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Container Ship Crew Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... ships, Ferries, Tankers, Container ships, Etc. * Working independently to install, modify, test ... while improving crew, passenger and cargo safety as well as overall productivity of their ...

Container Ship Crew information

See Texas salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do container ship crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for container ship crew in Texas is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Container Ship Crew job?

A Container Ship Crew job involves working on a cargo vessel that transports shipping containers across oceans and waterways. Crew members have various roles, including deck operations, engine maintenance, navigation, and safety procedures. Responsibilities depend on the rank, from officers managing ship operations to ratings performing hands-on tasks. The job requires long periods at sea, physical endurance, and compliance with maritime safety regulations. It offers a structured career path with opportunities for advancement through experience and certification.

How to become a crew member on a container ship?

To become a container ship crew member, applicants typically need to complete maritime training and obtain relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Prior experience in seamanship, navigation, or engineering is often required, and candidates must pass medical examinations and background checks. English language skills and physical fitness are also important for working onboard.

What does a typical work schedule look like for container ship crew members?

Container ship crew members generally work in shifts, commonly following a watch system that divides duties across 24 hours to ensure the vessel is always staffed. Schedules can include long periods at sea, often several weeks or even months, followed by periods of shore leave. While onboard, crew members alternate between periods of active duty—such as performing maintenance, cargo operations, or navigation—and rest. This rotational schedule promotes safety and ensures continuous vessel operations during international voyages.

How much do container ship crews make?

Container ship crew members' salaries vary based on experience, rank, and voyage length, but typically range from $2,000 to $8,000 per month. Officers and engineers tend to earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and allowances for living at sea. Certifications such as STCW are required, and crews usually work on contracts that last several months before rotation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Container Ship Crew position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Container Ship Crew member, you need solid seamanship, physical fitness, and a basic understanding of maritime safety protocols; most roles require a valid STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certificate. Familiarity with navigation tools, cargo handling equipment, and safety-management systems is typically required. Teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are essential soft skills for success. These abilities ensure efficient ship operations, crew safety, and the smooth transportation of cargo across international waters.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Container ship crew positions typically require some training or certification, such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), but entry-level roles like ordinary seaman or deckhand may be available to those with minimal experience. Prior maritime knowledge or skills are beneficial, and companies often provide on-the-job training for new crew members. Basic physical fitness and the ability to work in a team environment are also important.

Is it hard to get a job on a container ship?

Securing a position as a container ship crew member can be competitive and often requires relevant certifications such as STCW, physical fitness, and experience in maritime environments. Entry-level roles may be easier to obtain with proper training, but higher-ranking positions typically demand more experience and specialized skills.
Infographic showing various Container Ship Crew job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,236 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Marine Field Service Engineer (Power)

Marine Field Service Engineer (Power)

ABB

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


ABB Group rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 485 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner-and every person here makes that happen. You'll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Service Team Leader

__

Your role and responsibilities

The Marine Field Service Engineer (FSE) plans and executes, with minimal professional guidance, complex technical field assignments involving the installation, modification, test, inspection or repair of company products and equipment. The FSE may also coordinate work with other groups to ensure meeting customer commitments. Since the FSE is often the one who interacts with the customer's operation people, they may also recommend measures to improve operations and customer service.


The work model for the role is: hybrid #LI-Hybrid


This role is contributing to the Automation, Marine and Ports Division, in either Miramar, FL or Houston, TX.
You will be mainly accountable for:

  • Travel to customer premises globally, in most cases onboard a vessel in offshore and in dry docks, for example but not limited to Drill ships, Drilling rigs, Offshore Supply Vessels, Cruise ships, Ferries, Tankers, Container ships, Etc.

  • Working independently to install, modify, test, repair, or inspect company products and equipment including, but not limited to: Power generation, distribution and control, LV and MV, expert knowledge in protection functions.

  • Remote on-call support for customer technical problems is required.

  • Troubleshooting and repairing equipment, applying personal knowledge and experience.


Our team dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here createsrealimpact out there.


Qualifications for the role
  • 5 or more years' experience preferred in marine power generation and power distribution with a focus on protection relays, circuit breakers, contactors, transformers, AVRs, communications and control of those systems.

  • Bachelor's degree, preferred but not required, in electrical engineering or another Electrical technical field.

  • Familiarity with marine/offshore work environment and procedures.

  • Experience in marine power systems

  • Must be fluent in both written and verbal English.

  • Preferred experience with ABB marine equipment.

  • Experience as a ship electrician or have experience from shipyards, understanding and interest in marine installations.

  • Must be fluent in both written and verbal English.


More about us

The Marine & Ports Division serves the shipping and ports industries through its extensive portfolio of integrated systems and solutions that improve the flexibility, reliability and energy efficiency of vessels and container terminals. By coupling power, propulsion, automation, marine software and services that ensure maximum vessel uptime, the Division is well positioned to help the marine industry to achieve its decarbonization targets while improving the profitability and sustainability of our customers' business throughout the entire lifecycle of vessels. With ABB Ability Marine software solutions and ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Centers around the world, shipowners and operators can run their fleets at lower fuel and maintenance costs, while improving crew, passenger and cargo safety as well as overall productivity of their operations. Further, the Division delivers automation, electrical systems and digital solutions for container and bulk cargo handling, from ship to gate. These solutions help terminal operators meet the challenge of larger ships, taller cranes and bigger volumes per call, and make terminal operations safer, greener and more productive.


Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About ABB Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Take your next career step at ABB with a global team that is energizing the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.At ABB, we have the clear goal of driving diversity and inclusion across all dimensions: gender, LGBTQ+, abilities, ethnicity and generations. Together, we are embarking on a journey where each and every one of us, individually and collectively, welcomes and celebrates individual differences.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US