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Cargo Ship Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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$11

$18

$31

How much do cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship in Michigan is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo ship?

Cargo ships are large vessels designed specifically to transport goods and materials across seas and oceans. They are a vital part of international trade, carrying everything from raw materials like oil and coal to finished products such as electronics and vehicles. Cargo ships come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each specialized for different kinds of cargo. The crew on a cargo ship is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and maintenance of the vessel during its journey. These ships follow strict safety and environmental regulations to ensure efficient and secure transportation.

What are cargo ship jobs?

Cargo ship jobs include any positions involved in helping container ships transport freight from port to port across the world. Some of the different jobs include the captain, officers of the watch, engineers, electricians, other skilled tradespeople, and workers in the steward’s department. Your duties in each of these jobs differ significantly. For example, as a deckhand or able seaman, you maintain a clean and safe deck, paint the ship, and haul cargo. Deck officers oversee the deck, set watch, and report any issues to the captain or other deck masters. As the captain, you oversee the overall operation of the ship.

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 maritime operations, navigation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a maritime degree and STCW certification. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS navigation tools, and cargo handling equipment is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help coordinate crew activities and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial to maintain vessel safety, efficient cargo transport, and compliance with international regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working on a cargo ship?

Crew members on cargo ships often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to life at sea, and working in a multicultural environment. They must also be prepared for physically demanding tasks and irregular working hours, including night shifts and extended duty during port operations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the crew works closely together to ensure safe navigation, cargo management, and compliance with international maritime regulations.

How to get a job on a cargo ship?

To get a job on a cargo ship, candidates typically need to meet maritime industry requirements, such as obtaining relevant certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and having prior experience or training in maritime operations. Applying through shipping companies, crew agencies, or maritime job boards is common, and physical fitness and the ability to work in a challenging environment are important.
More about Cargo Ship jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Cargo Ship jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Cargo Ship jobs in Michigan?

For Cargo Ship jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Cargo Ship jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cargo Ship jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cargo Ship job openings:

Cargo Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,186 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Grand River Navigation Co. Inc

Mayfield, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description:

Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!

If you are looking to become part of our team that strongly values safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, come sail with us! Grand River Navigation has one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes. With unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry we can guarantee you will enjoy a career with us!

Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime. We are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessels that provide service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Competitive total rewards package including income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best-in-class rotation. We have many education opportunities and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual.

Great Lakes Ship Captain (Master) - Key Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Maintain ultimate command and accountability for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
  • Ensure the seaworthiness, safety, security, and operational readiness of the vessel, equipment, cargo, and crew.
  • Safely navigate and maneuver the vessel throughout Great Lakes waterways, ports, locks, and restricted channels.
  • Serve as the Company's representative and primary authority onboard, overseeing all vessel operations and decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, environmental standards, and maritime industry best practices.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop crew members while fostering a professional, safety-focused, and positive work environment.
  • Direct emergency response activities and make critical operational decisions to protect personnel, cargo, the vessel, and the environment.
  • Oversee voyage planning, risk assessment, cargo operations, vessel security, and safe work practices.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Why Choose Grand River Navigation?

  • As an employee you are part of the Mainstay Maritime family where Teamwork and safety are a core value
  • Highly competitive wages and benefits including medical, dental, vision, company paid long-term and short-term disability and life insurance, 401K with company match.
  • Excellent safety record

Requirements:

  • Valid passport and allowed entry into the Canada
  • Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG
  • Endorsement as Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (Minimum)
  • First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary, Buffalo and Port Weller to Cape Vincent
  • Certification as Ship Security Officer
  • Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) issued by TSA
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills as well as the ability to multi-task

Grand River Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act.

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