Image that illustrates Sailing instructor

Sailing instructor

34 900 kr

Sports trainers and instructors etc.

27 300 - 39 000 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sailing instructor

Average salary 34 900 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 200 kr

What does a sailing instructor do? – Tasks and work environment

A sailing instructor is responsible for teaching the fundamentals and advanced techniques of sailing to both children and adults. Tasks include planning and conducting practical sailing lessons, safety briefings, and theoretical sessions on navigation, weather, and seamanship. The instructor often leads groups on the water, organizes competitions, and ensures all equipment is in good condition. The work environment is typically outdoors by the sea, lakes, or in archipelago settings, which involves working in varying weather conditions and sometimes long days during peak season.

Salary development over time

The salary for sailing instructors has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, which increased to 34 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 900 SEK per month in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 4.8% over the period. The salary increase can be explained by an increased demand for qualified instructors, especially during the summer months, as well as a general wage rise within the sports and leisure sector. Education level and experience have also become more important, contributing to the positive salary trend for the profession.

Sailing instructor salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (men), 28,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (men), 36,600 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Varies depending on location and proximity to major sailing centers

Education and qualifications

To work as a sailing instructor, a certification through sailing federations or sports organizations is usually required, often combined with personal sailing experience. Many employers also require certifications in lifesaving and first aid, as well as leadership training. Practical components are almost always included, as safety and the ability to handle unforeseen situations are central parts of the profession.

  • Instructor training: 1–2 weeks, arranged by the Swedish Sailing Federation
  • Certifications: Lifesaving and first aid
  • Practical experience: Usually at least one season as an assistant or helper instructor
  • Prerequisites: Good sailing skills and swimming ability
  • Additional training: Leadership courses and pedagogy, preferably online

Many sailing instructors return year after year to the same club or sailing school, creating a strong community and continuity among both instructors and students. Building relationships and sharing the joy of sailing are often as important as the teaching itself.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as free or discounted courses, access to boats and equipment, as well as participation in training camps and competitions, are often offered. Many employers also provide food and accommodation during seasonal employment, especially at summer camps, along with insurance and wellness contributions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a sailing instructor is relatively high during the summer months, when most camps and courses are held. One of the biggest challenges is adapting teaching to students with varying experience levels and ages, while always prioritizing safety. Working conditions can be physically demanding, especially in unfavorable weather, and working hours are often irregular with intense periods. A shortage of experienced instructors can occur in some regions, which may create opportunities for new instructors but also demands high responsibility and flexibility.

Tips for aspiring sailing instructors

To succeed as a sailing instructor, it is good to combine pedagogical skills with a genuine interest in sailing and nature. Patience and good communication facilitate guiding different students, while initiative and decisiveness are crucial in unforeseen situations on the water. Engagement and leadership are highly valued since the instructor is often a role model for young sailors. Practical experience from sailing schools or clubs provides an advantage, and ongoing education in safety and pedagogy enhances employment prospects. Demonstrating responsibility and a positive attitude in all weather conditions is also key to building trust among colleagues and students.

Key facts about Sailing Instructor

  • Salary range: 27,300–39,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Education requirements: Instructor training (1–2 weeks) and lifesaving certification
  • Work environment: Outdoors by lakes or sea, often seasonal
  • Demand: 434 job openings in the profession according to current statistics

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many sailing instructors have the opportunity to advance to chief instructor, training leader, or club manager. It is also common to combine the instructor role with work in other sports or leisure sectors. According to the Employment Service, the outlook is good, especially during the summer season when demand for qualified instructors is high. The opportunity for seasonal work abroad or in larger sailing events increases with experience and further education.

Frequently asked questions about Sailing Instructor

  • What does a Sailing Instructor earn?
    - The average salary is 34 900 SEK per month, with a range between 27,300 and 39,000 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a sailing instructor?
    - Instructor training through sailing federations and certification in lifesaving and first aid are required.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for sailing instructors?
    - Demand is high during the summer season, with 434 job openings according to current statistics.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Pedagogical ability, responsibility, and good communication are central qualities.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment is outdoor-based, often by the sea or lakes, and can be physically demanding.
  • Are there any additional benefits offered?
    - Yes, common benefits include free courses, access to boats, food, and accommodation during seasonal work, as well as wellness contributions.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sailing instructor is 39000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sailing instructor is 27300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 108% 25500 kr 27800 kr
25-34 90% 32100 kr 33000 kr
35-44 92% 37400 kr 37900 kr
45-54 103% 38800 kr 39200 kr
55-64 100% 38300 kr 39100 kr
Snitt 96% 33900 kr 34900 kr
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 Sailing instructor has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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