- Salary statistics
- Ship engineer salary
Ship engineer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
38 400 - 69 600 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
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Salary progression Ship engineer
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 45 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5.4%. In 2024, the trend continued upward to 46 800 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: 46 800 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 45 900 SEK, men 46 900 SEK (women earn 98 % 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.
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: 46 800 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 46 800 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 45 900 SEK and men 46 900 SEK per month, meaning women earn 98 % 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 34500 kr | 36500 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 41900 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44800 kr | 45800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49500 kr | 50600 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 47800 kr | 49400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45600 kr | 46800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 36200 kr | 36500 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 42500 kr | 43100 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 46300 kr | 47000 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 48100 kr | 48900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 48300 kr | 49100 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 49700 kr | 50100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46600 kr | 47300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34900 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 95% | 39100 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 41600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 43600 kr | 44500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 44900 kr | 45500 kr |
| 65-68 | 40200 kr | 40200 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 42000 kr | 42700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 90% | 37200 kr | 37700 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 43500 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 47000 kr | 47700 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 48600 kr | 49400 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 49000 kr | 49700 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 50400 kr | 50700 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 47400 kr | 48100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 41800 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 47500 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 49600 kr | 50100 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 48400 kr | 49700 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 51800 kr | 53400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 47900 kr | 48800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 34400 kr | 36500 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41800 kr | 42700 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 44600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49600 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 47800 kr | 49400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45500 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 34400 kr | 36500 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41800 kr | 42700 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 44600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49600 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 47800 kr | 49400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45500 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 34400 kr | 36200 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 41900 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44500 kr | 45600 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49500 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 48000 kr | 49600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45700 kr | 46900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 36300 kr | 36700 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 42900 kr | 43800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 46500 kr | 47500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 48300 kr | 49300 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 48700 kr | 49700 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 49700 kr | 50200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 47100 kr | 48000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 95% | 39400 kr | 40200 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 42100 kr | 42700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 43700 kr | 44700 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 45400 kr | 46100 kr |
| 65-68 | 40200 kr | 40200 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 42400 kr | 43100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 90% | 39300 kr | 40700 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 44500 kr | 45400 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 47400 kr | 48500 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 49300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 49600 kr | 50400 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 50700 kr | 51000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 48200 kr | 49200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 41200 kr | 42500 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 47900 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 48800 kr | 49500 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 48600 kr | 50000 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 51500 kr | 53600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 47900 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 34400 kr | 36200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41900 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 44300 kr | 45400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49600 kr | 50800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 47900 kr | 49600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45600 kr | 46800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 34400 kr | 36200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41900 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 44300 kr | 45400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49600 kr | 50800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 47900 kr | 49600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45600 kr | 46800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 34600 kr | 37100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 41600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 46500 kr | 47000 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49200 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 46600 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45200 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 35900 kr | 36300 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 41900 kr | 42000 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 45900 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 47700 kr | 48000 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 46900 kr | 47000 kr |
| 65-68 | 99% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 45600 kr | 45800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38100 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 39400 kr | 39600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 43000 kr | 43300 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 42300 kr | 42300 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 90% | 36300 kr | 36400 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 42300 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 46300 kr | 46600 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 47600 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 48900 kr | 49000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 45900 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 43600 kr | 43600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 46100 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 52300 kr | 52400 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 45700 kr | 45700 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 52800 kr | 52800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 48000 kr | 48100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 34500 kr | 37100 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 46700 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49700 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 46600 kr | 47600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45100 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 34500 kr | 37100 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 41600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 46700 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49700 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 46600 kr | 47600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45100 kr | 45900 kr |
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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