- Salary statistics
- Sail seamstress
Sail seamstress
31 574 - 31 077 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Sail seamstress
What does a sailmaker do? – Tasks and work environment
A sailmaker primarily works with manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining sails for sailboats and other vessels. Tasks include both hand sewing and machine sewing, where precision and accuracy are crucial to ensure the sail’s durability and functionality. Work often takes place in specialized workshops or small studios near harbors and boatyards. The environment can vary from calm indoor settings to more physically demanding conditions when handling larger sails or working outdoors on-site. Contact with boat owners and clients is common to tailor work to individual needs.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for sailmakers has shown a steady but modest increase. In 2022, the average salary was 30,698 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 30 948 SEK in 2023. The latest level, 2024, is 31 077 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of about 1.2% over three years, indicating relatively low salary dynamics within the profession. The modest change can partly be explained by stable demand for skilled sailmakers, but the number of positions is limited and the market is relatively niche. The profession is also affected by seasonal variations and the overall development within the boat and leisure sector.
Sailmaker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 077 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 187 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Not specified
- Regional differences: Not specified
Education and qualifications
To work as a sailmaker, a basic education in sewing or textiles is often required, preferably with a focus on craftsmanship or industrial sewing. Practical experience from the boating industry or related fields is highly meritorious. Many employers also value specialized courses in sailmaking and an interest in boating. It is common to start as an apprentice and build skills through practical work.
- Vocational training: Textiles or sewing, 1–3 years
- Special courses: Focus on sailmaking or boat craftsmanship
- Internships: Apprenticeships with established sailmaking companies
- Prerequisites: Basic sewing skills
- Tips: Interest in boats and marine materials is advantageous
Sailmakers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, where each project requires a unique solution. Many professionals appreciate the variety, as no two days are the same, and tasks range from creative repairs to advanced new production.
Common benefits and compensations
Sailmakers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, seasonal leave, and sometimes employee discounts on marine products. Some workplaces provide wellness allowances and opportunities for further training in textiles or boat craftsmanship. Overtime pay and allowances for unsociable hours may apply depending on the employer and season.
Competition and challenges
The profession of sailmaking is niche, and competition for positions can be moderate, but the number of available jobs is limited as demand is linked to the development of the boat industry and the popularity of leisure boats. Challenges mainly include staying updated on new materials and techniques, as well as managing seasonal fluctuations where workload can vary significantly. Few training places and a small labor market mean that engagement and specialization are required to establish oneself. At the same time, the profession offers opportunities for driven individuals interested in craftsmanship and boating.
Tips for aspiring sailmakers
To succeed as a sailmaker, it is good to have a genuine interest in craftsmanship and boating, along with great attention to detail. Creativity helps when unique solutions are needed for repairs or custom orders, and a practical mindset is essential for handling machines and materials. Good collaboration skills facilitate teamwork with colleagues and clients, especially on larger projects. Flexibility is important as tasks can vary depending on the season and orders. Patience and perseverance are advantageous since some tasks are time-consuming and require precision. Finally, seeking internships or apprenticeships is valuable for gaining experience and building a network within the industry.
Key facts about sailmakers
- Average salary: 31 077 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 187 SEK/hour
- Education level: Vocational training in textiles/sewing
- Work environment: Workshop, sometimes physically demanding
- Available jobs in the profession: 341
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years, a sailmaker can take on more advanced tasks, such as supervisor, customer manager, or specialist in marine textiles. Some choose to start their own sailmaking business or pursue further education in design and product development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no specific assessment for sailmakers, but within the sewing profession, there were 341 available jobs in the latest survey. Future prospects depend on the development of the boating industry and demand for customized craftsmanship, which means the job market can be stable but limited for those specialized in sailmaking.
Frequently asked questions about sailmakers
- What does a sailmaker earn?
- The average salary for a sailmaker is 31 077 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a sailmaker?
- Vocational training in sewing or textiles is most common, often with specialization in marine craftsmanship. - Are there many job opportunities for sailmakers?
- In the latest survey, there were 341 available jobs, but the profession is narrow and specialized. - What is the work environment like for a sailmaker?
- Work mainly takes place in workshops, sometimes involving physically demanding lifts and varied tasks. - What qualities are important for success as a sailmaker?
- Precision, creativity, and practical skills are central qualities for the profession. - What development opportunities are available for sailmakers?
- Career options include specialization, entrepreneurship, or supervisory roles within sailmaking workshops.
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 Sail seamstress has the SSYK code 7532, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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