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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 ...

$32 - $45/hr

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 Secret ...

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Merchant Marine Academy information

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$10

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How much do merchant marine academy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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.

What is a Merchant Marine Academy?

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 you get paid at the Merchant Marine Academy?

Cadets at the Merchant Marine Academy receive a stipend and tuition coverage while training, and they are often employed as cadets on ships or in related roles, earning wages during their sea time and training periods. This compensation helps support their education and practical experience in maritime skills and certifications.

How hard is it to get into the Merchant Marine Academy?

Admission to the Merchant Marine Academy is competitive and requires meeting academic standards, passing physical and medical exams, and demonstrating leadership and maritime aptitude. Applicants typically need a strong high school record, standardized test scores, and to complete a rigorous application process including interviews and background checks.

Is it hard to get a merchant marine academy job?

Getting a job in the merchant marine industry can be competitive and typically requires relevant certifications, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and experience at sea. Entry-level positions often require completing training programs at a maritime academy and passing physical and background checks.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Marine Transportation Supervisor (Vessel Master)

Department of Transportation

Massena, NY • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 853 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 for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
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 a 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 azimuthing 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:

  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Computer Skills - Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
  • Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
  • Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works 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.

Education:

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 positions other than Marine Transportation, experience in maintaining, retailing, purchasing, or procurement of automotive, rail, air, bus, or other transportation equipment or services, or in the operation of a commercial transportation facility or terminal. This experience must have demonstrated knowledge of fleet operations; familiarity with Federal, State, and municipal regulations governing the use of transportation vehicles; and the maintenance of inventories and cost computations.

You must have a current USCG Merchant Marine Credential endorsed as Master of Steam or Motor Vessels of 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) upon the Great Lakes and inland waters or superseding routes. You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials, or you will be rated ineligible.

Towing endorsement: You must have a current USCG License/Credential that qualifies as Master of Towing Vessels upon the Great Lakes and inland waters or superseding routes.

Employment Type: OTHER

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