- Salary statistics
- Engineer Assistant salary
Engineer Assistant 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 Engineer Assistant
What does a machine officer assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A machine officer assistant works onboard ships and assists the engineering crew with operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the vessel's machinery and technical systems. Tasks include daily inspections of engines, troubleshooting, repairs, and documentation of operational data. They often participate in shift work and collaborate closely with the crew to ensure the engine room functions safely and efficiently. The work environment is technically advanced, often noisy, and requires good physical fitness, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
Salary development over time
The salary for machine officer assistants has shown a moderate but steady increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK, which decreased slightly the following year to 45 100 SEK. In 2024, the salary increased to 51 700 SEK, a rise of approximately 2.7% from the previous year. This variation reflects changes in demand on the labor market and collective bargaining negotiations. The profession is influenced by overall trends in the shipping industry and technical requirements, where postgraduate education and certifications are often rewarded with higher salary levels. Despite some fluctuations, the trend indicates that skills are in demand and salaries are relatively resilient to market fluctuations.
Machine officer assistant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 51 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (man): 33,400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (woman): 35,700 SEK/month
- Highest salary (man): 51,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary (woman): 39,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 271 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn an average of 52 400 SEK, women 39,100–35,700 SEK (highest–lowest)
- Regional differences: Limited data, but variations occur depending on employer and port location
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine officer assistant, a high school maritime or technical education is usually required, often supplemented with postgraduate studies and certificates according to international maritime regulations. Practical experience in the engine room, trainee programs, and sea time are important parts of qualifying for the role. Requirements may vary between employers and vessel types, but safety and technical competence are always central.
- High school education: Maritime or technical programs (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: Vocational university or equivalent (1–3 years)
- Certifications: STCW certificates and safety courses
- Practical training: Mandatory sea time/internship during education
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and English
Many machine officer assistants have the opportunity to work in international crews, gaining unique experiences of different cultures and working methods. This can enhance language skills and teamwork, opening doors to a global job market.
Common benefits and compensation
Machine officer assistants are often offered benefits such as per diems during international assignments, free food and accommodation onboard, and additional pay for unsocial hours and overtime. Some employers also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for further education in shipping and technology.
Competition and challenges
The job market for machine officer assistants is relatively specialized, and competition can vary depending on vessel type and geographic region. The gender imbalance still reflects a male-dominated industry, which can affect recruitment opportunities for women. Technical changes and increased demands for environmental and safety competence mean that professionals need to stay updated and continue training regularly. Limited data makes it difficult to predict future demand precisely, but there is a steady need within the shipping industry. Those who are flexible and able to work internationally often have more opportunities.
Tips for aspiring machine officer assistants
To succeed as a machine officer assistant, it’s good to combine technical interest with accuracy and teamwork skills. Engagement in education and taking initiative with internships provide valuable experience. Good communication skills, especially in English, are important since the work environment is often international. Flexibility and stress tolerance are needed to handle irregular working hours and unforeseen situations onboard. A continuous desire to learn and stay updated on technology and safety procedures is crucial for development in the role. Demonstrating responsibility and good safety awareness is appreciated by employers. Finally, being solution-oriented and comfortable in a practical work environment is an advantage.
Key facts about the machine officer assistant profession
- Education level: High school or postgraduate education in maritime/engineering
- Work environment: Onboard ships, often international environment
- Typical work pattern: Shift work and periodic work
- Demand: 412 job openings in 2024
- Special skills: STCW certificates and safety training
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a machine officer assistant, there are good opportunities to advance to motorman or chief engineer, provided additional education and sea time are completed. Some choose to specialize within shipping companies focusing on specific vessel types, while others progress toward technical management roles onboard. Forecasts from the Employment Service do not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but the overall outlook within the engineering profession is stable with some competition. Technological development and increased environmental regulations may influence future needs, but those willing to further their education and be flexible will find continued good opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about the machine officer assistant profession
- What does a machine officer assistant earn?
- The average salary is 51 700 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer. - What education is required to become a machine officer assistant?
- High school maritime or technical education, often supplemented with postgraduate studies and certifications. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn an average of 52 400 SEK, while women have a maximum of 39,100 SEK and a minimum of 35,700 SEK. - What are the job responsibilities of a machine officer assistant?
- Operation, maintenance, and monitoring of machinery, as well as technical support onboard ships. - What is the job market outlook for machine officer assistants?
- There are 412 job openings, but exact forecasts are limited due to limited data. - What benefits are common in the profession?
- Per diems, free food and accommodation, overtime pay, and opportunities for further training are typical. - Can I work abroad as a machine officer assistant?
- Yes, the profession is international, and opportunities to work on foreign ships are good.
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 Engineer Assistant has the SSYK code 3151, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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