Pilots, ships

What does a Ship Pilot do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A ship pilot in maritime traffic is responsible for guiding and assisting ships during navigation through difficult or busy waters, often in ports or near coastlines. The work involves steering and coordinating the vessel's movements in collaboration with the captain and crew, as well as making quick decisions based on current weather and traffic conditions. The pilot bears great responsibility for onboard safety, requiring both technical skills and good communication. The work environment is varied and can involve working outdoors, in shifts, and often in challenging weather, with quick movements between different ships and work sites.

Salary development over time

The salary for ship pilots has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, increasing to 48 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 50 500 SEK in 2024. The total increase over this period is approximately 6.1%. The salary development can be linked to an increased demand for experienced pilots, especially as shipping becomes more efficient and safety standards are tightened. A shortage of new recruits and the need for specialized skills also contribute to pushing up salary levels within the profession. Regional differences exist but are generally moderate, with labor market needs and the availability of pilots in certain areas influencing salary formation.

Ship Pilot salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (men), 48,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (men), 54,900 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 304 SEK
• Gender differences: Salary data for women is limited, but the highest and lowest salaries show small differences
• Regional differences: Present but generally small

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship pilot, a solid maritime education and several years of seafaring experience are required, often as a captain or mate. The educational path is long and includes both theoretical studies and practical service. After completing education, a special pilot training and certification issued by the Swedish Maritime Administration are required. Selection is competitive, and places are limited.

• Formal education: Maritime officer training, typically 3–4.5 years
• Certification: Pilot license issued by the Swedish Maritime Administration
• Practical experience: Several years as a ship officer required
• Prerequisites: High school education, often with a maritime focus
• Further training: Regular continuing education and simulator training

Common benefits and compensations

Ship pilots are often offered benefits such as overtime pay, night and weekend allowances, wellness contributions, and pension schemes. Some employers also provide company cars or transportation to the workplace, depending on the location and pilot station.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a pilot is significant because the number of training places is limited and requirements are high. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining the high safety standards required for the profession, which involves continuous training and education. The work is also physically demanding and may involve long periods at sea or night shifts, demanding endurance and flexibility. Technological changes and increased digitalization in navigation equipment require pilots to continually update their knowledge. Weather conditions and rapid changes in the work environment can also add additional stress.

Tips for those aiming to become a ship pilot

To succeed as a ship pilot, it is good to combine analytical skills with a strong safety mindset and good stress resilience. Gaining experience as a ship officer provides a solid foundation, so actively seeking roles with responsibility for navigation and leadership onboard is important. Precision and decisiveness are crucial qualities, as quick and correct decisions often need to be made under pressure. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with the crew and other actors in port or traffic control centers. Being flexible and prepared for irregular working hours is also important, as workdays can vary greatly. Finally, physical endurance and a desire for continuous development within the profession are valuable for those who want to establish themselves as a pilot.

Key facts about Ship Pilots

• Education level: Maritime officer training (3–4.5 years) plus pilot license
• Work environment: Varied, often outdoors and in shifts
• Work form: Shift work with round-the-clock standby
• Demand: Limited number of places, about 412 available jobs in the profession
• Special skills: Navigation, leadership, safety procedures

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a pilot, there are opportunities to advance to more senior roles, such as training pilot, instructor, or leadership positions within the Swedish Maritime Administration. Some pilots move on to supervisory roles or specialize in particularly complex waters. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of future prospects for pilots, as the profession is relatively niche and statistics are often combined with other maritime officers. However, the limited number of trained pilots and the ongoing demand for safe transport indicate that the need for this professional group is expected to remain. Technological developments in shipping may influence the work content but also create new career opportunities for digitally skilled pilots.

FAQs about Ship Pilots

• What is the average salary for a Ship Pilot?
  - A ship pilot in maritime traffic has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month.
• What is the salary range for a Ship Pilot?
  - The salary varies between 44,900 SEK and 55,300 SEK per month depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to become a Ship Pilot?
  - Requires maritime officer training and a special pilot license issued by the Swedish Maritime Administration.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary data for women is limited, but available data shows small differences between genders at the highest and lowest levels.
• What is the job market like for Ship Pilots?
  - There is limited competition for positions, with approximately 412 available jobs in the maritime officer profession and related fields.
• What benefits are common for Ship Pilots?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, night and weekend allowances, wellness contributions, and pension schemes.
• What is the work environment like for Ship Pilots?
  - Work often takes place outdoors, in shifts, and may require availability around the clock under varying weather conditions.