... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
... ships crew ... They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck ...
Cargo Ship information
See Reston, VA salary details
$14 - $16.14
20% of jobs
$16.56 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.14 - $18.28
28% of jobs
$18.28 - $20.42
0% of jobs
The median wage is $20.64 / hr.
$20.42 - $22.55
25% of jobs
$23.21 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$22.55 - $24.69
9% of jobs
$24.69 - $26.83
13% of jobs
$26.83 - $28.96
0% of jobs
$28.96 - $31.10
0% of jobs
$31.10 - $33.24
0% of jobs
$33.24 - $35.38
0% of jobs
$35.38 - $37.51
5% of jobs
$14
$21
$37
How much do cargo ship jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship in Reston, VA is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 do I get a job on a cargo ship?
To work as a cargo ship crew member, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), gain maritime experience, and apply through shipping companies or maritime recruitment agencies. Basic skills include safety procedures, navigation, and teamwork, and a valid passport is required for international travel. Employment often involves completing training programs and passing medical examinations.
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 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 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.
More about Cargo Ship jobs
What job categories do people searching Cargo Ship jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Cargo Ship jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cargo Ship jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cargo Ship job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Re-posted 7 hours ago
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
42nd of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
Job Title: Boatswains Mate
Category / Component: Enlisted Both
Overview
Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck operations, and maritime security, keeping the fleet ready to sail and fight.
Key Responsibilities
- Stand watch as helmsman, lookout, and Boatswains Mate of the Watch
- Operate small boats and support flight deck and amphibious operations
- Repair and maintain deck equipment and exterior ship surfaces
- Conduct underway replenishment and cargo handling at sea
- Stand security watches in port and underway and participate in naval ceremonies
What to Expect
- Hands on, mostly outdoor work in varied weather and sea conditions
- Frequent watches day and night, at sea and in port, to support ship operations
- High tempo evolutions during replenishments, small boat operations, and flight deck activities
- Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance
Work Environment
- Assignments on surface ships and at shore installations in the United States and overseas - Work on decks, piers, small boats, and flight decks across a range of sea states and weather conditions - Operate in a physically demanding maritime environment with strict safety procedures and close team coordination
Pathways, Training & Advancement
- Recruit Training followed by Boatswains Mate A School in Great Lakes, Illinois
- On the job qualification in seamanship, small boat handling, deck operations, and watchstanding
- Advancement based on performance, time in rate, completion of required qualifications, and advancement exams, with historically strong promotion opportunity for qualified Sailors
- Enlist directly as a Boatswains Mate and attend BM A School after Recruit Training, subject to current classification and manning needs.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:
- Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
- A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelors or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
- Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
- Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
- Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
- Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
- Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
- Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
Additional qualifications for this job may include:
- Physical strength and stamina to work safely in an outdoor maritime environment, often with repetitive tasks, ladders, and heavy loads.
- Ability to work well in a team, follow safety procedures, and communicate clearly in a shipboard environment.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailors status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.
Required
Preferred
Job Industries
- Government & Military
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US