A career in marine transportation can be very rewarding, both financially and personally. If you’re looking for a stable job with good pay and benefits, then a job in marine transportation might be the right fit for you.
There are many different types of marine transportation jobs, from deckhands and captains to engineers and mechanics. And while not all of these jobs are equally well paid, there are definitely some that offer very competitive salaries.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 of the best paying jobs in marine transportation. So whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re looking for a change, be sure to check out these great options!
15 Best Paying Jobs in Marine Transportation
Captain
The position of captain is one of the best-paying jobs in marine transportation. Captains are responsible for the safe operation of their vessel and the welfare of their crew. They typically earn a salary of $75,000-$100,000 per year.
Captains must have a strong understanding of maritime law and regulations. They must be able to navigate their vessel safely and efficiently. They must also be able to effectively manage their crew.
Becoming a captain requires a significant amount of experience and training. Most captains start out as deckhands or mate positions. They must complete various maritime courses and obtain a captain’s license from the Coast Guard.
Mate
A mate is a licensed member of the deck department of a vessel. The mate is responsible for the safety and security of the ship. They also oversee the deck crew and perform tasks such as mooring, anchoring, and cargo operations.
Mates typically earn a salary of $50,000-$60,000 per year. However, mates who work on larger vessels can earn up to $100,000 per year. Mate positions are often filled by experienced sailors who have worked their way up through the ranks.
Pilot
1. Pilot
Pilots are responsible for flying aircraft and ensuring that they land safely. They typically have a commercial pilot’s license and receive training from an airline. Pilots typically earn a high salary, making them one of the best-paid jobs in marine transportation.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for directing aircraft in the skies. They typically work in an airport control tower and use radar to track aircraft. Air traffic controllers typically earn a high salary, making them one of the best-paid jobs in marine transportation.
3. Ship Captain
Ship captains are responsible for steering ships and ensuring that they reach their destination safely. They typically have a captain’s license and receive training from a maritime academy. Ship captains typically earn a high salary, making them one of the best-paid jobs in marine transportation.
Able Seaman
Able Seaman is one of the best paying jobs in marine transportation. Able seamen are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship. They also stand watch and perform other duties as needed.
Able seamen typically earn a salary of $25-$35 per hour. They may also receive benefits, such as medical insurance and vacation pay. Some able seamen may also receive bonuses based on their performance.
Overall, able seamen are some of the best paid workers in marine transportation. Their salaries are high, and they may also receive benefits and bonuses. If you are interested in a career in marine transportation, becoming an able seaman is a great option.
Boatswain
A boatswain is the person responsible for the deck crew and the overall maintenance of the vessel. A boatswain must be able to lead and motivate a team, as well as have a good understanding of maritime law. A boatswain typically earns a salary of $50,000-$70,000 per year.
2. Captain
A captain is the person in charge of the entire vessel. A captain must have a good understanding of maritime law and be able to make quick decisions in emergency situations. A captain typically earns a salary of $70,000-$100,000 per year.
3. Mate
A mate is the person who assists the captain in the operation of the vessel. A mate must have a good understanding of maritime law and be able to perform basic navigational tasks. A mate typically earns a salary of $50,000-$70,000 per year.
4. Engineer
An engineer is responsible for the maintenance of the vessel’s engines and other mechanical systems. An engineer must have a good understanding of how engines work and be able to troubleshoot problems quickly. An engineer typically earns a salary of $70,000-$100,000 per year.
Ordinary Seaman
The Ordinary Seaman is responsible for maintaining the deck and perform general maintenance tasks. They also stand watch and act as lookouts. The average salary for an Ordinary Seaman is $50,000 per year.
The Able Seaman is responsible for more complex deck tasks, including operating winches and mooring lines. They also stand watch and act as lookouts. The average salary for an Able Seaman is $52,000 per year.
The Bosun is responsible for supervising the deck crew and performing complex deck tasks. They also stand watch and act as lookouts. The average salary for a Bosun is $54,000 per year.
The Captain is responsible for the entire vessel and its crew. They make all decisions regarding the vessel’s course and operations. The average salary for a Captain is $100,000 per year.
Chief Engineer
1. Chief Engineer: The chief engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s engines and other machinery. They typically have a four-year degree in engineering and several years of experience working with ship engines. The median salary for a chief engineer is $77,000 per year.
2. Captain: The captain is responsible for the overall operation of the ship. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in maritime studies and several years of experience working on ships. The median salary for a captain is $76,000 per year.
3. First Mate: The first mate is responsible for assisting the captain with the operation of the ship. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in maritime studies and several years of experience working on ships. The median salary for a first mate is $54,000 per year.
4. Second Mate: The second mate is responsible for assisting the first mate with the operation of the ship. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in maritime studies and several years of experience working on ships. The median salary for a second mate is $52,000 per year.
5. Third Mate: The third mate is responsible for assisting the second mate with the operation of the ship
Second Engineer
The Second Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s engine room. They work closely with the Chief Engineer to ensure that the engines are running smoothly and efficiently. The Second Engineer typically has a college degree in engineering or a related field. They also have several years of experience working on ships.
The Second Engineer is one of the highest-paid positions in marine transportation. They typically earn a salary of $60,000-$70,000 per year. They may also receive additional pay for working overtime or on weekends.
Third Engineer
1. Third Engineer: The third engineer is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the engineering plant and equipment on board a vessel. They also assist the chief engineer with major repairs and projects. The average salary for a third engineer is $66,000 per year.
2. Second Officer: The second officer is responsible for the navigation and safety of the vessel. They also assist the captain with the overall operation of the vessel. The average salary for a second officer is $62,000 per year.
3. Chief Mate: The chief mate is responsible for the cargo and deck operations of the vessel. They also assist the captain with the overall operation of the vessel. The average salary for a chief mate is $60,000 per year.
4. Pilots: Pilots are responsible for guiding vessels in and out of port. They are also responsible for navigating waterways and channels. The average salary for a pilot is $58,000 per year.
5. Deck Officers: Deck officers are responsible for the overall operation of the vessel. They also supervise the deck crew and oversee all deck operations. The average salary for a deck officer is $56,000 per year.
Radio Officer
Radio officers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s radio equipment. They also keep a watch on the radio frequencies, making sure that the ship’s communications are clear and free of interference. Radio officers must have a good knowledge of Morse code, as they may need to use it to communicate with other ships.
Radio officers usually work in shifts, as the ship’s radio equipment must be manned 24 hours a day. They may work alone or with other radio officers. Radio officers typically earn a good salary, as their skills are in high demand.
Purser
Pursers are responsible for the financial records and transactions onboard a vessel. Pursers typically have an accounting or business degree, and experience in the maritime industry is preferred. Pursers typically earn between $3,000 and $5,000 per month.
2. Chief Engineer
Chief Engineers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of a vessel’s engines and other mechanical systems. Chief Engineers typically have a degree in engineering, and experience in the maritime industry is preferred. Chief Engineers typically earn between $5,000 and $7,000 per month.
3. Captain
Captains are responsible for the overall operation of a vessel. Captains typically have a degree from a maritime academy, and experience in the maritime industry is preferred. Captains typically earn between $7,000 and $10,000 per month.
Chief Steward
Chief stewards supervise the food service staff on a ship. They are responsible for menu planning, food preparation, and cleanliness in the ship’s galley. Chief stewards typically have previous experience working in a hotel or restaurant kitchen. They usually earn a salary of $3,000 to $4,000 per month.
2. Second Mate
Second mates are responsible for navigation and the operation of the vessel under the captain’s supervision. They typically have experience as deck officers. Second mates usually earn a salary of $3,000 to $4,000 per month.
3. Able Seaman
Able seamen are responsible for a variety of tasks, including maintaining the vessel, handling lines, and standing watch. They typically have experience working on deck. Able seamen usually earn a salary of $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
Steward
Stewards are responsible for the care and welfare of the passengers on board a ship. They provide food and drink service, as well as take care of the cabins and public areas of the ship. Stewards also help with safety procedures and provide information to passengers about the ship and its facilities.
Stewards typically earn an hourly wage, and their earnings can vary depending on the size and type of ship they work on. The average hourly wage for a steward is $11.25. However, stewards can earn more on luxury cruise lines or large passenger ships.
Overall, stewards are responsible for the care and welfare of the passengers on board a ship. They provide food and drink service, as well as take care of the cabins and public areas of the ship. Stewards also help with safety procedures and provide information to passengers about the ship and its facilities. Their earnings can vary depending on the size and type of ship they work on, but the average hourly wage for a steward is $11.25.
Cook
1. Cooks are responsible for preparing food on board a vessel. They must be able to work in a small space and be able to create meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Cooks typically earn an hourly wage.
2. Second mates are responsible for navigation and safety on board a vessel. They must have a strong knowledge of maritime law and be able to make quick decisions in emergency situations. Second mates typically earn a salary.
3. Chief engineers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of a vessel’s engines. They must have extensive knowledge of engineering principles and be able to troubleshoot problems quickly. Chief engineers typically earn a salary.
4. Deck officers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of a vessel. They must be familiar with all aspects of the vessel and be able to perform their duties in accordance with maritime law. Deck officers typically earn a salary.
5. Able seamen are responsible for a variety of tasks on board a vessel, including maintenance, repairs, and lookout duty. They must be physically fit and able to work long hours in difficult conditions. Able seamen typically earn an hourly wage.”
Cabin Boy
Cabin boys are responsible for keeping the cabin clean and tidy. They may also be responsible for serving meals and drinks to passengers. Cabin boys typically earn a salary of $30,000 per year.
2. Deckhand
Deckhands are responsible for maintaining the deck of the ship. They may also be responsible for helping to moor the ship and handle lines. Deckhands typically earn a salary of $35,000 per year.
3. Mate
Mates are responsible for assisting the captain with navigation and other duties. They may also be responsible for maintaining the ship’s logbook. Mates typically earn a salary of $40,000 per year.
4. Chief Engineer
Chief engineers are responsible for maintaining the engines and other mechanical systems on the ship. They may also be responsible for supervising other engineers. Chief engineers typically earn a salary of $50,000 per year.
How Much Do Marine Transportation Jobs Pay?
The average Marine Transportation job salary average monthly pay for a Marine Transportation in the United States is $4,817 a month.
The average marine transportation salary in the USA is $88,320 per year or $45.29 per hour. Entry level positions start at $75,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to $117,156 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are jobs in marine transportation in demand?
Yes, a career in marine transportation is always in demand.
What major is marine transportation?
Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation.
The student choosing Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation maritime manager majors in Marine Transportation.
Is the pay in marine transportation good?
Yes, the best paying jobs in marine transportation offer good pay.
What key skills are required for the best-paying jobs in marine transportation?
Skills in maintenance and geography are one of the most important skills.
What are the best-paying jobs in marine transportation?
Ship captains and marine surveyors are one of the Best paying jobs in marine transportation.
What is the most sought-after best-paying job in marine transportation?
Marine engineers are one of the most sought-after best paying jobs in marine transportation.
