- Salary statistics
- Sailor salary
Sailor salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 000 - 42 800 SEK / month
Women earn 88% of what men do.
Transport
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Salary progression Sailor
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 36 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 37 000 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: 37 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
- Men's average salary: 37 800 SEK/month
- Women's average salary: 33,500 SEK/month
- Women earn: 88% 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.
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 37 000 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 88% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28100 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33700 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39200 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37500 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39400 kr | 41300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35700 kr | 37000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28400 kr | 29100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39500 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39800 kr | 41700 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 36400 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 32300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 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 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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