ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Merchant Marine Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRetail JobsRetail Store JobsMerchant JobsMerchant Marine Officer Jobs

Merchant Marine Officer information

See salary details

$20.5K

$63.6K

$108.5K

How much do merchant marine officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant marine officer in the United States is $63,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Merchant Marine Officer?

A Merchant Marine Officer is a licensed professional who oversees the operation and navigation of commercial vessels, such as cargo ships, tankers, and passenger ships. They ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods and passengers across domestic and international waters. Duties vary by rank but typically include navigation, cargo management, ship maintenance, and crew supervision. Officers must meet U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements and often attend maritime academies for training. The job involves extensive time at sea and requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Merchant Marine Officer?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Officer, you need expertise in navigation, maritime operations, and vessel management, typically gained through a maritime academy degree and U.S. Coast Guard licensing. Familiarity with navigational systems (like ECDIS and GPS), radar, and safety equipment, along with valid STCW certifications, is critical. Strong leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities set exceptional officers apart. These skills ensure safe and efficient vessel operations, effective crew management, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a Merchant Marine Officer?

A Merchant Marine Officer’s schedule often involves working in shifts, commonly called watches, which can range from 4 to 8 hours on duty followed by a similar amount of rest. You may spend several weeks or months at sea before returning home for an extended break. The work is highly structured, with clear roles and responsibilities shared among officers and crew, and requires adaptability to changing weather, routes, and operational needs. While at sea, Merchant Marine Officers live aboard the vessel, collaborating closely with engineers, deckhands, and other officers to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the ship.

How do you become a merchant marine officer?

To become a merchant marine officer, you typically need to complete a maritime academy or obtain a relevant degree, gain sea time through training programs, and earn necessary certifications such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). Licensing from the Coast Guard or relevant maritime authority is also required to operate as an officer onboard commercial vessels.

How much do merchant marine officers make?

Merchant marine officers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and the type of vessel. Salaries increase with certifications, such as STCW, and extended periods at sea often include additional compensation and benefits.
More about Merchant Marine Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Merchant Marine Officer job openings:

What states have the most Merchant Marine Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Merchant Marine Officer jobs?

For Merchant Marine Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Merchant Marine Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,572 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Marine Engineering Instructor (Contingent Faculty)

Kings Point, NY • On-site

OPS
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about OPSexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

Oneida Professional Services (OPS) is actively seeking a highly qualified Marine Engineering Instructor (Contingent Faculty) to support the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York. This position supports the Marine Engineering Department and provides instruction, mentorship, and academic leadership to future marine engineering officers.


*This position is contingent on the award of a federal contract.


Key Responsibilities
  • Deliver instruction within the Marine Engineering Department. 
  • Teach courses which may include: 
    • Basic & Advanced Tanker Operations
    • Introduction to Electrical Engineering
    • Electrotonic
    • Machine Ship
    • Introduction to Marine Engineering I & II
    • Marine Steam Plants & Components
    • Internal Combustion Engines
    • Marine Refrigeration
    • Gas Turbine and Marine Auxiliary Equipment
    • Marine Plant Automation and Controls
    • Marine Engineering for Deck Officers
    • Diesel Engine Maintenance
  • Mentor Midshipmen and support student academic success.
  • Conduct course assessments and maintain academic records. 
  • Participate in research, scholarly activities, faculty committees, and institutional service efforts. 
  • Develop course content and instructional materials consistent with accreditation requirements and Academy standards. 
  • Submit grades through the Academy's electronic student information system. 
  • Maintain weekly office hours for student consultation and academic advising. 
  • Report directly to the Department Head of Marine Engineering.
Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in: 
    • Marine Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Naval Architecture
    • Naval Engineering
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Or a closely related engineering field. 
  • Sea service as a licensed engineering officer at the Second Assistant Engineer level or above. 
  • Practical marine engineering experience. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and related software. 
  • Strong verbal and written English communication skills. 
  • Ability to meet all government background investigation and suitability requirements. 
Preferred Qualifications
  • College-level teaching experience. 
  • Naval engineering officer experience. 
  • Engineering design experience within maritime, naval, or power generation environments. 
  • Power plant operations experience.
  • Experience teaching marine engineering or maritime technology coursework.
  • Experience working with maritime simulation, training, or academy environments. 
Work Schedule
  • Monday through Friday
  • 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (EST)
  • On-site position at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
  • Telework and remote work are not authorized.
Benefits (Federal)
  • 15 Days of Paid Time Off
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Multiple Voluntary Medical Benefits

About Us:

The Oneida ESC Group is a family of companies owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin that delivers customer-focused engineering, science, and construction services worldwide.

Our family of companies includes:

  • Oneida ESC Group (OESC)
  • Oneida Professional Services (OPS)
  • Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (OTIE)
  • Mission Support Services (MS2)
  • Sustainment & Restoration Services (SRS)
  • Oneida Engineering Solutions (OES)
  • General Mechanical Corporation (GMC)
  • LG2 Environmental Solutions (LG2)
  • Oneida Environmental (OE)

We integrate our staff for dedicated, cooperative, and business-like delivery of services to enhance our customers' missions.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Oneida ESC Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.