How much does a Sailor make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Sailor
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Sailor

36 100 kr

Sailors and deckhands etc.

31 800 - 42 100 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sailor

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 400 kr
Females 33 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Matros do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Matros works onboard ships and primarily participates in operating and maintaining the vessel. This includes loading and unloading cargo, handling mooring, maintaining decks and equipment, and participating in safety work onboard. The work environment is often physical and outdoors, with shift work and sometimes long periods at sea. Matros work on cargo ships, passenger ferries, and within maritime authorities, which can involve varying tasks depending on the vessel type and route.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary of a Matros has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.2% over the period. This development can be linked to continued demand for maritime personnel, while the job market in the transport sector has remained stable. Increased specialization and certification requirements in maritime work have also contributed to strengthening salary progression for the profession. Although the market is relatively small, the salary increase reflects good competitiveness for the career.

Matros salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 36 400 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 33,500 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 92% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Matros, a vocational maritime education is usually required, followed by practical training and specific certificates. The education combines theoretical subjects with maritime practice, and after completing the education, certification as a Matros according to the Transport Agency's regulations is necessary. Practical onboard experience is an important part of the qualification process.

  • Vocational maritime education: 3 years
  • Matros certification: Issued by the Transport Agency after education and practical training
  • Mandatory certificates: Safety courses and maritime safety
  • Practical training onboard: At least 12 months of documented sea time
  • Prerequisites: Passed basic schooling, swimming skills, and a medical certificate for seafarers

It is common for Matros to quickly take on significant responsibility onboard, especially on smaller vessels where the crew is small and tasks vary. The role often requires high flexibility and the ability to work closely with others, which means many gain broad experience early in their careers.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Matros are often offered benefits such as per diems for longer voyages, free meals onboard, and sometimes access to wellness allowances. Insurance and extra compensation for night and weekend work are also common. Working hours can be inconvenient, but are often compensated with longer rest periods between sea trips.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Matros is characterized by relatively stable demand, but competition can vary depending on vessel type and season. Certification and sea time requirements mean that new graduates sometimes need to wait for suitable practical placements. The work environment can be physically and mentally demanding, especially during longer periods at sea. Limited availability of job openings in certain regions can also affect opportunities, although there are generally many vacancies within the profession. Technological developments in maritime work also increase demands for digital skills and adaptability.

Tips for aspiring Matros

To succeed as a Matros, it is good to have a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently, as many onboard tasks require precision and initiative. Being cooperative and social facilitates daily life within the crew, where good communication is essential. Physical endurance and stress resilience are important qualities, as the work can be demanding and requires quick adaptation to different situations. It is recommended to actively seek internships during education and build contacts within the industry to increase employment chances. Staying updated on new safety procedures and technical tools also provides an advantage. Finally, flexibility regarding placement and working hours makes it easier to find good positions within the profession.

Key facts about Matros

  • Education level: Vocational maritime education + certificates
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, often shift work
  • Common employment type: Permanent or seasonal employment
  • Demand: 412 job openings within the profession
  • Lowest/highest salary: 31,800 SEK / 42,100 SEK per month

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a Matros, there are good opportunities to advance to mate, engineering personnel, or other onboard positions, provided additional education and certifications are completed. Some choose to specialize in safety work or further train as a ship captain. The outlook for the Matros profession is stable, but according to the Employment Service, no precise assessment is given due to limited data. However, the number of job openings indicates good opportunities for those with the right qualifications. Continued technological development and increased safety requirements suggest that competent Matros will be in demand in the future as well.

Frequently asked questions about Matros

  • What is the average salary of a Matros per month?
    - A Matros has an average salary of 36 100 SEK per month.
  • What is the lowest and highest salary for a Matros?
    - The lowest salary is 31,800 SEK and the highest is 42,100 SEK per month.
  • How to become a Matros?
    - Through vocational maritime education, practical training, and necessary certificates from the Transport Agency.
  • Is there a difference in salary between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 92% of what men do within the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for Matros?
    - There are 412 job openings within the profession, but regional variations may occur.
  • What benefits are common for Matros?
    - Per diems, free meals, insurance, and extra compensation for inconvenient working hours are common benefits.
  • Can I further my education within the profession?
    - Yes, there are opportunities to advance to mate or ship captain with additional training and experience.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 23:30:00

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sailor is 42100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 41800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sailor is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 26700 kr 29900 kr
25-34 32700 kr 34300 kr
35-44 37300 kr 38400 kr
45-54 35600 kr 37900 kr
55-64 37500 kr 39000 kr
Snitt 92% 34100 kr 36100 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 Sailor has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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