How much does a Master pilot make

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Master pilot

50 500 kr

Ship officers etc.

44 900 - 55 300 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Master pilot

Average salary 50 500 kr
Males 50 500 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a master pilot do? – Tasks and working environment

A master pilot is responsible for guiding ships through Swedish waters, especially in complex or narrow passages where navigation requires special expertise. The work involves assisting ship officers with route planning, monitoring navigation systems, and making quick decisions under changing conditions. The working environment is characterized by high responsibility, often in shifts and in varying weather conditions. Master pilots work onboard ships or from pilot boats and collaborate closely with other crew members and harbor personnel to ensure safe passage.

Salary development over time

The salary for master pilots has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, which increased to 48 600 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows an average salary of 50 500 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 6.1 % over two years. This salary increase reflects a continued demand for experienced pilots and an increased need for specialized competence within shipping. The shortage of new pilots due to retirements and the high safety standards required for the profession have likely contributed to the positive salary trend. The pilot market is relatively small, and salary levels are influenced more by supply and demand than by large collective bargaining agreements.

Master 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: 304 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 50 500 SEK, women data incomplete but highest/lowest salaries available
  • Regional differences: No clear data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a master pilot, extensive education and long experience within maritime operations are required. The entry path typically begins with maritime officer training at college or university, followed by several years of practical work as a ship officer. Then, specialized pilot training and certification are necessary before assuming the role of a master pilot. In addition to formal qualifications, a medical examination and ongoing training are required to maintain certification.

  • Formal education: Maritime officer training (3–4 years at college or university)
  • Certifications: Pilot certificate according to the Swedish Transport Agency's requirements
  • Practical experience: Several years of service as a ship officer
  • Prerequisites: Approved medical examination and vision test
  • Ongoing training: Mandatory to maintain certification

Master pilots are often the first to board foreign ships arriving at Swedish ports. The role requires not only technical skill but also good language skills and the ability to quickly build trust across different cultures.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for master pilots include overtime pay for unsociable hours, additional pay for on-call duties, and wellness allowances. Many employers also offer pension contributions beyond collective agreements and access to corporate health services. Additional perks may include free uniforms, meal allowances, and opportunities for training during working hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for master pilot positions is relatively low, as the profession requires extensive experience and specialized training. Challenges mainly involve high safety demands, constant alertness, and managing unforeseen situations in difficult weather conditions. The number of available positions is limited, but retirements gradually open new opportunities. There are also requirements to continually update navigation and regulatory knowledge. Stress management and the ability to make quick decisions are crucial for success in the role.

Tips for aspiring master pilots

To succeed as a master pilot, attention to detail and a strong safety mindset are essential, as each decision can have significant consequences. Perseverance and stress resilience are important, especially when working under pressure or during inconvenient hours. Early internships within shipping help build experience and networks. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with crew and external stakeholders. A willingness to learn continuously is also vital, as maritime technology and regulations are constantly evolving. Being service-oriented and flexible helps manage unexpected situations onboard. Finally, be prepared for a life where working days can be long and varied.

Key facts about master pilots

  • Education level: Maritime officer training (3–4 years) and pilot certification
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, often in shifts and in varying weather conditions
  • Job openings in the profession: 412 (2024)
  • Occupational group: Ship officers and others
  • Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (men), 54,900 SEK/month (women)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a master pilot, opportunities exist to advance to managerial roles within the pilot service or take responsibility for larger geographic areas. Some choose to specialize in training and supervising new pilots. Others pursue expert roles in maritime safety or work on developing navigation systems. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for master pilots due to limited data, but within the ship officer occupational group, there are 412 job openings, indicating a stable demand. The job market is mainly influenced by retirements and sector developments.

Common questions about master pilots

  • What does a master pilot earn?
    - A master pilot has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
  • How does one become a master pilot?
    - The path involves maritime officer training, several years of experience as a ship officer, and then pilot certification.
  • What are the working hours for a master pilot?
    - The work is often shift-based, with on-call duties and standby, sometimes during inconvenient hours.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Men's average salary is 50 500 SEK, while complete data for women is lacking, but highest and lowest salaries are known.
  • What benefits are common for master pilots?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, pension contributions, wellness allowances, and health services.
  • How is the job market for master pilots?
    - The number of positions is limited but stable, mainly due to retirements and sector development.
  • What education is required to work as a master pilot?
    - Maritime officer training at college or university, along with pilot certification and several years of experience as a ship officer.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-14 00:10:21

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Master pilot is 55300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 54900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Master pilot is 44900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 48700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 47100 kr 51800 kr
45-54 49000 kr 54200 kr
55-64 45500 kr 48800 kr
Snitt 46400 kr 50500 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Master pilot has the SSYK code 3152, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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