ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cargo Ship Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals

Operations Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Expected Salary: $83,100 - $103,900 per year. ** NEW SITE START UP SIGN ON BONUS $5,000 ** About us ... loaders, ship's gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations. * Working ...

Huntington Ingalls Industries

ESU Team Lead

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain Level of Experience ... Must have experience with repair and testing of LHD Class Ships Cargo/Weapons Elevators and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsCargo Ship Salary Jobs

Cargo Ship Salary information

See salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo ship salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship salary in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a cargo ship worker?

Salaries for cargo ship workers vary significantly depending on the position, experience, and employer. Entry-level positions such as deckhands or ordinary seamen may earn between $20,000 and $40,000 per year, while more specialized roles like engineers or captains can earn $60,000 to over $100,000 annually. Additional factors such as the type of cargo, the shipping route, and company policies can also impact pay. Many roles also offer benefits like room and board while at sea.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for crew members working on cargo ships?

Crew members on cargo ships often start in entry-level positions, such as ordinary seaman or wiper, and can progress to higher ranks like able seaman, third officer, or even captain with experience and the required certifications. Advancement typically depends on a combination of sea time, performance, and successful completion of maritime training courses. Many shipping companies encourage internal promotions and provide support for obtaining additional licenses. Career progression can be both rewarding and structured, offering long-term stability for those committed to the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo ship officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Officer, you need a solid background in navigation, maritime regulations, and cargo operations, typically supported by a maritime academy degree and relevant licenses such as STCW certification. Proficiency with electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), radar, and cargo management software is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing crew and ensuring safe, efficient voyages. These competencies are vital for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency at sea.

What is the difference between Cargo Ship Salary vs Marine Engineer Salary?

AspectCargo Ship SalaryMarine Engineer Salary
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime trainingSTCW certification, engineering degree
Work EnvironmentOnboard cargo ships, international watersOnboard ships, engine rooms, shipyards
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, freightShip maintenance, propulsion systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Cargo Ship Salaries and Marine Engineer Salaries involve working on ships, cargo ship crew members typically focus on navigation and cargo handling, whereas marine engineers specialize in maintaining and repairing ship engines. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and voyage length, but both roles are essential in the maritime industry.

How much do cargo ship workers get paid?

Cargo ship workers, including deckhands, engineers, and officers, typically earn between $30,000 and $100,000 annually depending on experience, rank, and voyage length. Entry-level positions often start around $30,000 to $50,000, while senior officers can earn over $80,000 to $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as housing, meals, and travel allowances.

Is working on a cargo ship a good job?

Cargo ship jobs offer competitive salaries, often supplemented by overtime pay, and provide opportunities for travel and international experience. However, they require long periods away from home, physical endurance, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be rewarding for those interested in maritime work and logistics but involves challenging working conditions and time commitments.
More about Cargo Ship Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Cargo Ship Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Cargo Ship Salary job openings:

What states have the most Cargo Ship Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cargo Ship Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cargo Ship Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cargo Ship Salary jobs are:

Cargo Ship Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Operations Manager

Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals

Lacey, WA • On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Expected Salary: $83,100 - $103,900 per year.
** NEW SITE START UP SIGN ON BONUS $5,000 **
About us
Metro Ports is an experienced terminal operator and stevedoring company with locations spanning across the country. For generations, we have consistently served the waterfront community through innovative solutions and processes. Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.
Position Summary
The Operations Manager I provides day-to-day operational leadership for vessel operations at the Grays Harbor terminal, Aberdeen, WA. Reporting to the Sr. Operations Manager, this role directs union labor to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant cargo-handling operations while exercising independent judgment and discretion. The Operations Manager I partners closely with Metro Ports, customers, and external stakeholders to execute operational plans that support service commitments and business objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor allocations, manpower assignments, and hiring needs for vessel operations.
  • Exercises independent judgment and discretion to manage daily work assignments for ILWU labor, holding employees accountable and taking immediate corrective action for non-compliance.
  • Coordinates vessel operations to ensure timely, cost-effective loading and unloading without compromising service quality or customer requirements.
  • Monitors, enters, reviews, and approves operational documentation, including vessel, rail, and payroll records, ensuring accuracy and completion by the end of each shift.
  • Interfaces and communicates with customers, agents, rail companies, PMA, Local ILWU representatives, and pilots' associations to support effective operational execution.
  • Ensures strict compliance with customer cargo handling and cleaning procedures, including requirements related to cargo changes, cargo types, and destinations.
  • Promotes safety awareness and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and health policies by initiating immediate corrective action and completing injury and incident reports as required.
  • Maintains working knowledge of applicable labor agreements, including PCLCD and PCMSC, and remains aware of labor relations issues to effectively manage organized labor.
  • Prepares and completes accurate shift reports, cargo-handling notes, and required records, routing documentation appropriately by the end of each shift.
  • Establishes and implements operating priorities, procedures, practices, and goals to meet organizational objectives, continuously evaluating operations for improvement.
  • Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and governmental agencies regarding the most effective methods of operation.
  • Handles labor grievances in an expeditious manner by gathering relevant facts and applying sound judgment and discretion in resolution.
  • Delivers and enforces regulatory compliance training, including PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, OSHA, port working rules, stowage, hazardous materials, and proper manning requirements.
  • Performs daily and monthly operational and safety compliance inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
  • Assists with maintenance repair coordination and oversight as needed to support operational readiness.
  • Participates in industry functions and attend meetings as required.
  • Maintains awareness of site security requirements and ensures terminal security procedures are followed.
  • Must be able to work day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience: 0-3 years- progressively responsible, related, experience, including a background in a position such as Terminal Operations Supervisor/Superintendent.
  • Licenses:
    • Valid driver's license.
    • Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Knowledge:
    • Thorough understanding of operating procedures for terminal equipment, including mobile and fixed equipment, ship loaders, ship's gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations.
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
  • Skills:
    • Ability to direct and supervise union labor effectively.
    • Independent judgment and discretion in operational decision-making.
    • Strong planning and organizational skills.
    • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
    • Ability to resolve problems, manage conflict, and handle grievances professionally.
    • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Logistics, or a related field.
  • Knowledge:
    • Familiarity with PMA processes and reporting requirements.
    • Understanding of hazardous materials handling and stowage practices.
  • Skills: Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities in a fast-paced terminal environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • Physical Demands: The physical demands described here represent those that are typically required to perform the essential functions of this position. This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. It may involve regular exposure to outdoor environments and active work sites. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the task. Some positions may require travel between job sites.
  • Work Environment: Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active job sites with varying weather conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and required as appropriate.

Benefits
  • Paid vacation and holiday pay.
  • Health, dental and vision (employee contribution required).
  • 401(k) with company matching contribution.
  • Bonus eligible.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Pet insurance (employee contribution required).

Why Join Us
At Nautilus, our people are our most valuable asset. We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to grow with us. Whether you are starting your career or looking for the next step, we are committed to investing in your development, offering clear pathways for advancement, ongoing training and leadership development.
With operating areas across CA, FL, IN, NC, NJ, SC, TX and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. Nautilus International Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact HRDept@nautilusintl.com.
This job description is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Employment with Nautilus International Holding Corporation is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the company.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply