1

Merchant Mariner Credential Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Merchant Mariner Credential information

See salary details

$27K

$52.2K

$70.5K

How much do merchant mariner credential jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant mariner credential in the United States is $52,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for someone holding a Merchant Mariner Credential?

Individuals holding a Merchant Mariner Credential can expect to work in a variety of maritime environments, such as cargo ships, passenger vessels, towboats, or offshore supply vessels. Schedules often involve extended periods at sea, sometimes ranging from a few days to several months, followed by periods off duty. Work is typically organized in shifts or 'watches' to ensure 24-hour operations, and the onboard environment requires teamwork and adaptability to confined living conditions. Collaboration with crewmates and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential parts of daily responsibilities. This career offers unique travel opportunities and the experience of close-knit teamwork while facing the challenges of life at sea.

What is a Merchant Mariner Credential job?

A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is a certification issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that qualifies individuals to work aboard commercial vessels. It serves as an official identification and ensures that mariners meet necessary training, medical, and security requirements. Jobs with an MMC can include deckhands, engineers, captains, and other maritime roles on cargo ships, ferries, tugboats, and other vessels. The type of work depends on the endorsements a mariner holds, such as Able Seaman or Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED). To obtain an MMC, applicants must complete training, pass a medical exam, and undergo a background check.

Do merchant mariners make good money?

Merchant mariners can earn competitive wages, especially with experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as STCW. Salaries vary based on vessel type, rank, and voyage length, with many positions offering additional benefits like overtime pay and housing allowances.

What can I do with a merchant mariner credential?

A merchant mariner credential allows individuals to work aboard commercial vessels in roles such as deck officer, engineer, or crew member. It certifies their qualifications to operate ships, perform safety procedures, and comply with maritime regulations. The credential is essential for employment in the maritime industry and often requires ongoing training and medical certification.

What jobs can I get with my MMC?

A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) qualifies individuals for various maritime jobs such as deck officer, engineer, or steward aboard commercial vessels. The specific roles depend on the license or endorsement held, and additional certifications or experience may be required for certain positions. MMC holders work in environments like cargo ships, tankers, passenger vessels, and offshore platforms.

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Merchant mariners can earn over $100,000 annually, especially those with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or senior positions such as captains or chief engineers. High-paying roles often involve extensive experience, working on large vessels, and being away from home for extended periods. Salary levels vary based on the vessel type, route, and employer, but top earners in the industry do surpass the $100,000 mark.

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

To thrive with a Merchant Mariner Credential, candidates need a solid understanding of nautical operations, navigation, safety protocols, and must meet medical and physical standards as set by the U.S. Coast Guard. Familiarity with vessel communication systems, safety equipment, and compliance documentation is essential, and holding the official MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) is mandatory. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working effectively in sometimes challenging maritime environments. These skills ensure not only individual safety and regulatory compliance but also contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of vessel operations.

More about Merchant Mariner Credential jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchant Mariner Credential jobs? Cities with the most Merchant Mariner Credential job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Mariner Credential jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Mariner Credential jobs are:
What states have the most Merchant Mariner Credential jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchant Mariner Credential jobs include:
Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Credential job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,239 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck)

Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck)

US Department of Homeland Security

New Orleans, LA • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This vacancy is for a GS - 2101 - 12, Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Deck) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER COURSE APPROVALS BRANCH.Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis:

  • Demonstrating serving aboard a vessel or directly supporting afloat operations, applying knowledge of shipboard operations, marine navigation, and the roles responsibilities of vessel personnel to perform assigned duties;
  • Drafting professional correspondence and preparing technical materials tailored to the maritime industry; AND
  • Interpreting and applying international and U.S. laws, regulations, and policies.

NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Selective Placement Factor(s) must be met in order to receive further consideration. You will be given the opportunity to address these when you apply on-line: Applicant must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential in the grade of 2nd Mate, Any Gross Tons (AGT) or higher or Master 1600 tons any waters or higher or military equivalent DWO 1600 GRT or higher.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Student Loan: Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent or term position may be eligible for student loan repayment up to $10,000 (pre-tax) for one calendar year. More than one loan may be repaid if the combined repayments do not exceed $10,000. Receipt of this incentive will require a three-year service agreement.

Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003