Seafarer Salaries: A Comprehensive Guide to Earnings By Rank
Master/Captain
The Master or Captain is responsible for the overall safety, security, and operations of the vessel. Their salary varies significantly based on the type of vessel, the company operating it, and the specific demands of the role. However, it is one of the highest-paid positions in the maritime industry.
According to data from SalaryExpert, the average salary for a ship captain of a large container ship over 1,000 gross tons in the United States is:
- $140,000 per year
Seafarers Unions and Maritime Employers
Seafarers unions and maritime employers have signed a four-year agreement that will see significant wage increases and dozens of workplace protections. The International Bargaining Forum (IBF), the conference that negotiates the world's largest global collective bargaining agreement, represents 250,000 seafarers.
The agreement includes a 6% wage increase for seafarers on all types of vessels, including dry bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and offshore support vessels.
Benchmarking Shipping Salaries
Spinnaker has been providing reliable salary data for shipmanagers, ship owners, and maritime recruiters since 2005. According to their data, the average salary for a Master/Captain in the United States as of January 1, 2023, is:
- $150,000 per year
Factors Affecting Seafarer Salaries
Several factors can affect seafarer salaries, including:
- Type of vessel
- Rank/Position
- Company/Employer
- Experience
- Nationality
- Union membership
- Location of operations
- Demand for seafarers
Top-Paying Seafarer Positions
In addition to Masters/Captains, other highly paid seafarer positions include:
- Chief Engineer
- Chief Officer
- Second Officer
- Third Officer
- Bosun
- Able Seaman
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