How much does a Ship engineer make

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Ship engineer

45 300 kr

Engineers and technicians in mechanical engineering

37 000 - 68 000 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

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Salary progression Ship engineer

Average salary 45 300 kr
Males 45 600 kr
Females 43 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 206 Vacant jobs ->

What does a ship engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

Ship engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining ships and marine technical systems. Their tasks include everything from design and calculations to project management and quality assurance of ship machinery, hulls, and technical installations. The role often also involves ensuring that ships meet safety and environmental standards, as well as leading or participating in inspections and repairs. The work environment varies between office settings, shipyards, and sometimes onboard ships, requiring both technical skills and the ability to handle complex projects in dynamic environments.

Salary development over time

The salary for ship engineers has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,500 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 43 700 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5.4%. In 2024, the trend continued upward to 45 300 SEK, a further increase of 3.7%. This salary development reflects a continued demand for technical expertise in the shipping and shipbuilding industries, where specialized engineering skills are crucial to meet new environmental regulations and technical challenges. Salary increases can also be linked to the generally competitive job market for mechanical engineers, where employers need to offer attractive conditions to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Ship engineer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 68,000 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
  • Hourly wage: 272 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 43 200 SEK, men 45 600 SEK (women earn 95 % of what men do)
  • Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences are unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship engineer, a university engineering or master's degree in mechanical engineering, marine technology, or ship engineering is usually required. The education combines technical subjects with practical training and often includes project work, providing broad competence in both design and operation of ships. For certain positions, certifications or special authorizations may also be necessary, especially for work onboard ships.

  • Formal education: Master's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering/marine technology (3–5 years)
  • Certifications: Certification for onboard work, e.g., engine officer
  • Practical training: Mandatory internships or trainee programs during studies
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility plus special requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs with strong ties to the shipping industry and opportunities for international internships

Many ship engineers have the opportunity to work on international projects and collaborations, as the shipping industry often operates globally. This opens doors for work abroad and contributes to a dynamic career with varied tasks and environments.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ship engineers are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pensions, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses or profit sharing. When working abroad or onboard ships, per diems and travel allowances may also be provided, along with opportunities for further training and certification support.

Competition and challenges

The job market for ship engineers is characterized by a limited number of educational places and, consequently, a limited supply of recent graduates. At the same time, competition exists for the most attractive positions, especially within large shipping companies and technical consulting firms with international operations. Challenges may include technological changes, increased environmental requirements, and digitalization, which demand continuous education and adaptability. Staying updated on new technologies and regulations is crucial for long-term success in the profession.

Tips for aspiring ship engineers

To succeed as a ship engineer, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with strong analytical skills and a structured work approach. Attention to detail and a solutions-oriented mindset are important, especially when handling complex technical problems within tight deadlines. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in project teams with various specialists, and communication skills are valuable for explaining technical solutions to colleagues and clients. Flexibility and adaptability are needed, as the work environment can shift between office, shipyard, and onboard ships. Being open to new technologies and ongoing education makes it easier to meet the industry's rapid development. A strong safety mindset is also essential, as the work often involves systems that impact both the environment and safety.

Key facts about Ship Engineer

  • Salary range: 37,000–68,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 45 300 SEK/month
  • Education level: Master's or Bachelor's degree (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Office, shipyard, and sometimes onboard ships
  • Job openings in the profession: 564

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a ship engineer can advance to leading roles such as project manager, technical manager, or specialist in areas like design, energy optimization, or environmental technology. Opportunities also exist to work as a consultant, inspector, or in research and development. The employment agency's forecasts for engineers and technicians in mechanical engineering show stable demand, although specific assessments for ship engineers are unavailable due to limited data. However, the profession is considered to have good development opportunities and international mobility, making the future outlook positive for those who want to specialize or broaden their skills.

Frequently asked questions about Ship Engineer

  • What is the average salary of a ship engineer?
    - A ship engineer has an average salary of 45 300 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a ship engineer?
    - The highest salary is 68,000 SEK and the lowest is 37,000 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn 43 200 SEK and men 45 600 SEK per month, meaning women earn 95 % of what men do.
  • What education is required to become a ship engineer?
    - A Master's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, marine technology, or ship engineering is usually required.
  • What is the job market like for ship engineers?
    - There are 564 job openings, and the outlook is considered stable, although no specific forecast exists for the occupation.
  • What are common tasks for a ship engineer?
    - Design, development, maintenance, and quality assurance of ships and marine technical systems.
  • What is the hourly wage for a ship engineer?
    - The hourly wage is 272 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 01:21:00

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ship engineer is 68000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 50500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ship engineer is 37000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 39900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 33500 kr 34400 kr
25-34 98% 40200 kr 40900 kr
35-44 102% 43600 kr 45000 kr
45-54 95% 48200 kr 49400 kr
55-64 93% 44900 kr 46300 kr
65-68 48200 kr 49400 kr
Snitt 95% 44100 kr 45300 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 Ship engineer has the SSYK code 3114, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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