Image that illustrates Shipbroker

Shipbroker

41 100 kr

Forwarding agents and transport brokers

37 900 - 50 000 kr / month

Women earn 90% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Shipbroker

Average salary 41 100 kr
Males 43 000 kr
Females 38 900 kr

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

A ship agent is responsible for managing and coordinating all administrative and practical tasks related to ship arrivals and departures in port. Tasks include contact with authorities, customs handling, documentation of cargo and crew, and coordination with shipping companies and port authorities. The role requires precision, a structured approach, and the ability to work under time pressure, as ships often have tight schedules for loading and unloading. The work environment is varied, involving both office work and visits to port areas, as well as frequent communication in English and Swedish.

Salary development over time

The salary for a ship agent has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, rising to 37,900 SEK the following year. Between 2023 and 2024, a clear salary increase has been observed, with the current average salary at 41 100 SEK, which corresponds to an approximate 8.4% increase over two years. This development reflects an increased need for qualified personnel within the logistics and shipping sectors, where digitalization and more complex regulations have raised skill requirements and consequently salary levels. The demand for experienced ship agents has also contributed to raising wages, especially in larger port cities where competition for labor is evident.

Ship agent salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
  • Hourly wage: 247 SEK/hour
  • Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 90%
  • Men’s average salary: 43 000 SEK/month
  • Women’s average salary: 38900 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship agent, a high school education with a focus on logistics, shipping, or transportation is usually required, but many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education in shipping, logistics, or economics. Practical experience from port operations, forwarding, or the transportation industry is advantageous, as well as good knowledge of English and Swedish. Some employers may also require specific certificates or completed internal training.

  • High school education: 3 years, preferably with a focus on transport/logistics
  • Post-secondary education: 2–3 years, e.g., vocational college in shipping/logistics
  • Internship or trainee position: Common requirement for employment
  • Language skills: Advanced level in English and Swedish
  • Certifications: Port security, customs handling (may be required by some employers)

A ship agent often acts as the hub between various actors in the port and must quickly solve unexpected problems – from delayed ships to changed cargo plans. The role therefore requires both flexibility and a high level of service ability.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as wellness allowances, flexitime, and extra vacation days are often offered. Some employers also provide occupational pension, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for further training in logistics and shipping. Overtime pay may be applicable for shift work or inconvenient hours.

Competition and challenges

The job market for ship agents is relatively small and specialized. Competition for positions can be intense in large port cities, where many seek the profession for a varied and international work environment. At the same time, digitalization and automation are rapidly changing the tasks, which demands continuous skills development. Managing the high pace and sometimes irregular working hours associated with ship schedules is also a challenge. The lack of standardized educational pathways can make it harder for recent graduates to enter the profession quickly.

Tips for aspiring ship agents

To succeed as a ship agent, it’s beneficial to have a keen eye for detail and be organized, as the work often involves managing many parallel processes. Being communicative and service-minded facilitates cooperation with shipping companies, authorities, and colleagues. Flexibility is an important trait, as the workday can change quickly due to unforeseen events in the port. It’s also wise to seek internships or trainee positions early to learn the industry routines in practice. Language skills, especially in English, are crucial for handling international contacts. Lastly, the ability to stay calm under pressure is key to success in the profession.

Key facts about ship agents

  • Salary range: 37,900–50,000 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school or post-secondary education (2–3 years)
  • Work environment: Office and port areas, often fast-paced
  • Average salary women/men: 38900 / 43 000 SEK/month
  • Job openings in the profession: 550

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a ship agent can advance to more specialized roles, such as team leader, logistics manager, or port manager. Some choose to work further in forwarding, customs handling, or international logistics. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that, due to limited data, no definitive future outlook exists, but there are currently 550 job openings in the industry. Digitalization and increased globalization are expected to continue influencing the profession, requiring higher skills and specialization.

Frequently asked questions about ship agents

  • What does a ship agent earn?
    - The average salary for a ship agent is 41 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a ship agent?
    - High school education in transport or logistics is common, but post-secondary education is often advantageous.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Yes, salary levels can vary between port cities, depending on the employer and region.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Women earn on average 38900 SEK per month, which is 90% of men's salaries.
  • What personal qualities are important for a ship agent?
    - Accuracy, flexibility, stress resilience, and good communication skills are key qualities.
  • What are the future outlooks for the profession?
    - Due to limited data, no exact forecast is made, but demand exists within the industry.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Shipbroker is 50000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Shipbroker is 37900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30200 kr 31100 kr
25-34 90% 37900 kr 38500 kr
35-44 84% 41700 kr 42900 kr
45-54 81% 43000 kr 45000 kr
55-64 96% 41800 kr 43400 kr
Snitt 90% 39900 kr 41100 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 Shipbroker has the SSYK code 3331, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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