Soldier, sailors, navy

30 400 kr

Soldiers etc.

27 700 - 34 900 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Militärt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Soldier, sailors, navy

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 30 600 kr
Females 29 500 kr

What does a soldier in the navy do? – Tasks and work environment

Soldiers and sailors in the navy play a crucial role in Sweden's defense. Tasks range from manning ships and participating in exercises to conducting patrols, surveillance, and maintenance of equipment. The service often involves shift work and demanding conditions, both at sea and at bases. The work environment is characterized by discipline, teamwork, and constant readiness, with high physical and mental demands.

Salary development over time

The salary for soldiers and sailors in the navy has shown positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,800 SEK per month, which increased to 28 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of just over 13% over three years. This rise can partly be explained by an increased focus on national defense issues, which has boosted demand for trained personnel and improved conditions to retain and recruit soldiers. Salary differences between genders persist, although the salary range has narrowed somewhat during the period.

Soldier in the navy salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (men), 29,200 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (men), 33,200 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 183 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but public sector and longer education often lead to higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a soldier or sailor in the navy, completion of basic military training is required, often followed by specialized training within the navy. Physical and mental suitability are carefully tested. Practical skills such as navigation, weapons handling, and seamanship are developed during training, and some roles also require technical or specialized knowledge.

  • Military basic training: 9–12 months
  • Specialist training: For example, seamanship, weapons service, navigation
  • Practical/trainee components: Practical elements during training
  • Prerequisites: Approved security clearance, Swedish citizenship, swimming ability
  • Tips for selection: Interest in technology and teamwork facilitates training

A unique aspect of service in the navy is the opportunity to work onboard ships for extended periods, which can provide international experience and a strong camaraderie within the crew.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and allowances

Personnel in the navy often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, free meals and accommodation during exercises, additional pay for unsocial hours, and opportunities for free further education. Service abroad or in particularly demanding environments can provide additional allowances.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a soldier or sailor in the navy is moderate, largely due to the increasing need for defense personnel. The main challenges are the physical and mental demands, as well as the fact that work often involves long periods away from home and daily life. Success requires good adaptability, endurance, and the ability to work under pressure. The rapid technological development within the navy also requires continuous skill development.

Tips for those who want to become a soldier in the navy

To succeed as a soldier or sailor in the navy, it is good to be resilient and physically prepared, as the training and work environment place high demands on the body. Teamwork skills are crucial, as much of the work is done in groups and trust among colleagues is central. Being adaptable helps when tasks change quickly and unexpected situations arise, especially at sea. An interest in technology and a willingness to learn new things facilitate when new equipment is introduced or procedures change. Structured problem-solving is an asset, especially when troubleshooting onboard. Finally, integrity and a sense of responsibility are important qualities, as safety and discipline are always prioritized within the navy.

Key facts about soldiers in the navy

  • Salary range: 27,700–34,900 SEK/month
  • Training: Military basic training (9–12 months) + possible specialist training
  • Work environment: Shift work, often at sea, physically and mentally demanding
  • Demand: 39 registered job openings in the current profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlooks

After three to five years in the navy, there are good opportunities to advance to higher positions, such as group leader, instructor, or specialist in technology, navigation, or logistics. Further education within the Swedish Armed Forces can also lead to officer roles. The Employment Service assesses that the need for navy-trained personnel will remain stable or increase in the coming years, especially given the heightened security situation and ongoing defense investments. The profession also serves as a stepping stone to civilian careers in shipping, technology, or security industries.

Common questions about soldiers in the navy

  • What does a soldier in the navy earn?
    - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, but it varies between 27,700 and 34,900 SEK depending on experience and education.
  • How do you become a soldier in the navy?
    - Completed military basic training and approved security clearance are required; thereafter, you can apply for a position in the navy.
  • What benefits do soldiers in the navy receive?
    - Common benefits include wellness allowance, free food and accommodation during exercises, and additional pay for unsocial hours.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The demand for trained personnel remains stable and is expected to increase in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Endurance, teamwork skills, and responsibility are central qualities for thriving and succeeding in the profession.
  • What are the career opportunities?
    - There are good opportunities for further education and promotion, for example, to group leader or specialist.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Soldier, sailors, navy is 34900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Soldier, sailors, navy is 27700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 29200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 26000 kr 29000 kr
25-34 94% 27600 kr 33000 kr
35-44 29200 kr 35600 kr
Snitt 96% 26600 kr 30400 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 Soldier, sailors, navy has the SSYK code 310, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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