Best Paying Jobs in Marine Transportation: The maritime industry is one of the oldest industries in the world, dating back to at least 2,700 B.C., and it has grown to be worth trillions of dollars annually. With so much money flowing into this industry, it’s no surprise that there are many occupations within marine transportation that pay well. In this list of the top 9 best paying jobs in marine transportation, you can see which areas pay the most and which positions receive the highest salaries.
1) Captain
Becoming a captain is the best paying job in marine transportation. Captains are responsible for the safe, on-time arrival of their vessel and all its cargo and passengers. Captains also command the crew and must be thoroughly knowledgeable about navigation, ship handling, cargo loading and unloading, safety equipment, Coast Guard regulations, weather conditions and more. With such immense responsibility comes great reward: captains can earn up to $200K per year!
2) Chief Mate
Chief mates work on vessels that can range from a small freighter to an oil tanker. They typically have experience as a senior officer before becoming chief mate and must have experience with the navigation of the vessel. Chief mates are responsible for overseeing the safety of the vessel, crew, cargo and protecting the environment. This is one of the best paying jobs in marine transportation because they are typically at sea for extended periods of time while still earning significantly more than those who work on land.
It’s essential that you know your way around ships if you want to be a chief mate.
3) Second Mate
A second mate is the person who works on the ship as an assistant to the first mate. The second mate’s responsibilities are typically more managerial and less hands-on than those of a first mate, with a focus on the navigational aspects of keeping the ship safe. Second mates must have at least six months of experience and be able to stand watch for four hours at a time. The typical salary for a second mate is $70,000 per year.
4) Third Mate
Third Mate The third mate is responsible for navigation, steering the ship and assisting the captain. A third mate can also be called a navigator. Third mates learn through on-the-job training and by taking courses such as radar observer, first-aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic firefighting and English language fluency. A third mate must have a sailing master’s license. This license requires that you are at least 21 years old and have completed an approved course such as those offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or American Sailing Association.
5) Tankermen
Tankermen are the crewmembers aboard tankers who are responsible for the safe navigation and handling of these vessels. Tankers are large ships that carry oil and other cargo, so tankermen need to be skilled at navigation as well as having a keen understanding of how to handle hazardous materials. These jobs often require an officer’s license, which tankermen can receive through training at a maritime academy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that tankermen earn an average of $124,000 per year, with some being paid more than $150,000 annually for their skills and experience on board these massive ships.
6) Ferryboat Captains
A ferryboat captain is responsible for overseeing the operation of a ferry, including communications with other vessels. Ferryboat captains need to have extensive knowledge of the waterway and be able to handle emergencies. They must also be familiar with local weather patterns and currents. Ferryboat captains are on call 24/7, so they need to have a flexible schedule.
7) harbor Pilots
Harbor pilots provide an essential service for any ship that is docking at a port. This specially trained pilot will guide the ship safely through the treacherous waters of a harbor, and into port. In order to become a harbor pilot, there are several requirements that must be met first. Harbor pilots need at least 20 years of experience as a deck officer on ocean-going vessels, they have to have a four-year degree from an accredited maritime college or university, and they also need to pass rigorous exams. The salary range for harbor pilots can vary depending on their work experience, where they work, and if they are unionized or not. A moderately experienced harbor pilot with no union affiliation could make anywhere from $67k-$75k annually in New York City.
8) Mate
As the need for goods to be shipped and delivered increases, so do the needs for workers to do this job. In a world of ever-increasing globalization, there is a higher demand than supply for qualified workers. This is why it’s so important that people know about the different jobs available in marine transportation and how to get training for them. This list of the top ten best paying jobs in marine transportation will tell you about some of the most common careers, how much money they can make, and how to get started on your career journey.
9) Dredge Boat Captain
Dredge Boat Captains are responsible for the operations and safety of a dredge boat. Dredge boats are typically used by mining companies to excavate ore from the seafloor. In order to become a dredge boat captain, you need at least five years of experience as an engineer on a dredging vessel, know all the equipment and control systems on a dredge boat, and have extensive knowledge of navigation charts. The top paying jobs in marine transportation with pay upwards of $100,000 per year.