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Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Coast Guard

Boatswain's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels * General and Operations Manager * Emergency Management Director * First-line Supervisor of Material-moving Machine and Vehicle Operators * Schedule ...

Seaport Museum New York

Relief Mate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Job Summary The Mate assists, at the direction of the Captain, in all aspects of the operation, handling, and maintenance of the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker . They serve as ...

United States Coast Guard

Gunner's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

Are You... * Comfortable with firearms? * Attentive to detail? * Inclined toward mechanics and math? * Interested in law enforcement or security? Skills You'll Learn Firearms maintenance Firearms ...

University of South Florida

Mate

Saint Petersburg, FL

$64K - $78K/yr

The Assistant Marine Captain / Mate serves as the vessel's second officer and assistant command authority aboard FIO research vessels. The position is directly involved in the daily operation, safe ...

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$22

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How much do second mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for second mate in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Second mates in the maritime industry typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles like CEOs, investment bankers, or specialized medical professionals. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and certifications, and salaries above $500,000 are usually found in senior leadership or highly specialized fields.

What Is a Second Mate?

The second mate, or second officer, is the third-highest position on a ship. As a second mate, your job duties include keeping watch, overseeing navigational procedures, preparing voyage plans, and serving as an understudy for the first and second ranking officers on the ship. In general, you need considerable experience working on a ship before being considered for a second mate job, having already honed your skills working through the ranks. You’re in charge of other crew members in your role as the second mate, making leadership skills crucial. You also need to get your second mate license and, depending on the company, additional certifications to prove your qualifications for this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Second Mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Second Mate, you need strong navigational expertise, knowledge of maritime regulations, and a valid STCW certification, typically supported by a maritime academy diploma. Proficiency with electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), radar, GPS, and safety management systems is essential. Leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating crew and ensuring vessel safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe navigation, efficient operations, and compliance with international maritime standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a Second Mate during long voyages, and how can they be managed?

As a Second Mate, one of the main challenges during extended voyages is maintaining navigational accuracy and ensuring the safe passage of the vessel, especially in adverse weather or congested waters. Managing fatigue due to long watch hours and coordinating effectively with the rest of the bridge team are also significant aspects. To address these challenges, Second Mates rely on strong organizational skills, proactive communication, and adherence to rest schedules. Building good rapport with crewmates and staying current with navigational technologies further helps in managing the demands of the role.

What is the work of a second mate?

A second mate is a licensed officer responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations on a ship. They assist the chief mate in maintaining charts, navigation equipment, and safety procedures, often working in shifts to ensure continuous watchkeeping. The role requires certification, good seamanship skills, and knowledge of maritime regulations.

What is the highest paid job on a ship?

The highest paid job on a ship is typically the captain or master, who is responsible for overall vessel operation, safety, and navigation. They usually hold extensive experience, certifications, and command authority, earning the highest salary among crew members. Other senior officers, like chief engineers, also earn high wages but generally less than the captain.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Second mates in the maritime industry can earn around $2,000 per day, especially on large commercial vessels or with extensive experience and certifications such as STCW. High-paying roles often require specialized skills, long hours at sea, and adherence to safety regulations. Such compensation is typically associated with senior positions in shipping, offshore drilling, or luxury yacht operations.

What are Second Mates?

A Second Mate is a licensed officer on a merchant ship who is responsible for navigation and safety duties. They typically serve as the ship's navigator, planning and overseeing the vessel's course, and are often in charge of updating charts and navigational publications. Second Mates also stand watch, assist with cargo operations, and supervise crew members as needed. Their role is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the ship.

What is the difference between Second Mate vs Third Mate?

AspectSecond MateThird Mate
CertificationsSTCW Officer Certification, Second Mate LicenseSTCW Officer Certification, Third Mate License
Work EnvironmentBridge watch, navigation, safety duties on larger vesselsBridge watch, safety, and auxiliary duties, often on smaller ships
ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety management, overseeing deck crewAssist navigation, safety checks, support senior officers

The main difference between a Second Mate and a Third Mate lies in their level of responsibility and licensing. Second Mates typically hold higher certifications and are responsible for navigation and safety on larger ships, while Third Mates assist with these duties and often serve on smaller vessels. Both roles are essential in maritime operations, with Second Mates generally having more experience and authority.

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Second Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Second Mate Pipeline Dredge Class I (Dual Rate)

Second Mate Pipeline Dredge Class I (Dual Rate)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$42.28/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: As a Watch Mate, stands regular watch on self propelled hydraulic, diesel-electric dustpan type dredge with 32 inch discharge pipeline.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Second Mate Pipeline Dredge Class I (Dual Rate) ~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common Watch Mate duties. I can stand regular watch on a self propelled hydraulic, diesel-electric dustpan type dredge with 32 inch discharge pipeline. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: Light to moderate physical effort is required for continuous standing and operating of various controls. Incumbent must have color and depth perception and be able to see in low visibility conditions in order to navigate a dredge or tenders. On occasion, may be required to lift equipment or items weighing over 40 pounds to complete tasks. In conjunction with performing crane operation duties, incumbent is subject to physical strain from swaying or jarring movements of the crane and makes continual control changes to maneuver the crane and load about obstructions, to stay within the lifting capacity, and to position the load at the desired location. Operators remain in a set position for a long period of time. Works outside in all kinds of weather and temperatures extremes. Hazards include but are not limited to the following: cuts, bruises, and falls when working with the crew. Danger of drowning exists. Responsible for complying with all safety regulations and procedures applicable to this position and in accordance with existing safety policies. Holds daily or weekly safety meetings, as required, and furnishes the safety officer with a copy of all safety meetings and safety reports.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in the pilot house of the dredge or tenders, on deck, and in other locations of the vessel or associated plant(s). Spends most of the time on the deck. Occasionally goes outside in all kinds of weather to attend to duties, being exposed to the elements and subject to slipping on wet decks. During crane operations, incumbent is subject to dangers that may cause injury from overturning crane, falling, and being struck by loads. Danger of drowning is present in case of accident. There is danger from traffic hazards, particularly in foggy weather and at night. Employees are required to follow established safe working procedures. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided to minimize or reduce hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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