crucial, and an interest in technology and maintenance can be advantageous for repairs and troubleshooting. Initiative is appreciated by officers and can lead to more responsibilities. Social and curious individuals often get the most out of the international crew and the many voyages. Finally, patience is important, as long working periods require endurance and the ability to handle solitude.
Key facts about Able Seaman
- Educational level: High school maritime education + certifications
- Work environment: Onboard ships, often in shifts
- Job openings in Sweden: 412 (within the profession)
- Typical employment: Permanent or seasonal contracts
- Special requirements: Approved health examination and certifications
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience as an Able Seaman, there are opportunities to advance to Able Seaman with greater responsibilities, such as mate or engineer, provided further education and additional certifications are obtained. Some choose to specialize in specific vessel types or tasks like maintenance, navigation, or safety. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for Able Seaman, but the profession is part of the broader group of sailors and deckhands, where the job market is considered relatively stable. Those willing to further educate themselves and be flexible have good chances for continued development in maritime careers.
Frequently asked questions about Able Seaman
- What does an Able Seaman earn?
- The average salary for an Able Seaman is 37 000 SEK per month. - How to become an Able Seaman?
- A high school maritime education, certification, and at least 12 months of practical experience are required. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 88% of what men do in the profession. - What are the job duties of an Able Seaman?
- Maintenance, deck duties, safety work, and assistance with loading/unloading. - What is the highest salary for an Able Seaman?
- The highest salary is 42,100 SEK and belongs to a woman with postgraduate education. - What are the future prospects?
- No forecasts are available, but currently there are 412 job openings in the profession. - What personal qualities are important?
- Flexibility, teamwork skills, accuracy, and physical endurance are key.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28100 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33700 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39200 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37500 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39400 kr | 41300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35700 kr | 37000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28400 kr | 29100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39500 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39800 kr | 41700 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 36400 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 32300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 kr |
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 Light sailor has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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