Pilot site manager

What does a Pilot Station Manager do? – Responsibilities and Work Environment

A Pilot Station Manager is responsible for leading and operating a pilot station within the maritime sector. Tasks include coordinating and planning vessel pilotage, leading staff, handling administrative duties, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and safety regulations. The role often involves close collaboration with pilots, ship officers, and other actors within ports and shipping. The work is varied and takes place both in offices and near port facilities, which requires flexibility and good ability to handle rapid changes in the work environment.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Pilot Station Manager has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 kronor per month, increasing to 48 600 kronor in 2023 – a rise of approximately 2.1%. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and reached 50 500 kronor per month, which is a further increase of 3.9% compared to the previous year. The total salary increase over the period is thus about 6.1%. The salary development is partly explained by an increased need for qualified leadership within shipping, and the high demand for experienced managers in the industry. Additionally, education requirements and the scope of responsibilities have contributed to higher salaries for Pilot Station Managers.

Pilot Station Manager Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 50 500 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 44,900 kr/month (men), 48,700 kr/month (women)
• Highest salary: 55,300 kr/month (men), 54,900 kr/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 304 kr
• Gender differences: Data for men: 50 500 kr/month, women: no specific average data
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is lacking

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Pilot Station Manager, a maritime-related higher education, typically at least 3 years, is generally required. Several years of experience in the maritime industry, preferably as a ship officer or pilot, is often a basic requirement. Leadership experience and good administrative skills are also necessary. Additional training and certifications in leadership, safety, and work environment are meritorious.

• Formal education: Post-secondary maritime education, often at least 3 years
• Certifications: Valid nautical certificates and sometimes special pilot licenses
• Work experience: Several years as a ship officer, pilot, or similar role
• Leadership training: Courses in leadership and work environment are recommended
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish maritime law and safety regulations

Common Benefits and Compensation

A Pilot Station Manager often has access to benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include overtime pay for work during unsociable hours and insurance coverage for business travel and work-related risks. Depending on the employer, bonus schemes and performance-based supplements may also be offered.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a Pilot Station Manager is limited, but the role demands high levels of formal competence and extensive experience. Since there are a relatively small number of pilot stations in the country, the number of available managerial positions is limited, and recruitment channels are often narrow. Challenges in the profession include managing complex logistics, leading personnel in a safety-critical environment, and quickly adapting operations to changing maritime conditions. Additionally, the ability to cooperate with both international actors and national authorities, requiring language skills and diplomacy, is essential.

Tips for aspiring Pilot Station Managers

To succeed as a Pilot Station Manager, it is beneficial to combine a structured work approach with strong leadership skills. Gaining solid experience in the maritime industry and obtaining relevant nautical certificates increases chances of reaching a managerial role. Initiative and stress resilience are important qualities, as the workday often involves quick decisions under pressure. The ability to communicate clearly and build trust among staff and external partners is crucial for effective leadership. Continuous professional development and staying updated on industry regulations also improve the prospects of handling the challenges of the profession. Finally, analytical skills and problem-solving ability are highly valued, as the role requires quickly identifying risks and finding solutions in complex situations.

Key Facts about Pilot Station Managers

• Education level: Post-secondary maritime education, at least 3 years
• Work environment: Combination of office work and operational presence at ports
• Typical employment: Permanent employment
• Occupational group: Ship officers, etc.
• Available jobs within the group: 412

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a Pilot Station Manager, there are opportunities to advance to senior leadership roles within maritime authorities or port operations, such as operations manager or general manager. It is also common for Pilot Station Managers to move into roles within education and safety development, or to take consulting assignments in maritime logistics. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a lack of sufficient data to assess the future outlook for Pilot Station Managers specifically, but the maritime officer group currently has 412 available jobs, suggesting continued demand for qualified maritime leaders. Industry development influenced by digitalization, environmental regulations, and internationalization may create new career opportunities for those willing to further their education.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pilot Station Managers

• What does a Pilot Station Manager earn?
  - The average salary for a Pilot Station Manager is 50 500 kronor per month.
• What education is required to become a Pilot Station Manager?
  - Post-secondary maritime education and several years of experience in the maritime industry are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, some differences exist. The highest salary for men is 55,300 kr and for women 54,900 kr, while the lowest is 44,900 kr for men and 48,700 kr for women.
• What is the job market like for a Pilot Station Manager?
  - There are 412 available jobs in the maritime officer group, but specific forecasts for Pilot Station Managers are lacking.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Leadership, stress resilience, initiative, and analytical skills are central qualities in the profession.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowance, and overtime pay.