The best-paying jobs in the marine transportation sector include harbor pilot, master mariner, marine superintendent, and chief engineer. They require specialized skills, experience, and training, which makes them eligible for high salaries and highly relevant in the industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 98,000 people work in the United States marine transportation industry. The industry will provide around 5,000 new jobs yearly for the next 10 years. With such promising growth prospects, the industry creates more high-paying job opportunities for entry-level and high-level workers.
What Do Marine Transportation Jobs Pay?
The average annual salary in the marine transportation industry is $50,000. However, there are many careers with varying pay available in the sector. For instance, an experienced marine surveyor working in a large company can earn up to $95,000 annually in marine transportation. On the other hand, an entry-level deck officer trainee earns approximately $50,000 per year.
Highest Paying Marine Transportation Jobs with Good Salaries
Marine transportation is a large industry with many job opportunities and competitive salaries. Many individuals want to pursue a career in this field. The good news is that different high-paying job options are available for people with the relevant skills and qualifications.
The 15 best-paying marine transportation jobs with good salaries
Harbor pilots are experts who maneuver ships through dangerous or congested waters like harbors or river mouths. They work at ports and board vessels at sea to help captains safely navigate ships through confined waters. Harbor pilots earn high salaries because of the risks and demands of the job. They also have a one in 20 chance of death in the line of duty.
A harbor pilot must possess knowledge of waterways and have a license from relevant authorities. Also, quick reflexes, creativity in decision-making, and the ability to work under stress are necessary.
To become a harbor pilot, you need to complete Officer Candidate School. You must pass character, medical, and physical testing to start training as a pilot. After these, you can be assigned duties. The job outlook for harbor pilots is positive, with a growth rate of 2% from 2020 to 2030. There are few jobs available for this role due to its technical nature.
2. Master Mariner
Average Annual Salary: $250,000
A master mariner holds the highest grade of seafarer qualification and an unlimited master’s license. They serve as the master of any merchant ship and operate anywhere in the world. Additionally, they are responsible for making every essential decision during the trip. They earn a lot because of their special skills and experience in the safe navigation and operation of ships.
Master mariners must possess communication and managerial skills to lead in the safe operation of the ship. Individuals who want this role must also have physical strength, manual dexterity, and mechanical skills.
53.5% of master mariners possess a bachelor’s degree, and 20.9% hold a master’s degree. Many employers employ individuals with only a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer candidates with at least ten years of seafaring experience.
The job outlook for master mariners will decline by 2% from 2018 to 2028. This role will produce 1,800 job opportunities in the United States in the next 10 years.
3. Marine Superintendent
Average Annual Salary: $250,000
Marine superintendents oversee the operation and maintenance of ships, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and manage the crew. They also act as the link between ships and numerous stakeholders which include shipowners, commercial operators, and repair companies.
A marine superintendent must possess strong communication and leadership skills and understand maritime regulations and safety procedures.
The educational requirement for this role is a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or a related field. Some employers preferemployees with five to 10 years of experience working on ships.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% job growth outlook from 2020 to 2030. There are currently 26 marine superintendent jobs available in Washington State. This role will produce many employment opportunities in the next few years.
4. Chief Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $224,965
A chief engineer is a senior position for the highest-ranking engineer in any company. They oversee engineers and technicians, develop designs, estimate costs, and execute plans following regulatory standards.
Chief engineers possess project management skills, the ability to update and direct work schedules efficiently, and plan budgets. They must be able to obtain the resources necessary for successful project completion and have problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Some prefer a master’s degree or years of experience leading or supervising a team.
The job outlook for chief engineers is positive, with a 3% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. There are currently 1656 chief engineer jobs available in the United States.
5. Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
Average Annual Salary: $244,871
An offshore installation manager ensures the safe management of offshore facilities and personnel and ensures they all follow statutory requirements. The OIM is the individual in charge of the rig, the drilling crews, and the overall drilling operation.
OIMs earn high salaries due to the high level of responsibility and risk that come with their job.
OIMs must know how to manage the safety of workers, coordinate, schedule, and solve problems with communication and attention-to-detail abilities.
Many employers require a bachelor’s degree in engineering and six months of work experience. Others hire people with a high school diploma. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job will grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030. Currently, 290 open jobs for offshore installation managers are available in the US.
6. Vessel Operations Manager
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
Vessel operations managers are responsible for overseeing the arrangement of goods on the vessels. They ensure that the loading and unloading of cargo follow compliance and safety regulations.
This role earns high salaries because they keep processes running smoothly within organizations, reducing costs and increasing profits.
Vessel operators possess leadership, organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, process improvement, and project management abilities. They must also be skilled in communication, decision-making, and time management.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree and about 5 years of relevant work experience. Some prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
The job growth outlook for operations managers is positive. The BLS predicts a 10% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030. In 2022, there were over 2.4 million operations manager jobs available in the United States. Many employment opportunities will be available in the next few years.
7. Marine Engineering Manager
Average Annual Salary: $193,953
Marine engineering managers lead the design and construction teams in the marine transportation sector. They also repair the internal structures of vessels and conduct tests to ensure their designs work well.
Marine engineering managers earn high salaries because of the technical nature of their jobs. Additionally, the high levels of education and skills they need are a factor.
A marine engineering manager needs problem-solving skills and knows how to give clear instructions and explain complex concepts when leading projects.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or a related field. The job growth outlook for marine engineering managers is 1% from 2020 to 2030. It will produce very few jobs in the coming years.
8. Port Captain
Average Annual Salary: $175,000
Port captains lead small yachts and cruise liners and are responsible for security aboard the ship. This includes responding to threats from terrorists, pirates, hijackers, and stowaways. The job involves heavy lifting and working during inclement weather which is why they earn high salaries.
A port captain must have vessel maintenance abilities, knowledge of safety programs, and mechanical skills.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree from a maritime college, and some prefer employees to possess a U.S. Coast Guard Deck license. For advanced-level roles, candidates must have a master’s degree in marine engineering or marine science.
The job growth outlook for port captains will decline by 2% from 2020 to 2030. It will produce fewer jobs in the next 5 years.
9. Senior Marine Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $153,958
Senior marine engineers work under the supervision of engineering managers to design, construct, and maintain ships and other marine vessels. They also draw the physical appearance and internal layout of new ships, determine how to achieve operational goals, and plan environmental impact assessments.
Senior marine engineers earn high salaries because they build new ships for the marine transportation sector.
A senior marine engineer must have strong math skills, which include calculus and trigonometry. You also need problem-solving skills and knowledge of AutoCAD.
To get this role, you need a bachelor’s degree in marine and mechanical engineering or a related field. Many senior marine engineers with licenses hold master’s degrees in electrical, nuclear, or mechanical engineering.
According to the BLS, the job growth outlook for senior marine engineers is 1% from 2020 to 2030. There are 233 marine engineering jobs available in the United States.
A vessel traffic manager manages the movement of ships in ports and ensures the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic. They also prioritize vessel movements, establish a system of communication between ships and the port, and monitor weather and sea conditions.
Vessel traffic managers earn high salaries because they ensure sanity on and off the ports. They also keep ships safe in case of emergencies.
To get this role, you must possess personnel and human resources management skills, knowledge of federal regulations, and administrative abilities.
37.4% of vessel traffic managers have a bachelor’s degree, and 8.8% possess a master’s degree. However, some employers still employ individuals with only a high school diploma or GED. The job outlook for vessel traffic managers is positive, with a 5% growth from 2020 to 2030. This role will produce 12,090 new jobs by 2029.
11. Commercial divers
Average Annual Salary: $160,110
Commercial divers work in water-based industries, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining underwater structures such as bridges, dams, piers, pipelines, and other marine equipment.
Commercial divers earn high salaries due to the nature of their work, which involves performing various tasks underwater.
To be successful in this career, you must have excellent teamwork skills and be comfortable working long hours in difficult and dangerous situations.
The educational requirement for this role is a high school diploma. Employees must be between 18 and 35 years old. You must also pass a dive physical with a licensed physician.
The job growth outlook for commercial divers is positive, with a growth rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030. This role will produce 300 jobs in the US in the next 10 years.
12. Marine Surveyor
Average Annual Salary: $150,000
A marine surveyor inspects marine vessels to assess, monitor, and report on their condition and the products on them. They inspect equipment for new or existing vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications. Workers in this position earn a lot because they have high qualifications and are technically sound to handle this job.
Marine surveyors must possess knowledge of equipment, physics, marine engineering, naval architecture, hydrography, and oceanography. They must also have the ability to listen and learn, solve problems, and have mathematics and measuring skills.
To become a marine surveyor, you need a bachelor’s degree in surveying, mapping, and hydraulic technologies. Many employers prefer individuals with a master’s degree. The job outlook for marine surveyors is positive, with a 5% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. There are currently 20 marine surveyor jobs available at Sedgwick LLP.
13. Naval Architect
Average Annual Salary: $140,000
Naval engineers design and build vessels for military, personal, and industrial use with their knowledge of engineering, physics, and materials science. They create safe, efficient, and seaworthy vessels and analyze, test, and conduct simulations to evaluate the performance of ship designs.
Their high skill in the design, construction, and maintenance of different sorts of marine vessels earns them high salaries. A naval architect must have strong math, analytic, design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field for this role. The job outlook for naval architects will grow by 1% from 2020 to 2030. There were 10,000 jobs available for naval architects in the United States in 2022.
14. Marine Operations Manager
Average Annual Salary: $103,970
A marine operations manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a port or marine terminal. They ensure that workers arrange and unload goods safely and efficiently and that vessels undergo proper maintenance and repair.
They earn high salaries due to their level of responsibility and expertise in the marine transportation sector.
To get this role, you must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to operate effectively across various departments.
The educational requirement for this role is a bachelor’s degree. Some employers also prefer individuals with a high school diploma or years of experience working in the marine transportation sector.
The job outlook for marine operations managers is positive. The BLS projects a 4% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. This role will produce many job opportunities in the next 10 years.
A marine electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical equipment and systems on board ships and boats. They also handle emergency repairs on ships in port, in dry dock, and out at sea. Marine electricians install wiring, batteries, engines, and electrical equipment like navigation and radio supplies.
Marine electricians earn high salaries due to the nature of their work and the potential risks that come with it.
Marine electricians possess knowledge of electrical systems, wiring, and equipment. You must also have the ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and schematics.
To become a marine electrician, you must have a high school diploma or GED and attend a maritime academy. Many employers require individuals to have 4 to 5 years of experience.
The job growth outlook for marine electricians is positive, with a growth rate of 8% from 2020 to 2030. There are over 8,200 marine engineers in the United States, and this role will produce many jobs in the next 10 years.
What is the highest paying job in Marine Transportation?
Harbor Pilot is the highest paying job, with an average annual salary of $400,000.
5 Highest Paying Entry-Level Marine Transportation Jobs with Good Salaries
A cadet engineer is a junior engineer who is in training to become a full-fledged engineer. They work under the supervision of senior engineers and assist them in designing, testing, and maintaining products and systems. Cadet engineers earn high salaries due to the high demand for their technical skills and expertise.
To be a cadet engineer, you must have problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and research skills. You should be able to analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions.
Many cadet engineer roles require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. High school graduates who have an interest in this job can take advanced science and math courses to prepare for the field. The job growth outlook for cadet engineers is positive, with a growth rate of 4% from 2019 to 2029. This role will produce over 1 million jobs in the US over the next 10 years.
2. Junior Electrical Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $78,000
Junior Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical devices and equipment like communication systems, navigation systems, and electrical systems in the marine transportation sector. They earn more because their job requires a high level of technical expertise, which is in high demand across many industries.
Junior Electrical Engineers possess knowledge of the applicable codes in electrical engineering. They must have proficiency in design and calculation software, with decision-making, attention to detail, and collaboration skills.
To get this role, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or computer engineering.
The job growth outlook for junior electrical engineers is positive, with a growth rate of 3% from 2021 to 2031. There are over 45,804 junior electrical engineers currently employed in the United States. This role will produce many job opportunities in the next few years.
3. Junior Navigation Officer
Average Annual Salary: $67,000
Junior navigation officers navigate ships and ensure their safe passage. They use various tools and technologies to determine the position of a ship, its course, and its speed. Additionally, they communicate with other crew members to ensure that the ship is operating smoothly.
A junior navigation officer can succeed with excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. They must also know how to work well under pressure and in a team environment.
Junior navigation officers often have a college degree in marine transportation, nautical science, or marine engineering. However, you can become a navigation officer with only a high school degree or GED.
The United States BLS forecasts a 13% growth rate from 2020 to 2030 for this role. It will also produce 1500 job opportunities in the US for the next ten years.
4. Third Assistant Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $52,427
A third assistant engineer manages, maintains, and operates shipboard engineering systems and equipment. They also aid in the designing and building of tools and equipment and manage project schedules and budgets to meet project requirements.
Third assistant engineers possess knowledge of engineering machinery and are comfortable with computer-aided designs (CAD), cloud software, and Python systems.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree and some relevant years of experience for this role. The job growth outlook for third assistant engineers is positive, with a growth rate of 4% from 2019 to 2029. This role will produce few employment opportunities in the next few years.
Deck officer trainees perform various duties related to the operation of a sea vessel and use their navigation skills to ensure the ship is on the correct path and heading. Additionally, they operate the ship’s radar and other navigation tools, solve problems, and make quick decisions.
A deck officer trainee needs to have excellent abilities in navigation, safety, and cargo operations. Other necessary skills include hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and customer service.
Employers require an approved training program. Individuals must pass the required exams and obtain a license from the US Coast Guard.
The job outlook for deck officer trainees will decline by 2% between 2018 and 2028. This role will also produce fewer than 1,800 job opportunities across the US in the next 10 years.
How to Apply for a High Paying Job in Marine Transportation?
Looking for a high-paying job in the marine transportation sector can be exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.You need to follow steps that will increase your chances of landing jobs with the best salaries in marine transportation.
The 5 actionable steps to apply for a high-paying job in marine transportation:
1. Identify the companies and job positions
Research the top marine transportation companies that pay the highest salaries. Identify the high-paying job positions that match your skills and experience.
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter
Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications to match the job requirements. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out. The keywords will make the employers look at your CV/resume.
3. Network
Networking is an effective way to learn about job openings in the marine transportation industry. Attend industry events, join industry organizations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
4. Apply online
Apply for any job your qualifications fit into in the marine transportation sector. Go to online job boards and apply. Make sure you fill in the correct answers and submit the right requirements.
5. Follow up
Wait for feedback from the company and follow up on your application. Do that if they haven’t gotten back sometime. Send an email or make a phone call to find out the status of your application.
Where to Find the Best Paying Jobs in Marine Transportation?
Finding the best-paying jobs in the marine transportation sector can be challenging. To make the search easier, job seekers can use industry-specific job boards that share employment opportunities in this sector.
This website shares many job openings for different maritime jobs. Job seekers can search for the roles they want by filtering their location, job title, or company name. The website also has a column for news updates on the maritime industry and career advice.
2. Sea Career
Sea Career is a professional job listing site that allows marine experts to search for jobs in the marine industry. The website is user-friendly and enables job seekers to filter job listings by location, job category, and company.
3. Navis Consulting
Navis Consulting is a recruitment agency that focuses on the marine and offshore sectors. The company offers recruitment services for many roles, like seafaring, engineering, and technical jobs. They also provide consulting services for maritime businesses and offer training and development programs for individuals seeking to advance their careers.
4. Ocean Crew
Ocean Crew is a global online recruitment platform for maritime experts. They have job openings in different sectors of the marine transportation industry. The site allows job seekers to create professional profiles, upload their CVs or resumes, and apply for available jobs.
5. Seaman Jobsite
Seaman Jobsite offers jobs for seafarers in the shipping and maritime industries. The platform has many job openings in different sectors like offshore, cruise, and merchant shipping. It also provides information on training institutions, maritime news, and events. Job seekers can use this platform to apply for high-paying jobs.
What are the Top-Level Skills to Get a High Paying Job in Marine Transportation?
The marine transportation industry requires many relevant skills to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations. To succeed in this field and secure a high-paying job, you must possess a unique set of technical, practical, and interpersonal skills.
The 5 top-level skills needed to get the best-paying jobs in marine transportation:
1. Navigation and seamanship
The marine transportation industry needs people who can navigate and operate vessels safely and efficiently. Individuals with strong foundations in navigation and seamanship are relevant for many positions.
2. Technical Skills
Technical knowledge of engines, machinery, and equipment is highly essential in marine transportation. Candidates who have technical skills and know how to maintain and repair engines are in high demand. Employers also prefer people who can troubleshoot equipment failures effectively.
3. Safety and Emergency Response
Safety is a top priority in the marine industry. Employers need individuals who can respond to emergencies quickly. Knowing safety procedures and emergency response protocols will make you a valuable asset to any company.
4. Communication and teamwork
A good line of communication and effective teamwork is important in the marine transportation sector. Crew members must work together to operate vessels safely. Strong interpersonal skills will help you succeed in the industry.
5. Problem-solving and critical thinking
The marine transportation sector has a complex and dynamic nature that requires problem-solving and critical thinking skills. People who can analyze situations, identify potential problems, and develop solutions are important in the industry.
Top 10 Companies with the Highest-Paying Jobs in Marine Transportation
Which Marine Transportation company pays the highest salary?
Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), CMA CGM Group, Evergreen Marine Corporation, and Carnival Corporation pay the highest salaries.
What are the Factors Affecting an Employee’s Salary in the Marine Transportation?
Employees’ salaries in the marine transportation industry are influenced by different factors. Knowing these factors will help job seekers negotiate better salaries and make good decisions.
The 5 factors affecting an employee’s salary in the marine transportation sector:
1. Education and Training
As the marine transportation sector witnesses more advancement and technology, employers always seek individuals with specialized training. They also look for experts with higher educational qualifications. For example, an employee with a master’s degree in marine engineering will be paid more than candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
2. Work Experience
Individuals with more experience in marine transportation get paid more than people who are just starting. Employers always offer higher salaries to experienced employees who have valuable knowledge and skills that can improve their businesses.
3. Job Title and Responsibilities
The higher the job title, the more the employee earns. For instance, a ship’s captain makes more money than a deckhand or an oiler, respectively. In addition to job titles, duties like leading a team or being in charge of major operations on vessels result in better salaries.
4. Geographic Location
Salaries of workers in this sector differ based on the location of the employer and the employee. For instance, people working in the United States earn more because of differences in labor regulations, living standards, and industry demand. Workers living in developing nations typically earn lower salaries.
5. Industry Demand
Industry demand influences an employee’s salary in the marine transportation industry. When the demand for marine transportation services is high globally, there’s the creation of new jobs. This increased demand can make worker salaries high too. However, a decrease in demand can reduce salaries, cause layoffs, and reduce employment opportunities.
Conclusion: Best Paying Jobs in Marine Transportation
The marine transportation sector has many high-paying roles. Jobs such as marine engineer, ship captain, and a port engineer are in high demand and command a high salary. Having the relevant skills, education, and experience and staying updated on industry trends will help you secure a high-paying job.
