How much does a Shipping agent make

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  2. Shipping agent
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Shipping agent

41 100 kr

Forwarding agents and transport brokers

37 900 - 50 000 kr / month

Women earn 90% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Shipping agent

Average salary 41 100 kr
Males 43 000 kr
Females 38 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 11 Vacant jobs ->

What does a shipping agent do? – Tasks and working environment

A shipping agent is responsible for managing and coordinating transportation and logistics for shipping companies, including booking ships, negotiating with clients and suppliers, and monitoring freight flows. The tasks often involve contact with multiple parties both nationally and internationally to ensure efficient and safe cargo transport. The working environment is usually office-based but can also include travel to ports and other logistical hubs to follow up and resolve issues in the supply chain.

Salary development over time

The salaries of shipping agents have shown positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 37,900 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 indicates a further increase to 41 100 SEK, representing a total salary increase of about 10.8% over three years. This rise can be linked to increased demand for specialized transport and logistics skills, as well as an overall improved economic climate in the maritime and transport sectors. Additionally, higher education levels and efficiency demands in the industry have contributed to rising salary levels for shipping agents.

Many shipping agents develop deep knowledge of international trade regulations and customs handling, making them indispensable in global logistics networks.

– statsskuld.se

Shipping agent salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 50,000 SEK (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Hourly wage: 247 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 38900 SEK, which corresponds to 90% of men's salary of 43 000 SEK
  • Regional differences: Data is lacking for specific regional variations, but salary levels can be influenced by the size of the labor market and the concentration of shipping companies in different regions.

Education and qualifications

The pathway to becoming a shipping agent often involves a combination of formal education in logistics, commerce, or transportation, along with practical experience in the industry. Many have post-secondary education in transport and forwarding, but a high school education with relevant internships can also be sufficient.

  • Formal degrees: Post-secondary education in logistics, transportation, or forwarding (1–3 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Courses in international trade, customs handling, and maritime studies
  • Internships/trainee positions: Internships within shipping or forwarding companies are common and valuable
  • Prerequisites: High school education with a focus on commerce or transportation
  • Self-study/online courses: Possible to supplement with specialized online courses in logistics and maritime studies
  • Advice for choosing: Opting for education with an international focus and practical opportunities enhances career prospects

Common benefits and compensation

Shipping agents often enjoy benefits such as occupational pensions, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Travel expenses can be reimbursed for business trips, and some employers offer bonuses linked to performance and efficiency in handling freight. Social benefits and collective agreements are common in the industry.

Competition and challenges

The job market for shipping agents is competitive, especially in major port cities where many companies seek qualified personnel. One of the biggest challenges is staying updated with changes in international regulations and transportation technologies. The industry also demands high flexibility and problem-solving skills, as unforeseen events in logistics often require quick decisions. Digitalization and automation are also impacting the profession, requiring ongoing skills development.

Tips for aspiring shipping agents

To succeed as a shipping agent, it is beneficial to develop strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with various actors in the supply chain, as teamwork is central to the profession. Attention to detail helps avoid costly mistakes in bookings and documentation. Problem-solving skills are crucial for handling unexpected obstacles quickly. Flexibility and adaptability are also valuable, as tasks can vary and require quick changes. Finally, an interest in international trade laws and regulations, which are often central to the job, is highly advantageous.

Key facts about shipping agents

  • Education level: High school to post-secondary education in transportation and logistics
  • Salary range: 37,900–50,000 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Office-based with travel and client contact
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn on average 90% of men's salaries
  • Employment type: Employment within private shipping companies and forwarding firms

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, a shipping agent can advance to more specialized roles within logistics and transportation management, such as forwarding manager or logistics coordinator. Opportunities also exist to work in international sales or customer relations within the shipping industry. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts do not specify for shipping agents, but within related fields like freight forwarders and transport brokers, there are approximately 550 job openings, indicating steady demand. The profession is influenced by global trade flows and technological development, making continuous skills development important for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about shipping agents

  • What is the average salary of a shipping agent?
    - The average salary for a shipping agent is approximately 41 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a shipping agent?
    - Typically, a high school education in commerce or transportation, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in logistics or forwarding.
  • Are there significant gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average about 90% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What is the working environment like for a shipping agent?
    - The work environment is mainly office-based with some travel to ports.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, good communication, and flexibility are key traits.
  • How has the salary developed in recent years?
    - Salaries have increased from 37,100 SEK in 2022 to 41 100 SEK in 2024, a rise of just over 10%.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The profession is expected to have stable demand within transportation and logistics, with good opportunities for career growth.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 11:04:45

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Shipping agent is 50000 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 44400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Shipping agent is 37900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30200 kr 31100 kr
25-34 90% 37900 kr 38500 kr
35-44 84% 41700 kr 42900 kr
45-54 81% 43000 kr 45000 kr
55-64 96% 41800 kr 43400 kr
Snitt 90% 39900 kr 41100 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 Shipping agent has the SSYK code 3331, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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