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- Ship carpenter salary
Ship carpenter salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 000 - 42 800 SEK / month
Women earn 88% of what men do.
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Salary progression Ship carpenter
What does a Skeppstimmerman do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Skeppstimmerman is a traditional and specialized craft profession involving building, restoring, and maintaining wooden ships. Tasks range from replacing individual planking and frames to reconstructing entire decks or rudder details according to original methods. Work is often performed at shipyards, boat builders, or directly at docks, requiring precision, craftsmanship, and knowledge of both wood types and marine environments. The work environment can be physically demanding, as many tasks are performed outdoors year-round and sometimes in confined spaces aboard older ships. Collaboration with other trades such as blacksmiths, painters, and mechanics is common, especially during larger restoration projects.
Salary Development Over Time
Over the past three years, salary development for Skeppstimmermän has shown a stable and slightly upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 SEK per month, which increased to 36 100 SEK in 2023 and then to the current level of 37 000 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 6.2% over three years. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized craftsmanship in preserving culturally historic ships and a growing interest in traditional boat craftsmanship. Additionally, the profession's relatively small size means that competition for the most experienced Skeppstimmermän can drive up wages in certain segments and regions. Differences based on gender and education level also influence the salary range.
Skeppstimmerman Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 37 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
- Women: 33,500 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
- Men: 37 800 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Limited data, but higher wages occur in metropolitan regions and larger shipyards
Education and Qualifications
The path to becoming a Skeppstimmerman usually involves vocational training in wood technology or boat building, followed by practical experience at a shipyard or in specialized workshops. Formal education is often supplemented with apprenticeships where practical skills and professional networks are developed. A strong interest in marine environments and traditional craftsmanship is essential, and further education in cultural preservation, shipbuilding history, or specialized techniques is common.
- Vocational training: High school boat builder or carpentry program (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: University college within boat building, wood technology, or cultural preservation (1–2 years)
- Practical experience / Apprenticeship: Practical experience at a shipyard or with an established Skeppstimmerman is highly meritorious
- Certifications: Courses in work environment, safety at sea, and traditional craft techniques
- Prerequisites: Craftsmanship interest, good physical condition, and attention to detail
Many Skeppstimmermän work on restoring historic ships and thus preserve a living cultural heritage. The work often involves recreating details using traditional tools and techniques that might otherwise be lost.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Among Skeppstimmermän, it is common to be offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes tools or further training. Pension schemes and additional insurance are often included, especially with larger employers. When working on projects, travel allowances and per diems may also be provided, particularly if the work site varies between different docks or ports.
Competition and Challenges
The profession of Skeppstimmerman is niche, and competition for the most specialized roles can be significant, especially in areas where historic ships are restored. The number of training places is limited, and access to apprenticeships is often project- and season-dependent. A few large shipyards and museum operations dominate the market, making it difficult for recent graduates to quickly establish themselves. Challenges such as physically demanding work, seasonal variations, and the need for ongoing training are common. Despite this, many practitioners experience great pride and job satisfaction, especially in preserving maritime cultural heritage.
Tips for Aspiring Skeppstimmerman
To succeed as a Skeppstimmerman, it is beneficial to combine technical precision with a genuine love for craftsmanship. A strong interest in wood and traditional building methods facilitates learning, while patience and perseverance are essential during long restoration projects. Curiosity and willingness to learn from older colleagues are crucial for acquiring the more rare techniques. Teamwork skills are important since the work often involves collaboration with other specialists. Finally, initiative and a desire for continuous education are key to staying updated on both modern and historical methods.
Key Facts about Skeppstimmerman
- Salary range: 31,800–42,100 SEK/month
- Education level: Vocational high school or university college
- Work environment: Shipyards, boat builders, museums, and outdoor settings
- Available jobs in the profession: 412 (May 2024)
- Women's share of the salary: 88% of men's average salary
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a Skeppstimmerman can advance to shipyard supervisor, specialize in restoring historic ships, or become a trainer in craft skills. Opportunities also exist to start their own business or work as a consultant for museums and projects within maritime cultural preservation. According to the latest forecast from the Swedish Employment Service, there is no precise assessment for the profession due to limited data, but within the occupational group "sailors and apprentices," 412 job openings are reported, indicating some demand for the skill set. Future prospects are influenced by investments in cultural heritage, boatbuilding projects, and general interest in traditional craftsmanship; however, the job market is small, and competition for the most attractive roles can be tough.
Common Questions about Skeppstimmerman
- What is the average salary of a Skeppstimmerman?
- The average salary is 37 000 SEK per month. - How has the salary development been for Skeppstimmermän?
- It has increased from 34,000 SEK (2022) to 37 000 SEK (2024), a rise of over 6% in three years. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 33,500 SEK, which is 88% of men's average salary. - What education is required to become a Skeppstimmerman?
- Most commonly, a vocational education in boat building or wood technology, often followed by an apprenticeship or practical experience. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The number of available jobs is 412, but no specific forecast exists for Skeppstimmerman. - What is the highest and lowest salary for Skeppstimmerman?
- The highest salary is 42,100 SEK (female, privately employed, post-secondary education), the lowest is 31,800 SEK (male, privately employed, clerical position). - What benefits are often offered in the profession?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, tool compensation, and sometimes further training.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28100 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33700 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39200 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37500 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39400 kr | 41300 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 35700 kr | 37000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30900 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36700 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40000 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 65-68 | 36800 kr | 39000 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 31100 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 28400 kr | 29100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39500 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 38800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39800 kr | 41700 kr | |
| Snitt | 88% | 36400 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 30800 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 36500 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 39900 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 40300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 41000 kr | 43100 kr |
| 65-68 | 36700 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 39200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31700 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 88% | 32300 kr | 33200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 37100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 40200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 39300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 38300 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 38000 kr | 40100 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 carpenter has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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