- Salary statistics
- Engine officer, ship salary
Engine officer, ship salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
37 500 - 55 900 SEK / month
Transport
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Salary progression Engine officer, ship
What does an engine officer do on a ship? – Tasks and work environment
An engine officer on a ship is responsible for operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the vessel's mechanical systems and technical equipment. The role involves leading the crew in the engine room, planning and performing repairs, and ensuring all machinery functions safely and efficiently during the voyage. Work often occurs in shifts and in environments that require both technical skills and the ability to handle rapid changes. Engine officers work closely with other officers and technicians onboard, and the work environment can be noisy, hot, and sometimes physically demanding.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for engine officers on ships has shown relative stability with some increase. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK, followed by a slight decrease to 45 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased to 51 700 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 2.7% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects continued demand for technically skilled officers in shipping, while competition for qualified labor contributes to cautious salary growth. Fluctuations can partly be explained by changes in market needs, retirements, and the availability of trained personnel. Despite some variation, the profession has experienced a positive salary trend over time, with stable working conditions.
Engine officer, ship salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 51 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 33,400 SEK/month (men), 35,700 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (men), 39,100 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 271 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn 52 400 SEK, women 39,100–35,700 SEK (data missing for some groups)
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as an engine officer on a ship, a post-secondary education of at least three years is required, often a marine engineering program or equivalent technical education with a shipping focus. In addition to formal education, specific certificates and often sea practice are required to meet high safety standards in the industry. Recruitment focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and some employers value ongoing further training or specialized courses.
- Marine engineering education: 3–4 years at university or vocational college
- Certificates for engine officers: According to the Swedish Transport Agency's requirements
- Sea practice: Often at least 12 months
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility, often a scientific or technical background
- Further training and specialized courses: For example, in safety and environmental technology
Engine officers often have the opportunity to work both nationally and internationally, making this one of the few technical professions where the workplace can be on the world's oceans. This often involves long periods away from land but also offers a unique chance to experience different cultures and ports around the world.
Common benefits and compensations
Engine officers on ships are often offered benefits such as free food and accommodation onboard, extra vacation or leave periods, and various allowances for working unsociable hours and during longer voyages. Some employers also provide wellness allowances, insurance, and opportunities for skills development.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as an engine officer on ships is influenced by both the number of trained personnel and the industry's need for technical expertise. Despite there being 412 job openings, the limited number of training places and high certification requirements make entry into the profession challenging. The work demands a high level of responsibility and technical problem-solving skills, and long periods at sea can be taxing on both social and physical well-being. Continuous further training is also necessary to stay updated on new technology and safety regulations. The profession is sensitive to changes in the shipping industry's economic cycles and international regulations.
Tips for aspiring engine officers on ships
To succeed as an engine officer at sea, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with carefulness and a sense of responsibility. A strong drive to learn the latest technology facilitates training, and the ability to work independently and in teams is crucial onboard. Being stress-resistant and flexible helps in unforeseen situations at sea, while good communication skills facilitate cooperation with the crew. Initiative and problem-solving skills are important, especially when quick decisions are required. Lastly, good physical health is an advantage, as the work can be both physically and mentally demanding during long periods at sea.
Key facts about engine officers on ships
- Education level: Post-secondary education (3–4 years)
- Work environment: Onboard ships, often in engine rooms
- Work type: Shifts and longer periods at sea
- Job openings: 412 within the profession
- Certification requirements: Swedish Transport Agency's engine officer certificate
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an engine officer can advance to higher officer positions or specialize in areas such as chief engineer or technical manager. There are also opportunities to work in education, inspection, or technical support within maritime authorities and shipping companies. The Employment Service's forecast does not provide an exact assessment for this profession due to limited data, but the number of job openings indicates continued demand. The future will be influenced by technological development, environmental requirements, and industry cycles, but the need for qualified engine officers is expected to remain stable in the foreseeable future.
Frequently asked questions about engine officers on ships
- What does an engine officer, ship, earn?
- The average salary is 51 700 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and education. - What education is required to become an engine officer, ship?
- Post-secondary education, usually marine engineering or equivalent, along with approved certificates. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 52 400 SEK, while women earn between 35,700–39,100 SEK. - What is the work environment like for engine officers?
- Often noisy and demanding environment onboard, with shift work and longer periods at sea. - What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
- Opportunities to advance to chief engineer, technical manager, or work in education and inspection. - How many job openings are there for engine officers?
- There are 412 job openings in the profession according to the latest statistics. - What personal qualities are important for an engine officer?
- Technical interest, responsibility, teamwork skills, and stress resistance are particularly important.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42100 kr | 50900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 46500 kr | 53000 kr | |
| Snitt | 44500 kr | 51700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 32800 kr | 37800 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41100 kr | 50500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 45400 kr | 52900 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55200 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43100 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 32800 kr | 37800 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41100 kr | 50500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 45400 kr | 52900 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55200 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43100 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42700 kr | 51600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 47000 kr | 53500 kr | |
| Snitt | 45100 kr | 52400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 33300 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41600 kr | 51300 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 46000 kr | 53600 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43700 kr | 51900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 33300 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 41600 kr | 51300 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 46000 kr | 53600 kr |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 55100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 89% | 47600 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 48800 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 43700 kr | 51900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 31000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 37200 kr | 44500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 34100 kr | 39300 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 46900 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 81% | 36000 kr | 41900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 31000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 25-34 | 87% | 37200 kr | 44500 kr |
| 35-44 | 73% | 34100 kr | 39300 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 46900 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 81% | 36000 kr | 41900 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 Engine officer, ship has the SSYK code 3151, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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