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Merchant Marine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

V2X

$27.25 - $32.50/hr

Coast Guard Merchant Marine Document (MMD) with a QMED- oiler endorsement or higher-level license; * Experience: * Four (4) years' experience in repairing marine diesel engines and systems;

US Department of the Navy

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75K/yr

Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine. * For GS-11 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 2nd Assistant license for at least 1 year. * For GS-12 (or equivalent ...

D&S Marine Service

Wheelhouse

Gray, LA · On-site

Maintaining routine maintenance of vessel Our wheelhouse work rotating schedules of 28/14 or 20/10. Applicants must have a valid Merchant Marine Credential, Driver's License and TWIC Card.

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of hire. * Existing Merchant Marine credentials or endorsements are a plus. Required Work ...

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of hire. Existing Merchant Marine credentials or endorsements are a plus. Required Work ...

Leidos

Marine Fleet Coordinator

Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards * Demonstrated experience with coastal navigation, electronic navigation, and dead reckoning * Experience ...

Electronic Marine Systems

Be Seen First

Field Service Engineer

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Past military experience a plus such as Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine a plus. Company Description We are a 47 yr old technology company. We manufacture automation for ships. We ...

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Merchant Marine information

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$10

$26

$38

How much do merchant marine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine in the United States is $26.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Merchant Marine position, and why are they important?

A Merchant Marine needs strong seamanship, navigation, and mechanical knowledge, often supported by completion of maritime academies and possession of relevant licenses such as those issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Familiarity with shipboard machinery, navigation systems like ECDIS, and safety protocols is essential. Adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are valuable soft skills for thriving in the dynamic maritime environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe operations, efficient voyages, and effective collaboration under challenging conditions at sea.

What is a Merchant Marine job?

A Merchant Marine job involves working on commercial ships that transport goods and passengers across domestic and international waters. Merchant mariners operate and maintain various types of vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, and passenger ships. They perform roles such as deck officers, engineers, and able seamen, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. Unlike the Navy, the Merchant Marine is a civilian workforce that supports global trade and, in times of war, may assist military operations.

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Merchant seamen, especially those with advanced certifications and experience, can earn over $100,000 annually, particularly in senior roles such as chief mates or captains. High-paying positions often require extensive sea time, specialized skills, and the ability to work long schedules on ships or offshore platforms.

Is it hard to get into merchant marines?

Getting into the merchant marine can be competitive and requires meeting specific requirements such as age, physical fitness, and passing a drug test. Candidates often need to obtain relevant certifications like STCW and may benefit from prior maritime training or experience. The process involves applying through maritime academies or companies and completing training programs.

What exactly do the merchant marines do?

Merchant marines operate and maintain cargo ships, tankers, and other vessels that transport goods and materials across oceans and seas. They handle loading and unloading cargo, navigation, safety procedures, and ship maintenance, often working in challenging environments for extended periods. Certification and training in maritime safety and navigation are typically required for these roles.

What are the typical working conditions and schedule like for Merchant Mariners?

Merchant Mariners often work on ships for extended periods, typically following a rotational schedule such as several weeks or months at sea followed by time off. The work environment can be demanding, involving long shifts, confined living quarters, and exposure to varying weather conditions. Daily responsibilities include operating and maintaining the vessel, performing safety drills, and collaborating closely with other crew members to ensure smooth shipping operations. Despite these challenges, the role offers unique opportunities for travel, camaraderie, and career advancement within the maritime industry.

How much do merchant marines get paid?

Merchant marines typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and the type of vessel. Entry-level positions often start around $40,000, with higher salaries for officers and those with specialized skills or certifications such as STCW or GMDSS. Pay can also include benefits like housing, travel allowances, and overtime pay due to the demanding nature of the job environment.
More about Merchant Marine jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine jobs? Cities with the most Merchant Marine job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine jobs are:
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Merchant Marine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master) - SME

Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master) - SME

Department of Transportation

Massena, NY

$125K/yr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Office of Lock Operations and Marine Services, Marine Services Division, Massena, NY. You will serve as a working supervisor of the Marine Services Division with major responsibilities for the Corporation’s marine vessels, floating plants, aids to navigation, and hydrographic surveys.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

  • Experience as Vessel Master operating and maintaining vessels, in addition to overseeing shipping channel maintenance, maintaining aids to navigation, responding to emergencies on the water, conducting ship inspections, or investigating vessel incidents/accidents.
  • Experience with various maritime operational practices, procedures, regulations, and policies such as American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules and guidelines, or similar, sufficient to assist others on the requirements.
  • Experience operating “Z-drive,” or similar azimuth drive propulsion systems for towing vessels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Computer Skills - Use computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
  3. Information Management - Identify a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organize and maintain information or information management systems.
  4. Teamwork - Encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; foster commitment and team spirit; work with others to achieve goals.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials, or you will be rated ineligible.  Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Education:Individual Occupational Requirements:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal, State, or other accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying. 

OR

For Marine Transportation positions, experience in:

  • Planning, directing, and supervising cargo or bulk petroleum movements such as: 
  • Embarkation and debarkation, cargo loading and discharge.
  • Formulating marine transportation itineraries and routings according to commercial cost factors and tariffs.
  • Formulating marine transportation traffic plans for personnel and cargo.
  • Scheduling ships.
  • Developing, analyzing, or evaluating cargo lift capabilities.
  • Preparing statistics for planning operations of ships, or formulating budgetary estimates of cargo transportation costs.
  • Serving as a licensed merchant marine deck or engine officer or naval deck or engine officer.
Employment Type: OTHER

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