How much does a Sjöman make

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  2. Sjöman
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Sjöman

36 100 kr

Sailors and deckhands etc.

31 800 - 42 100 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sjöman

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 400 kr
Females 33 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Seaman do? – Job tasks and work environment

Seamen work onboard ships and play a central role in safety, operation, and daily tasks at sea. Their main duties include maintaining ship equipment, loading and unloading cargo, watchkeeping, and assisting with navigation and maneuvering. The work environment is characterized by long periods at sea, often in varying weather conditions, demanding both physical and mental endurance. Collaboration onboard is crucial, and work often takes place in multicultural crews where discipline, responsibility, and flexibility are important qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary for seamen has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 900 SEK during 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 6.2% over the period. The trend reflects an increased demand for qualified personnel in the shipping industry as well as general wage growth in the labor market. The clear salary increase may also be due to the diversity of roles within the profession and persistent demand for experienced seamen. Differences in education level and employer also influence salary development, with private sector employees with longer education often earning higher wages.

Seaman salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 36 400 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 33,500 SEK (92% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a seaman, a high school maritime program or equivalent adult education is usually required. Many employers also demand additional certificates and practical experience at sea. The education combines theoretical studies with extensive onboard practice, providing a basic understanding of ship operations, safety, and navigation.

  • Maritime high school education: 3 years, often at the Maritime Program
  • Certificates: Basic Safety and other STCW certificates
  • Onboard practice: Included in the education, usually several months
  • Prerequisites: Approved primary school, swimming skills
  • Further education: Possible via courses or higher maritime officer education

Many seamen have the opportunity to work in international crews, gaining experience of different cultures and working methods. This can create strong professional networks and open doors to jobs worldwide.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Seamen are often offered additional allowances beyond base salary, such as compensation for unsociable hours, per diems during international assignments, onboard meals and accommodation, insurance coverage, and pension contributions. Free travel to and from the ship is often included in employment terms as well.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a seaman is characterized by a labor market where competition varies depending on ship type and employer. The Employment Service does not make specific forecasts due to limited data, but currently there are 412 available jobs in the profession. Challenges include long periods away from home, strenuous weather conditions, and constant readiness. Digitalization and automation of ships may influence the need for traditional seamen in the future, requiring continuous skills development.

Tips for those who want to become a Seaman

To succeed as a seaman, it is good to have a strong sense of responsibility and good teamwork skills, as work onboard requires everyone to contribute to safety and smooth operation. High stress tolerance is important, especially during long periods at sea and in unexpected situations. It is recommended to pursue maritime-oriented education and actively seek internships early to gain experience. Physical endurance and good health are crucial, as the work is often physically demanding and in shifts. Being flexible and open to new work environments facilitates adaptation to life at sea. The ability to work structured and follow routines is also central, especially regarding safety regulations. Finally, an interest in technology and navigation can provide additional opportunities for advancement within the profession.

Key facts about Seaman

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,800–42,100 SEK/month
  • Educational level: Maritime high school education
  • Work environment: Onboard ships, often in an international setting
  • Job openings: 412 in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, seamen can advance to more qualified positions such as boatswain, mate, or engineer, provided further education and necessary certificates are obtained. Experience can also lead to supervisory roles onboard or administrative positions within shipping companies and maritime authorities. The Employment Service does not provide an exact forecast due to limited data, but the presence of over 400 available jobs indicates ongoing demand. Digitalization and increased environmental and safety requirements may influence recruitment needs in the future, making continuous further training and specialization increasingly important for long-term career development.

Frequently asked questions about Seaman

  • What is the average salary of a Seaman?
    - The average salary for a seaman is 36 100 SEK per month.
  • What is the highest salary for a Seaman?
    - The highest salary is 42,100 SEK per month and belongs to a woman with post-secondary education.
  • Are there many job openings for Seaman?
    - Yes, there are currently 412 available jobs in the profession.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Women earn 92% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Seaman?
    - Maritime high school education and certain certificates are usually required.
  • What is the work environment like for Seaman?
    - Work takes place onboard ships, often during long shifts and in changing weather conditions.
  • How has the salary of a Seaman developed in recent years?
    - The salary has increased from 34,000 SEK (2022) to 36 100 SEK (2024).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 00:25:29

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sjöman is 42100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 41800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sjöman is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 26700 kr 29900 kr
25-34 32700 kr 34300 kr
35-44 37300 kr 38400 kr
45-54 35600 kr 37900 kr
55-64 37500 kr 39000 kr
Snitt 92% 34100 kr 36100 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 Sjöman has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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