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Cargo Ship Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Checker - Houston, TX

Houston, TX

$19 - $20/hr

They find, evaluate, record all cargo, and support other needs of the operation. If they find ... working capacity • Communicates via 2-way radio with drivers, clerks, warehouse personnel ...

Seaboard Marine

Sr. Vessel Cargo Planner

Miami, FL

$70K/yr

Degree from a Merchant Marine Academy or five (5) years of experience as a Ship Mate or Chief Mate or five (5) years of experience as a Cargo Planner. * Experience working with a vessel planning ...

Logistec

Ship Crane Operator

Gibsonton, FL · On-site

... cargo at the marine terminal. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the timely movement ... As a port employer our team is subject to working in all weather conditions including extreme heat ...

Seaboard Marine

Sr. Vessel Cargo Planner

Miami, FL

$70K/yr

Degree from a Merchant Marine Academy or five (5) years of experience as a Ship Mate or Chief Mate or five (5) years of experience as a Cargo Planner. * Experience working with a vessel planning ...

Seaboard Marine

Sr. Vessel Cargo Planner

Miami, FL

Degree from a Merchant Marine Academy or five (5) years of experience as a Ship Mate or Chief Mate or five (5) years of experience as a Cargo Planner. * Experience working with a vessel planning ...

Seaboard Marine

Sr. Vessel Cargo Planner

Miami, FL · On-site

$70K/yr

Degree from a Merchant Marine Academy or five (5) years of experience as a Ship Mate or Chief Mate or five (5) years of experience as a Cargo Planner. * Experience working with a vessel planning ...

Antillean Marine Shipping Corp

Stevedore

Miami, FL · On-site

Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure ... Working Conditions: * Work is done outdoors in changing weather conditions. * The job is physically ...

Antillean Line

Stevedore

Miami, FL · On-site

$19/hr

Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure ... Working Conditions: * Work is done outdoors in changing weather conditions. * The job is physically ...

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All JobsCargo Ship Worker Jobs

Cargo Ship Worker information

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$13

$24

$33

How much do cargo ship worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship worker in the United States is $24.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cargo ship workers?

Cargo ship workers are crew members responsible for operating and maintaining cargo ships that transport goods across oceans and seas. Their duties can include loading and unloading cargo, maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and assisting with navigation and ship operations. They may work in various roles such as deckhands, engineers, or stewards, depending on their training and experience. Cargo ship workers often spend weeks or months at sea and must be prepared for physically demanding work in a challenging environment.

What is the difference between Cargo Ship Worker vs Seafarer?

AspectCargo Ship WorkerSeafarer
CredentialsBasic safety training, STCW certificationSTCW certification, specialized maritime training
Work EnvironmentOn cargo ships, handling cargo and logisticsOn ships, performing various duties at sea and port
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, freight carriersMaritime industry, shipping lines
Search & ComparisonOften compared for maritime logistics rolesBroader maritime roles including navigation and engineering

While both Cargo Ship Workers and Seafarers work on ships, Cargo Ship Workers primarily focus on cargo handling and logistics tasks, often with basic safety certifications. Seafarers encompass a wider range of roles, including navigation, engineering, and deck duties, requiring more extensive maritime certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the maritime industry.

How do I get into working on a cargo ship?

To work as a cargo ship worker, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass medical and background checks. Experience in manual labor, maritime safety, or related fields can be beneficial, and employers often require physical fitness and the ability to work in a team environment. Applying through shipping companies or maritime recruitment agencies is common for entry-level positions.

What is the highest paying job on a cargo ship?

The highest paying jobs on a cargo ship are typically the chief engineer and captain, who oversee operations and navigation. These roles require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often earn the highest salaries among crew members.

How much does a worker on a cargo ship make?

Cargo ship workers, such as deckhands and able seamen, typically earn between $2,000 and $6,000 per month depending on experience, rank, and the shipping company. Salaries can vary based on the vessel's size, route, and whether the worker has certifications like STCW. Many crew members work long shifts and spend weeks at sea, with additional pay often provided for overtime and hazardous conditions.

What are some typical challenges faced by cargo ship workers during long voyages?

Cargo ship workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to extended periods away from home, variable weather conditions, and irregular work hours. The work environment can be physically demanding and requires teamwork to ensure safety and efficiency when loading, unloading, and maintaining cargo. Crew members must also comply with strict international maritime regulations and maintain consistent communication with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, which helps foster both professional growth and cultural understanding.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Cargo ship positions often require little to no prior experience, as many entry-level roles focus on basic labor, safety procedures, and teamwork. However, some roles may require certifications such as STCW or maritime safety training, and employers typically provide on-the-job training for new workers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cargo Ship Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Worker, you need basic seamanship skills, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, along with certifications such as Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). Familiarity with cargo handling equipment, safety protocols, and marine communication systems is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to work in challenging environments are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient cargo operations and contribute to the smooth functioning of shipping logistics.
More about Cargo Ship Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Cargo Ship Worker jobs? Cities with the most Cargo Ship Worker job openings:
What states have the most Cargo Ship Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Ship Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cargo Ship Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cargo Ship Worker jobs are:
Cargo Ship Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,324 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

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.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications

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