- Salary statistics
- Shipyard carpenter
Shipyard carpenter
31 900 - 32 300 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Shipyard carpenter
What does a shipyard carpenter do? – Tasks and work environment
A shipyard carpenter primarily works on building, repairing, and maintaining wooden structures on ships and boats, with a special focus on maritime vessels. Tasks often include advanced carpentry, assembly of interiors and details, as well as restoration of older wooden ships. Precision and knowledge of different types of wood and traditional craftsmanship methods are required. The work environment is often humid and may include outdoor work and indoor activities in shipyard facilities, where heavy lifting, power tools, and noise are common.
Salary development over time
The profession of shipyard carpenter has shown some variation in salary over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, then increased to 33 000 SEK in 2023, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.6%. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 32 300 SEK, a reduction of about 2.1% compared to the previous year. This decline may be due to changes in demand within the industry and an increased surplus of trained professionals. Overall, salary development reflects a relatively stable but competitive job market, where demand is limited and wages are held back by an oversupply of labor.
Shipyard carpenter salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies within the profession – current figures are not available
- Hourly wage: 194 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Salary data only for men (32 300 SEK); information about women is not available
- Regional differences: Specific figures are not available, but minor variations may occur depending on the location of the shipyard
Education and qualifications
To work as a shipyard carpenter, a vocational education in wood technology or fine carpentry is usually required, often with a focus on boat building or ship renovation. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many employers also seek documented craftsmanship, such as journeyman certificates or equivalent. Specialized courses in traditional craftsmanship methods and experience in maritime environments can be advantageous.
- Vocational education: Wood technology or fine carpentry at high school level (3 years)
- Special courses: Focus on boat building or ship renovation
- Internships: Longer internships or apprenticeship employment are recommended
- Certificates: Journeyman certificate in carpentry is advantageous but not always required
- Prerequisites: Interest in craftsmanship, good physical condition, and precision are important
Working as a shipyard carpenter often involves combining traditional craftsmanship with modern methods. Many who choose this profession have a strong interest in history and maritime cultural heritage, as restoration of older wooden ships is an important part of the work.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for shipyard carpenters include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and work clothing. In some cases, opportunities for skills development through specialized courses or site visits are offered, along with insurance covering accidents and work-related injuries. Flexitime and overtime compensation may also be available depending on the collective agreement at the workplace.
Competition and challenges
The job market for shipyard carpenters is characterized by fierce competition and a surplus of labor. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, opportunities for employment are limited and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The main challenge is securing permanent employment, as many shipyards have a limited number of positions and demand for traditional craftsmanship is relatively low. At the same time, the profession requires high skill and specialized knowledge, which can make it difficult for newly trained workers to establish themselves without broad practical experience.
Tips for those wanting to become a shipyard carpenter
To succeed as a shipyard carpenter, it is good to demonstrate great precision and patience, as the work requires accuracy in every detail. A strong interest in craftsmanship and maritime cultural heritage helps to maintain motivation even during demanding projects. Being flexible and open to learning new techniques increases chances of employment, especially at smaller shipyards where tasks can vary. Good physical endurance is important since the work is often heavy and performed in challenging environments. Engaging in networks and industry associations can provide valuable contacts. Finally, showing initiative and responsibility is an advantage, as much work is done independently or in small teams.
Key facts about shipyard carpenters
- Education level: Vocational training in wood technology or fine carpentry
- Work environment: Shipyards, often humid and noisy environments
- Work form: Full-time, often daytime but overtime occurs
- Demand: Limited opportunities for employment, surplus of labor
- Special skills: Craft tradition and experience with wooden ships
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a shipyard carpenter can advance to more specialized roles such as supervisor, project manager for larger renovation projects, or mentor for apprentices. There are also opportunities for further education in areas like shipbuilding or restoration crafts. According to the Employment Service, the outlook for the profession, including shipwrights, interior carpenters, and furniture makers, is relatively unchanged in the coming five years, with limited job opportunities and an oversupply of labor. However, there is some demand for specialized skills in older wooden ships and historical restorations, which can improve prospects for those with niche experience.
Frequently asked questions about shipyard carpenters
- What does a shipyard carpenter earn?
- The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month for men; specific figures for women are not available. - What education is required to become a shipyard carpenter?
- Vocational training in wood technology or fine carpentry, preferably with a focus on boat building. - What is the job market like for shipyard carpenters?
- Opportunities are limited and competition is high according to the Employment Service. - What tasks does a shipyard carpenter perform?
- Building, repairing, and maintaining wooden structures on ships and boats. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, for example in shipbuilding, restoration crafts, or project management. - How does the salary vary regionally?
- Exact figures are not available, but minor variations may occur depending on the region and the size of the shipyard. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, patience, good physical condition, and an interest in craftsmanship are essential.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 30800 kr | 31000 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 32300 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 Shipyard carpenter has the SSYK code 7522, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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