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Merchant Marine Academy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024, United States. Job Type: Part time. Qualifications: * 2 years of professional experience in music education teaching high school or college and ...

Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024, United States. Job Type: Part time. Qualifications: * 2 years of professional experience in music education teaching high school or college and ...

Merchant Marine Academy * Military Class "A" or "C" Schools Security Clearance * Must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security investigation * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a ...

Merchant Marine Academies, according to the BLS. States like Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Maine and California also have merchant academies. Simulation devices are used in academies to ...

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Merchant Marine Academy information

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How much do merchant marine academy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine academy 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.

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 officers or captains. High-paying positions often require extensive sea time, specialized skills, and the ability to work long schedules on ships or offshore platforms.

What jobs do merchant marines have?

Merchant marines work as deck officers, engineers, and crew members on commercial ships such as cargo vessels, tankers, and passenger ships. They are responsible for navigation, engine operation, cargo handling, and safety procedures, often requiring certifications like STCW. These roles involve working in maritime environments with shifts that can last several weeks at sea.

Is it hard to get into the merchant marine academy?

Admission to a merchant marine academy is competitive and typically requires meeting academic standards, passing physical and medical exams, and demonstrating maritime aptitude. Applicants often need to complete standardized tests, background checks, and fulfill age and citizenship requirements. Successful candidates usually also complete interviews and demonstrate a commitment to maritime careers.

What is a Merchant Marine Academy job?

A Merchant Marine Academy graduate typically pursues careers in maritime transportation, ship operations, logistics, or engineering. They may work on commercial ships, with the Navy or Coast Guard, or in maritime business and port management. Graduates often serve as licensed deck or engineering officers aboard vessels or take on leadership roles in maritime industries. Many also fulfill service obligations in the military or government agencies related to maritime operations.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Officer, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a Merchant Marine Academy, strong maritime knowledge, and completion of required licensing such as the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with navigational systems, ship operations technology, and safety protocols is crucial. Exceptional leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient operation of vessels and successful coordination with diverse crews under challenging conditions.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities after graduating from a Merchant Marine Academy?

Graduates of a Merchant Marine Academy often start their careers as deck officers, engineering officers, or other entry-level licensed roles on commercial ships. With additional experience and sea time, it's common to advance to senior positions such as Chief Mate, Chief Engineer, or even Captain or Ship Superintendent. Many alumni also transition to shoreside maritime careers, including port operations, logistics management, or roles with maritime regulatory agencies. Advancement is typically based on accumulated experience, successful completion of additional licensing exams, and demonstrated leadership skills. The maritime industry offers a clear pathway for those motivated to pursue greater responsibility and expertise with time.

Do merchant mariners get paid well?

Merchant mariners often earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, rank, and vessel type. Entry-level positions typically start lower, but experienced crew members with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially on international voyages or with overtime pay. Overall, many in the industry find the compensation to be adequate for the demanding work environment and extended periods at sea.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Academy jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine Academy jobs are:
What states have the most Merchant Marine Academy jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine Academy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine Academy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine Academy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Academy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, 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

Posted yesterday


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

533rd of 832 rated public administrative organizations


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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