How much does a Motorman make

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Motorman

39 400 kr

Maintenance mechanics and machine repairers

25 600 - 41 000 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Motorman

Average salary 39 400 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 38 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 161 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Motorman do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Motorman primarily works onboard ships and is responsible for operation, supervision, and basic maintenance of machinery and technical equipment. Tasks also include reporting faults, participating in minor repairs, and assisting with servicing the engine room. The work is often performed in engine rooms and other technical departments where the environment can be noisy, hot, and require constant attention to safety procedures. The Motorman works closely with the chief engineer and technical staff and must often be prepared for shift work, including nights and weekends, especially on longer sea voyages.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Motorman has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,500 SEK per month, which rose to 37 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 39 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8% over the period. This positive trend can largely be explained by continued demand for technically skilled personnel within shipping and increased requirements related to modern ships and machinery systems. The industry’s need to attract and retain educated staff has also contributed to rising wages, despite the overall profession having a balanced job market.

Motorman salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (women, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (men, private sector, post-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 237 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 38 500 SEK (98% of men's salary)
  • Men's average salary: 39 500 SEK
  • Regional differences: Variations may occur depending on employer and traffic area, but larger salary differences are mainly influenced by sector and education level.

Education and qualifications

The path to working as a Motorman usually involves maritime high school programs or equivalent adult education, followed by practical training and supplementary courses. Formal certificates are required to work at sea, and employers highly value experience in machinery maintenance and technical systems. Basic knowledge of mechanical engineering, safety procedures, and English are important for success in the role.

  • High school education: Maritime program, 3 years
  • Certificates: Engine Officer Class VIII, Basic Safety
  • Practical training: Mandatory ship-based internship during education
  • Prerequisites: Passed grades in mathematics, technology, and Swedish/English
  • Tips: Extra courses in mechanical engineering and hydraulics increase employability

The working days for a Motorman can vary greatly – from routine maintenance to urgent repairs during machinery failure. Flexibility and the ability to quickly solve problems are therefore highly valued qualities in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Many Motormen are entitled to supplements for unsocial hours, per diems for longer trips, and sometimes special bonuses related to vessel type or shipping company. Healthcare, wellness allowances, and pension contributions are also common, as is the possibility of extra leave after longer sea periods.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Motormen is characterized by balance, with moderate job opportunities according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, partly due to technological development and automation in shipping. Challenges include high demands for technical competence and the ability to handle advanced machinery systems, while the work environment can be physically demanding and strenuous. Competition for the most attractive positions is greatest within larger shipping companies and on modern vessels.

Tips for those who want to become a Motorman

To succeed as a Motorman, it is good to be curious about technology and to have a strong sense of responsibility, as the work requires constant monitoring of important machinery systems. Precision is crucial for detecting and fixing faults in time, and good teamwork skills facilitate work in the often small engine crew. Practical problem-solving skills are important when unexpected situations arise at sea, and flexibility helps with shift work and rapid adjustments. Being resilient under stress is a big advantage, especially when workload increases during operational disruptions. For those aiming to enter the profession, gaining practical experience and maintaining contacts within the industry is beneficial, as many jobs are advertised through networks. A genuine interest in shipping and technology provides extra motivation in daily work.

Key facts about a Motorman

  • Education level: High school (Maritime program) with certificates
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, noisy and technically advanced environments
  • Work pattern: Shift work, often longer periods at sea
  • Demand: Moderate, balanced job market
  • Special skills: Mechanical engineering, safety routines, English

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a Motorman can advance to positions such as motorman, engine officer, or technical manager onboard, especially with further education and good references. Opportunities also exist in land-based operations and maintenance, such as maintenance mechanic in industry. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that the job market for this profession will remain stable over the next five years, with ongoing demand for skilled workers due to technological development and retirements. With 481 job openings in the group, competition for entry-level jobs is moderate, but specialization and further training can provide clear career advantages.

Frequently asked questions about Motorman

  • What does a Motorman earn?
    - A Motorman has an average salary of 39 400 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn on average 39 500 SEK, women 38 500 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Motorman?
    - High school maritime education and certificates, such as Engine Officer Class VIII, are required.
  • What are the future prospects for a Motorman?
    - The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over five years.
  • What occupational health and safety risks exist?
    - The work environment is noisy, physically demanding, and may involve exposure to heat and risks during machinery maintenance.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Motorman?
    - The highest salary is 41,000 SEK, the lowest is 25,600 SEK.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Salary differences are mainly influenced by sector and education level rather than region.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 03:01:43

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Motorman is 41000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 40300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Motorman is 25600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 101% 32600 kr 35200 kr
25-34 96% 36000 kr 38800 kr
35-44 102% 37500 kr 40100 kr
45-54 97% 38200 kr 40400 kr
55-64 98% 38000 kr 39800 kr
65-68 36800 kr 37800 kr
Snitt 98% 37100 kr 39400 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 Motorman has the SSYK code 7233, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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