SALARY GUIDE

Navigate Your Earnings at Sea

From deckhand to captain, understand the pay landscape and how to boost your maritime career.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$30,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$55,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$70,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$90,000
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$45,000
Canada$48,000
United Kingdom$38,000
Australia$36,000
Germany$44,000
India$5,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$40k$60kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Commercial Shipping (container vessels)$55,000
Cruise Line Operations$48,000
Deep‑sea Fishing$38,000
Offshore Oil & Gas Support$62,000
Government Maritime Services$50,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Deck Officer / Mate
$70,000
Average annual salary
Captain / Master
$95,000
Average annual salary
Navigation Officer
$68,000
Average annual salary
Cargo Operations Specialist
$55,000
Average annual salary
Safety & Compliance Officer
$60,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Years of sea time and rank advancement
  • Type and size of vessel
  • Geographic route (e.g., trans‑Atlantic vs coastal)
  • Union or crew contract affiliation
  • Specialized certifications and training

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

STCW Basic Safety Training
+$5,000
Salary increase potential
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
+$8,000
Salary increase potential
Advanced Navigation Certification
+$10,000
Salary increase potential
Offshore Survival & Firefighting
+$7,000
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
Norway
Fastest Growing
Singapore (Asia‑Pacific)
Most Stable
United States
Job Market Outlook

Demand for skilled sailors remains steady as global trade expands and cruise tourism rebounds. While automation may reshape some deck roles, experienced crew members—especially those with advanced certifications—continue to command premium wages and enjoy strong job security across commercial, offshore, and leisure maritime sectors.

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