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Cargo Ship Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... cargo handling systems and associated equipment, including aircraft elevators, weapons elevators ... The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role ...

... cargo handling systems and associated equipment, including aircraft elevators, weapons elevators ... The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role ...

... cargo handling systems and associated equipment, including aircraft elevators, weapons elevators ... The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role ...

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Cargo Ship Salary information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo ship salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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.
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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?

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

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

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.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Long Beach, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Title:                Associate, Operations        

Status:             Full-time, Exempt

Salary:$70,500 - $85,000 Annually

 

Company:       Host Agency, LLC

 

Reports To:     Operations Manager

Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring. 

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise 
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Prior customer service experience, required.  Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.