- Salary statistics
- Carpenter, ship salary
Carpenter, ship 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 Carpenter, ship
What does a shipyard carpenter do – tasks and work environment
A shipyard carpenter is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining wooden structures onboard ships. Tasks include manufacturing and installing interiors, decks, and bulkheads, as well as restoring classic wooden ships or performing custom work on modern vessels. Often, work takes place in port environments or at shipyards, and the work environment can be humid and noisy, requiring precision and safety awareness. Collaboration with other trades such as welders, painters, and engineers is common, and working days may vary depending on the ship type, project, and season.
Salary development over time
The salary for a shipyard carpenter has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,000 kronor, rising to 36 100 kronor in 2023 and further to 37 000 kronor in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.2% over three years. Growing demand for specialized skills in ship maintenance and new construction, as well as increased focus on preserving older ships, has contributed to this positive trend. Factors such as collective bargaining, work experience, and education level influence the speed of salary growth within the profession.
Working as a shipyard carpenter often combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Many projects require customized solutions and a high degree of creativity, especially when restoring older ships where unique materials and methods are used.
Shipyard carpenter salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 37 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 42,100 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, 3+ years post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage: 217 SEK
- Women: 33,500 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
- Men: 37 800 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Limited data available, but some variation may occur depending on proximity to larger shipyards and the maritime industry.
Education and qualifications
To work as a shipyard carpenter, a high school diploma in construction or civil engineering with a focus on wood or boatbuilding is typically required. Practical experience in shipwork is highly meritorious, and some employers also seek specialized courses in marine crafts. Additional training or certifications can increase employability, especially for work on classic ships or larger shipyards.
- High school: Construction and civil engineering programs, with specialization in wood or boatbuilding (3 years)
- Special courses: Marine crafts, ship maintenance
- Internship: Internship at a shipyard or onboard ships is strongly recommended
- Certificates: Some workplaces require safety training certificates for maritime work
- Prerequisites: Experience with traditional woodworking and reading drawings is an advantage
Common benefits and compensation
The profession often offers benefits such as shift differentials for working at inconvenient hours, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes meal subsidies. Access to protective clothing and tools is standard, and some employers also provide further training or certification opportunities.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a shipyard carpenter is moderate, but specialized knowledge can provide an advantage when applying to larger shipyards or projects with high craftsmanship demands. Challenges include physically demanding tasks, working in exposed environments, and the need to stay updated on new materials and techniques. Since the profession is relatively niche and the job market limited to certain regions, high flexibility and willingness to travel or work at sea when needed are required.
Tips for aspiring shipyard carpenters
To succeed as a shipyard carpenter, attention to detail and a genuine interest in craftsmanship are important. Developing strong problem-solving skills makes it easier to handle unexpected challenges onboard. Practical skills and patience are crucial, as the work often requires precision and endurance, especially during restorations. Being cooperative facilitates projects involving multiple trades, and a willingness to learn new techniques or materials keeps you competitive. Good physical health is also essential, as the work environment can be strenuous and sometimes involve heavy lifting or working in confined spaces. Finally, early internships can help build experience and contacts in the industry.
Key facts about shipyard carpenters
- Education level: High school diploma, with specialization in wood or boatbuilding
- Work environment: Shipyards, ships, ports, and marine workshops
- Demand: 412 available jobs nationally
- Special skills: Wood craftsmanship and marine maintenance
- Common employment: Project-based or permanent positions at shipyards
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a shipyard carpenter, opportunities include advancing to leadership roles such as project supervisor, specialist in historic ships, or instructor for new craftsmen. Many also choose to broaden their skills toward maintenance of modern materials or work internationally at larger shipyards. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast for the "sailors and deckhands" group, there are no detailed future assessments for this specific specialization, but with 412 available jobs, demand is expected to continue. The profession can also serve as a pathway to consulting or own business in marine restoration and construction.
Frequently asked questions about shipyard carpenters
- What does a shipyard carpenter earn?
- A shipyard carpenter has an average salary of 37 000 kronor per month. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries in the profession?
- Yes, women earn 88% of what men do, with an average salary of 33,500 kronor per month compared to men's 37 800 kronor. - What is required to become a shipyard carpenter?
- High school education in construction and civil engineering, preferably with a focus on boatbuilding or marine crafts, as well as internships at shipyards or on ships. - What does the job market look like for shipyard carpenters?
- There are 412 available jobs nationally, but demand varies regionally. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
- The highest salary is 42,100 kronor per month and the lowest is 31,800 kronor, depending on education, experience, and employment type. - What skills are important for a shipyard carpenter?
- Precision, problem-solving ability, practical craftsmanship, and teamwork are key qualities. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, many employers offer courses and certifications in marine crafts and safety.
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 Carpenter, ship has the SSYK code 8350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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