- Salary statistics
- Coxswain, ship salary
Coxswain, ship salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
47 200 - 56 900 SEK / month
Transport
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Salary progression Coxswain, ship
What does a ship's mate do? – Tasks and work environment
A ship's mate holds overall responsibility for navigation, safety, and supervision onboard ships of various sizes. Tasks include planning and monitoring the route, leading the crew, handling cargo and unloading, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and international rules. The ship's mate often works closely with the captain and other officers, and the work environment is characterized by shift work, long shifts at sea, and periods of intense responsibility during both day and night hours. The work often involves being away from land for extended periods, requiring both technical skills and strong leadership qualities.
Salary development over time
Wages for ship's mates in the maritime industry have shown steady but clear growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, increasing to 50 500 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows a further increase to 52 800 SEK – a rise of approximately 6.1 % over three years. This wage trend reflects a continued demand for experienced maritime officers, influenced by general wage increases within the transport sector and higher requirements for education and certification. The market has also been affected in recent years by increased safety and environmental standards, which can contribute to elevating the profession's status and salary levels.
Ship's mate salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 52 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (men), 48,700 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (men), 54,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 304 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn 52 800 SEK, women's salaries vary but specific median values are not available
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a ship's mate, comprehensive education with both theoretical and practical components is required. The most common route is maritime education at university level, supplemented with sea time and various certificates according to international regulations. The education includes navigation, safety, leadership, and technical skills, demanding high responsibility and accuracy.
- Maritime college: Merchant Marine Officer Class VII–I, 3–4.5 years depending on level
- Certificates: STCW certificates and other special permits according to IMO
- Practical training: Mandatory sea time (trainee) to obtain qualification
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, often from the Maritime Program
- Courses: Continuing education in safety, environment, and leadership is recommended
The profession of ship's mate offers a unique combination of leadership, technical skills, and the opportunity to work in an international environment. Many ship's mates assume responsibility for both crew and advanced technology early in their careers, making the job both varied and rewarding. Additionally, the work provides chances to travel worldwide and gain experiences few other professions can offer.
Common benefits and compensations
Typical benefits for ship's mates include per diem allowances during sea service, free meals and accommodation onboard, as well as favorable pension and insurance solutions. Some employers also offer further training, wellness allowances, and opportunities for extra leave after longer periods at sea.
Competition and challenges
The job market for ship's mates is competitive, especially for the most attractive positions and on larger vessels. The main challenges are often related to long periods at sea, high safety responsibilities, and the need for continuous skills development to meet new technological and environmental demands. The industry is also influenced by economic fluctuations and changes in global shipping, where digitalization and automation are gradually transforming the role. Despite this, there remains a strong need for experienced and well-educated ship's mates, particularly in international shipping and specialized transports.
Tips for aspiring ship's mates
To succeed as a ship's mate, it is important to have a strong sense of responsibility and good organizational skills, as the role requires planning and leading work onboard. Effective communication and teamwork skills are also crucial, especially in stressful situations. An interest in technology and navigation is a significant advantage, as much of the work involves advanced systems and safety routines. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to long periods away from home are also essential, along with a willingness to continue education within new regulations and technological advances. Precision and quick decision-making under pressure help manage unexpected situations onboard. Being confident in leadership and respectful of different cultures and work environments also provide good prospects for a successful maritime career.
Key facts about ship's mates
- Education level: Post-secondary education (3–4.5 years) and certification
- Average salary: 52 800 SEK/month
- Work environment: Onboard ships, often shift work and longer periods at sea
- Demand: 412 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
- Special skills: Navigation, safety, leadership, and international regulations
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years of experience as a ship's mate, opportunities exist to advance to higher officer positions, such as chief mate or captain. Many also choose to specialize in areas like safety, environmental issues, or training new personnel. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific future assessment is provided due to limited data, but the number of job openings in the maritime officer profession is currently 412. The future outlook is therefore relatively good for those flexible and willing to further their education, especially in international shipping where technical and environmental requirements are increasing.
Frequently asked questions about ship's mates
- What does a ship's mate earn?
- A ship's mate has an average salary of 52 800 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a ship's mate?
- Post-secondary maritime education (3–4.5 years) and certification according to international regulations are required. - What is the work environment like for a ship's mate?
- The work environment is onboard ships, often with shift work and longer periods at sea. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 52 800 SEK, while women's salaries vary and specific averages are not available. - What career paths are available after a few years as a ship's mate?
- It is common to advance to chief mate, captain, or specialize in safety and environmental matters. - What are the future prospects for ship's mates?
- Currently, there are 412 job openings, but no precise future forecast is provided. - What are the biggest challenges of the profession?
- Long periods at sea, high responsibility, and the need for ongoing skill development are the main challenges.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48100 kr | 51800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 50600 kr | 55300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 51100 kr | 54600 kr | |
| Snitt | 49200 kr | 52800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 48000 kr | 50800 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 48500 kr | 53500 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 51600 kr | 57600 kr |
| 55-64 | 51600 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 43500 kr | 46200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 50100 kr | 55100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 48000 kr | 50800 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 48500 kr | 53500 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 51600 kr | 57600 kr |
| 55-64 | 51600 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 43500 kr | 46200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 50100 kr | 55100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 47400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 47400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48100 kr | 51900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 50500 kr | 55200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 51100 kr | 54500 kr | |
| Snitt | 49300 kr | 53000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 48800 kr | 51900 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 48400 kr | 53400 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 51400 kr | 57400 kr |
| 55-64 | 51600 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 43500 kr | 46200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 50100 kr | 55100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 48800 kr | 51900 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 48400 kr | 53400 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 51400 kr | 57400 kr |
| 55-64 | 51600 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 65-68 | 43500 kr | 46200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 50100 kr | 55100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 47800 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 47800 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 43900 kr | 45400 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 50200 kr | 54600 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 55600 kr | 61100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 50200 kr | 54700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 88% | 43900 kr | 45400 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 50200 kr | 54600 kr |
| 45-54 | 106% | 55600 kr | 61100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 50200 kr | 54700 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 Coxswain, ship has the SSYK code 3152, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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