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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Savage

Marine Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements capable of foreign voyages. Note: Submit a copy of your current MMC with your online application. * USCG Merchant Mariner ...

ssc

Marine Captain

Charleston, SC

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements capable of foreign voyages. Note: Submit a copy of your current MMC with your online application. * USCG Merchant Mariner ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL

Captain- Full Time Captain of large Casino Ship. Requires USCG license Unlimited Master . Daily 5 ... Merchant Marine Academies, according to the BLS. States like Massachusetts, Michigan, New York ...

Bowhead

Captain

Mobile, AL

Overview CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24540): Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL

Overview CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24393): Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

Bowhead

Captain

Mobile, AL

Overview CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24392): Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

lynden

Captain - Master of Tow

Anchorage, AK

Merchant Marine Document * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel experience and knowledge of local waters and communities we serve Why should you join us? * We're ethical and human. We don't ...

lynden

Captain - Master of Tow

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Merchant Marine Document * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel experience and knowledge of local waters and communities we serve Why should you join us? * We're ethical and human. We don't ...

lynden

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK

Bering Marine is seeking a Captain - Mate of Tow. As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel ... Radar Endorsement * Merchant Marine Document * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

lynden

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Bering Marine is seeking a Captain - Mate of Tow. As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel ... Radar Endorsement * Merchant Marine Document * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

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Merchant Marine Captain information

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How much do merchant marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Merchant Marine Captains can earn over $100,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and working on large or specialized vessels. Salaries vary based on the type of ship, route, and employer, with senior captains and those working in offshore or international shipping often earning higher wages.

What are typical career progression opportunities for a Merchant Marine Captain?

Many Merchant Marine Captains begin their careers as deck officers and progress through the ranks with additional sea time, training, and certifications. After serving as captain, some professionals advance to fleet management, shore-based vessel operations, maritime safety roles, or training new officers at maritime academies. Leadership experience as a captain opens doors to higher-level management positions within shipping companies, port authorities, or government agencies. Career development often includes ongoing education and keeping up-to-date with evolving maritime regulations and technology.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Merchant Marine Captain can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience and certifications such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. These roles often involve long periods at sea, requiring strong navigation, leadership, and safety skills, but typically do not require a college degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Merchant Marine Captains can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially when commanding large vessels or working on specialized routes. High earnings often depend on experience, certifications, and the type of vessel operated, with some captains working extended periods at sea under demanding schedules.

How much do merchant ship captains make?

Merchant Marine Captains typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. Salaries can increase with seniority, certifications, and the complexity of the ships they command.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Captain, you need deep expertise in maritime navigation, ship handling, and crew management, typically supported by a degree from a maritime academy and a U.S. Coast Guard Master Mariner license. Familiarity with electronic chart systems, marine communication devices, and safety management systems is critical for operating modern vessels safely and efficiently. Strong leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills set outstanding captains apart in challenging maritime conditions. These competencies ensure safe voyages, regulatory compliance, and the effective coordination of crew and operations at sea.

What is a Merchant Marine Captain job?

A Merchant Marine Captain is responsible for commanding and navigating commercial vessels that transport cargo and passengers over water. They oversee crew operations, ensure compliance with maritime laws, and manage ship safety and maintenance. Captains must hold a U.S. Coast Guard license and have extensive experience at sea. Their role is critical in global trade, ensuring goods and personnel move safely and efficiently across waterways.

More about Merchant Marine Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine Captain jobs? Cities with the most Merchant Marine Captain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Captain jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine Captain jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine Captain jobs are:
Merchant Marine Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Marine Captain

Marine Captain

Savage

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Come work with us! Savage has been designated by USA Today as a Top Workplace and also received recognition as a Military Friendly Employer and a Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation.
Military Veterans and Reservists are encouraged to apply.
Benefits you receive when working with Savage:
  • Travel assistance to & from vessel paid for by employer
  • A culture that appreciates team members
  • Profit Sharing
  • Excellent Benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
  • Opportunity for growth
  • A commitment to helping our team members do things that they never dreamed possible

Job Summary:
This position is based out of Tampa, FL.
The Master has overriding authority and control on board his/her vessel at all times either at sea or in port. He/she is directly responsible for all actions and procedures occurring on board that may affect the interests of the Company.
Responsibilities / Job Duties:
  • Oversee crew to ensure safe, reliable, environmentally conscious, and efficient operations
  • Steer and operate vessel utilizing radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses
  • Dock and undock vessel maneuvering through narrow spaces
  • Communicate among crew members during highly stressful situations
  • Performance of inspection of all equipment and systems necessary for safe, operations
  • The Master will supervise each department on board the vessel and be responsible for the economic maintenance and operation of the vessel, including authorization of overtime expenditures for all departments, cargo and ballasting operations oversight and tracking of vessel certificates.
  • The Master is to notify the Company of any cases affecting the seaworthiness of the vessel, safety of the vessel and crew, quality of the environment as affected by the vessel, security of the vessel, and quality of service provided to the Customer.
  • The Master is ultimately responsible for following all regulations and procedures under which the vessel trades, including but not limited to: Flag State, Class, Port State, the Company HSSEQ Management System
  • The Master is considered an extension of the Company and an integral member of the management team. As such, he or she is responsible for the training and evaluation of the crew under his or her leadership. Besides the responsibilities listed above, the Master is responsible for cost management, vessel maintenance, upkeep, and cleanliness, safety awareness and indoctrination, effective communication and harmony on the ship, and appearance and sobriety.
  • The Master is responsible for ensuring that all members of the crew are on board the vessel during regular or assigned working hours, whether the ship is in port or at sea.
  • Responsibilities are not all inclusive and may change based on the needs of the company.

Requirements/Qualifications:
  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements capable of foreign voyages.
    Note: Submit a copy of your current MMC with your online application.
  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements:
    • Must hold the following International STCW Endorsements:
    • OICNW (STCW II/1 or II/2, II/3), Proficiency in the use of survival craft (PSC) (STCW VI/2), GMDSS (STCW IV/2) is preferred, Adv Fire Fighting (STCW VI/3), First Aid and Medical Care (STCW VI/4), Vessel Security Officer (STCW VI/5).
  • Must hold the following National Endorsements:
    • Master 1,600 GRT upon Oceans or higher
    • Master Towing upon Oceans
    • Tankerman PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquid Cargoes
  • Must hold a valid USCG/STCW medical certificate.
  • Must hold a valid TWIC card and U.S. Passport

Education/Experience:
  • Maritime Academy graduate preferred
  • Five years of experience as chemical tanker Master or other tank vessel experience preferred
  • ABS Nautical Systems NS5 experience preferred
  • Experience with Caustic Soda is preferred

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to work in confined spaces, carrying heavy tools, climbing and descending ladders, consistently asked to lift and carry loads at least 40 pounds
  • Must have current USCG STCW Medical Certificate, renewed every 2 years

Additional Information:
  • A complete job description is available upon request
  • Savage is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace
  • California Residents Job Application Privacy Notice

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