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Seaman Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mate

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate ...

Mate

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate ...

Ships Communication Officer- IAM

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$141.67 - $173.15/hr

Mixed Work Schedule, VEOA candidates, and Annuitants selected for employment as Able Seaman are not eligible for recruitment incentives. The Ship Communications Officer (SCO) Information Assurance ...

New

Third Officer

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$150 - $160/hr

Mixed Work Schedule, VEOA candidates and Annuitants selected for employment as Able Seaman are not eligible for recruitment incentives. The Third Officer is a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) employed ...

Seaman information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$25

$59

How much do seaman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for seaman in Virginia is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.81 and $26.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seaman?

Seamen are members of the crew on a ship or vessel, responsible for a wide variety of duties that support the safe and efficient operation of the ship. Their tasks often include handling cargo, maintaining the ship's cleanliness, assisting with navigation, operating deck equipment, and standing watch. Seamen work under the supervision of officers and are essential for day-to-day shipboard activities, whether on commercial, military, or private vessels. The role requires physical endurance, teamwork, and adaptability to challenging environments at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a seaman?

To thrive as a Seaman, you need a solid understanding of seamanship, safety protocols, navigation basics, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, along with STCW certification. Familiarity with shipboard equipment, safety gear, and maritime communication systems is typically required. Adaptability, teamwork, and strong attention to detail are crucial soft skills in this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure personal safety, vessel efficiency, and effective operations while at sea.

What challenges do seamen face on long voyages, and how can they be managed?

Seamen often encounter challenges such as extended periods away from home, adapting to changing weather conditions, and working irregular hours. Maintaining communication with family, adhering to safety protocols, and participating in onboard social activities can help manage isolation and stress. Teamwork is crucial, as seamen must collaborate closely with crewmates to ensure smooth operations and a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Seaman vs Marine Engineer?

AspectSeamanMarine Engineer
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, basic safety trainingSTCW certification, engineering licenses, technical training
Work EnvironmentDeck of ships, open sea, port operationsEngine room, ship's machinery, technical areas
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime industryShipping companies, maritime industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Seaman and a Marine Engineer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Seamen primarily handle deck operations, safety, and cargo, working on the ship's exterior and deck. Marine Engineers focus on maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and machinery, working in the engine room. Both roles require maritime certifications and are essential to ship operations, but they differ significantly in technical expertise and daily tasks.

Do seamen make good money?

Seamen can earn competitive wages, especially with experience, certifications, and specialized skills such as navigation or engineering. Salaries vary based on the vessel type, employer, and location, with many positions offering additional benefits like overtime pay and housing allowances.

How do you become a seaman?

To become a seaman, you typically need to complete maritime training and obtain relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Entry often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and passing background checks; some positions also require prior experience or apprenticeships. Basic safety training and knowledge of navigation, seamanship, and safety procedures are essential for employment on ships.

What are the most commonly searched types of Seaman jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Seaman jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Seaman jobs in Virginia?

For Seaman jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Seaman jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Seaman job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Seaman jobs in VA?

For Seaman jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Seaman job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,808 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Ordinary Seaman/Laborer

Systems Application & Technologies Inc

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Load and unload trucks, and other conveyances.

  • Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of Navy watercraft and associated heavy equipment, vehicles and hangar bays.

  • Support boat launching, recovery, and underway missions, and perform basic seamanship duties such as line handling and acting as ship's crew.


Job description

Description:

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Location: Naval Station Norfolk, VA

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 34-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we’ve developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction.


We are currently seeking to hire a Ordinary Seaman/Laborer to support a dynamic U.S. Navy Directorate specializing in design, research, development, testing, and evaluation of experimental watercraft for its DoD clients at Naval Station Norfolk (NOB). SA-TECH is ensuring performance and fleet readiness by providing full-spectrum O&M support of specialized combatant craft, patrol boats, Special Operations Forces platforms and coastal craft.


The Laborer performs tasks that require mainly physical abilities and effort involving little or no specialized skill or prior work experience. The following tasks are typical of this occupation (but are not limited to):

  • Load and unload trucks, and other conveyances.
  • Move supplies and materials to proper locations by wheelbarrow or hand truck.
  • Stack materials for storage or binning.
  • Collect refuse and salvageable materials.
  • Dig, fill, and tamp earth excavations and level ground using pick, shovel, tamper and rake.
  • Shovel concrete and snow, clean culverts and ditches, cut tree and brush and operate power lawnmowers.
  • Spread sand and salt on icy roads and walkways.
  • Pick up leaves and trash.
  • Move and arrange heavy pieces of office and household furniture, equipment, and appliance.
  • Move heavy pieces of automotive, medical engineering, and other types of machinery and equipment.
  • Secure cargo.
  • Launch and recover boats and support underway missions.
  • Capable of basic seamanship and perform as line handler and ship’s crew.
  • Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of Navy watercraft and associated heavy equipment, vehicles and hangar bays.

Work Conditions:

  • Work will be performed in enclosed buildings, hangar bays, warehouses, and immediate facility grounds.
  • Position may require candidate to be underway onboard small vessels (7m – 90ft) for short durations.
  • Work will include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and reaching.
Requirements:

Education/Experience/Skills:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous experience performing basic seamanship duties.
  • Familiarity with small boat operation, basic small craft maintenance, line handling and launching/recovering watercraft using trailers.
  • Current Driver’s License required; must be able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
  • U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Security Secret Clearance prior to start date and maintain a Secret clearance throughout employment.
  • All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

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Working at SA-TECH:

As a highly regarded DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal… Supporting our Warfighters. Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States.


SA-TECH provides employees with:

  • Employee Recognition
  • Above-Average Compensation
  • Competitive Employee Benefits
  • Continuous Training and Professional Development
  • Ample Career Advancement Opportunities

Highlights of SA-TECH’s employee benefits include:

  • Medical plan with excellent prescription coverage
  • Dental plan with orthodontics for children
  • Vision plan
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Sick leave
  • Flexible PTO options

SA-TECH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.


All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.
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