- Salary statistics
- Sailmaker
Sailmaker
31 574 - 31 077 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Sailmaker
What does a sailmaker do? – Tasks and working environment
A sailmaker manufactures, repairs, and maintains sails for various types of sailboats, from recreational boats to larger vessels. Tasks include measuring, cutting, and sewing sailcloth, as well as installing fittings and reinforcements. The profession also involves advising customers on material choices and sail design, and sometimes working with other marine textiles such as covers and tarpaulins. The working environment is often workshop-based and may involve both sewing machine work and manual craftsmanship on the floor. Workdays vary with the season and demand; during spring and early summer, the workload is at its peak as many boat owners want their sails ready for the sailing season.
Salary development over time
The salary development for sailmakers has been stable over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,698 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 30 948 SEK in 2023, and further up to 31 077 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 1.2% over three years. The slow salary growth reflects a relatively constant demand for the profession and a job market where the supply of trained sailmakers is limited but not in acute shortage. The profession belongs to a small occupational group, with market development closely linked to the recreational boat industry and seasonal variations, which can influence salary levels over time. Technological innovations and material development have also contributed to increased demands for specialized knowledge, but so far, this has not resulted in significant salary jumps.
Sailmaker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 077 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 187 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No specific data available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a sailmaker often involves vocational training in textiles and sewing, complemented by specialized courses in sailmaking or marine textiles. Formal education is not always mandatory, but practical experience and craftsmanship skills are highly valued. Many learn the profession through apprenticeships or internships at established sailmaking workshops, and there are also opportunities for self-study and online courses.
- Vocational training in textiles/sewing: 1–3 years
- Specialized courses in sailmaking: Offered by industry organizations
- Internship or apprenticeship: Very common and valuable
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of sewing and material science
- Tips for choosing: Opt for training with marine textiles for the best preparation
An interesting detail about the sailmaking profession is that it combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced material technology. Modern sails are often made from high-tech materials that require both attention to detail and understanding of aerodynamics – a rare combination in the craft world.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for sailmakers include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses during peak season. Flexible working hours during the low season and opportunities for further education in marine textiles or new materials are also common. Some employers offer staff discounts on their products and services.
Competition and challenges
Competition within the sailmaking profession is moderate, but challenges include a limited job market and seasonal variations affecting the number of assignments. Due to the niche nature of the profession, specialized knowledge and the ability to adapt to new materials and techniques are often required. Digitalization and automation influence the profession to some extent, but personal craftsmanship and customer contact remain central. Finding apprenticeships can be challenging, especially in regions with few established sailmaking workshops. Another challenge is maintaining high quality work during periods of high demand, when the need for sails is greatest.
Tips for those wanting to become a sailmaker
To succeed as a sailmaker, it’s good to combine precision with creativity and a genuine interest in boating. Being handy and patient is crucial, as the work demands accuracy and concentration over long periods. Practical skills facilitate problem-solving and customizing sails to customer needs. Good communication skills are an advantage, as customer contact and advising are often part of the job. Flexibility and the ability to quickly switch between tasks are also important, especially during busy seasons. Being curious about new materials and techniques makes it easier to stay updated in the profession, and an interest in marine environments and boating provides extra motivation in daily work.
Key facts about Sailmakers
- Average salary: 31 077 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 187 SEK/hour
- Education pathway: Vocational training in textiles/sewing, often practical
- Job openings in the profession: 341
- Work environment: Workshop setting with seasonal workload
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a sailmaker can advance to supervisory roles within the workshop or develop their own business specializing in marine textiles. There are also opportunities for further education in design, product development, or sales of marine products. Future prospects are considered stable, but since the profession is small and specialized, no detailed forecast is provided by the Employment Service. The industry’s development is closely linked to the boat industry and interest in recreational boating, which means the job market can vary between regions. Within the profession, there are 341 job openings, indicating some demand for labor despite limited specific statistics on sailmakers.
Frequently asked questions about Sailmakers
- What is the average salary of a sailmaker?
- A sailmaker has an average monthly salary of 31 077 SEK. - How has the salary development for sailmakers looked?
- Salaries have increased slightly over the past three years, with a total increase of about 1.2%. - What education is required to become a sailmaker?
- Vocational training in textiles or sewing is recommended, often supplemented with practical experience. - Are there many job openings for sailmakers?
- There are approximately 341 job openings according to current statistics. - What is the working environment like for sailmakers?
- The working environment is workshop-based and seasonal, with periods of high workload. - What personal qualities are important for a sailmaker?
- Precision, practical skills, creativity, and an interest in boating are important qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Sailmaker has the SSYK code 7532, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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