Pilot foreman

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

A pilot supervisor plays a central role in Swedish shipping and is responsible for organizing and leading pilotage operations in a port or specific waters. Tasks include planning and coordinating vessel pilotage, managing staffing, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and acting as a contact point between pilots, ships, and port authorities. The work environment is often dynamic and characterized by quick decisions, sometimes under pressure when multiple ships need pilotage simultaneously. The role requires good communication skills, leadership, and a pronounced safety awareness. The work takes place both in offices and in the field, which means some variation and proximity to operational activities.

Salary development over time

The salary of a pilot supervisor has shown positive development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, which increased to 48 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen to 50 500 SEK per month, corresponding to an increase of approximately 6.1% over the three-year period. The trend indicates a steady demand for competent pilot supervisors, which can be explained by the increased focus on safety within shipping and the need for qualified leadership in port operations. Differences in salary development may also depend on education level and experience, as well as market demand for pilotage services depending on shipping volumes and complexity in certain waters.

Pilot Supervisor 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: 304 SEK
• Gender differences: Only men have complete data (men: 50 500 SEK/month), women: limited data
• Regional differences: Specific regional salary differences are not available, but variation may occur depending on port and traffic volume

Education and Qualifications

To work as a pilot supervisor, a background as a ship officer or pilot is usually required, often with post-secondary maritime education. In addition to formal education, several years of practical experience in shipping and leadership are highly valued. Many employers require certifications and ongoing professional development. The ability to handle complex situations and make quick decisions is crucial.

• Formal education: Post-secondary maritime education, often 3 years or more
• Certifications: Ship officer class VII or higher, and relevant safety courses
• Practical experience: Previous experience as a pilot or ship captain
• Prerequisites: Approved maritime education and operational leadership experience
• Tips for choosing: Combine maritime education with leadership courses for the best prospects

Common Benefits and Compensation

A pilot supervisor often has access to competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and compensation for unsocial hours. Employers sometimes also offer training support, flexible working hours, and access to staff housing. For work during inconvenient hours, compensation for on-call and standby duties is common, providing an extra supplement beyond the base salary.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a pilot supervisor is considered moderate, mainly because it is a niche profession with high requirements for experience and education. Challenges often include managing complex logistics, rapidly changing weather conditions, and a high focus on safety. The number of available positions is limited, which can reduce mobility within the profession. At the same time, technological developments and increased demands for environmental and safety standards may require new skills and ongoing training. The lack of complete statistics on women in the profession can also hinder gender equality efforts.

Tips for Aspiring Pilot Supervisors

To succeed as a pilot supervisor, it is beneficial to combine technical competence with strong leadership and safety-mindedness. Being communicative is an advantage, as dialogue between pilots, ships, and authorities requires clarity and cooperation skills. Attention to detail and stress resistance are important qualities, as the work often involves responsibility under pressure. Gaining experience as a ship officer or pilot provides a solid foundation and increases opportunities for advancement. It is also recommended to actively participate in further training and stay updated on maritime safety and new technology. Engagement and problem-solving skills make a significant difference in daily operations, and the ability to make independent decisions often determines success in the role.

Key Facts about Pilot Supervisor

• Education level: Post-secondary maritime education, often 3 years or more
• Work environment: Varied between office and operational field work in ports
• Occupational group: Ship officers, etc.
• Job openings: 412 within the profession (May 2024)
• Special skills: Leadership, maritime safety, and logistics

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a pilot supervisor, it is common to move into more senior roles such as operations manager, port manager, or specialist in maritime safety and logistics. For those seeking further development, opportunities exist within larger port organizations or authorities. The future outlook is influenced by the fact that the profession is part of a broader occupational group where demand for ship officers is generally stable, but the Swedish Public Employment Service does not provide separate assessments for pilot supervisors due to limited statistical data. However, the number of job openings indicates ongoing demand for expertise in the field, although competition may vary depending on region and port size.

Common Questions about Pilot Supervisor

• What does a Pilot Supervisor earn?
  - A pilot supervisor has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
• What education is required to become a Pilot Supervisor?
  - Post-secondary maritime education and several years of experience as a ship officer or pilot are usually required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary statistics mainly provide data for men, but among women, the highest salary is 54,900 SEK and the lowest is 48,700 SEK.
• What is the work environment like for a Pilot Supervisor?
  - The work combines office environment with operational responsibility in ports and requires flexibility and stress resistance.
• What benefits are typically included in the job?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and compensation for unsocial hours.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Exact forecasts are lacking, but there is a stable number of job openings within the maritime officer profession.
• What career paths are available for a Pilot Supervisor?
  - Opportunities exist to advance to management positions within ports, maritime safety, or logistics after some experience.