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Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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How much do second mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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.

How much does a second mate earn?

A second mate's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations, often working on a rotational schedule at sea.

What is the average salary for a second mate?

The average salary for a second mate typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, vessel type, and certification level. Second mates are responsible for navigation and safety on ships, often requiring a valid STCW certification and prior maritime experience.
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Second Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Steam Main Propulsion Technician - Machinist Mate

Amentum

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$30.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Amentum is seeking a qualified Machinist Mate to provide full-time, onsite support for Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) in Norfolk, VA. In this role, you will perform technical assistance, assessments, inspections, troubleshooting, and corrective/preventative maintenance on critical Code 263 Steam Main Propulsion and Auxiliary Equipment. This position supports a diverse fleet of U.S. Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in-service ships. Experience as a Navy Machinist Mate may align well to this position.
Job responsibilities:
  • Provide technical assistance, assessments, inspections, troubleshooting, corrective actions, adjustment repairs and groom support of Code 263 equipment. Such as Automatic Boiler Control Systems, Main/Auxiliary/Waste Heat Boilers, Main Feed Systems, Main Shaft Seals, Line Shaft Bearings, Main Reduction Gears, Pump alignments and Vibration Analysis.
  • Observe/conduct cold/hot checks of equipment, note condition and parameters for any out of specification readings or settings, as requested.
  • Conduct oversight of repairs being conducted to engines/equipment for technical completion and standards onboard ships or shipyards.
  • Observe operation of specified systems and equipment by ship's force to witness the full range of performance, where possible.
  • Use appropriate measuring/test equipment shall be used to obtain data for evaluation.
  • Evaluate the findings of the cold/hot checks/inspections and operational checks and oversee ships force accomplishment of adjustments and repairs to the maximum extent possible during the time available.
  • Provide a written visit debrief/report to the corresponding government Subject Matter Expert (SME) upon completing each ship visit. Compile information, history files, and labeled digital pictures using Microsoft Office.
  • Provide on-the-job training to ship's force during shipboard evolutions. Attend requested conferences or seminars and report discussion outcomes to the government SME.
  • Fabricate, assemble, receive, install, remove, inventory, package, store, and ship performance materials. Acquire or procure incidental material items necessary to complete tasks.
  • Independently manage execution techniques, control, and supervision of contracted personnel, ensuring deliverables meet the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Minimum Requirements:
  • Experience as a Navy Machinist Mate OR equivalent civilian experience.
  • Experience using MARMC's Engineering Service Request (ESR) database, providing Departure from Specification (DFS) technical reviews to government Branch Head.
  • Ten (10) years' experience in operation, repair, maintenance, and assessment of US Navy Marine Main Reduction Gear, Turning Gear, Line Shaft Bearings, Thrust Bearings, Shaft Seals, Bulkhead Shaft Seals, and Auxiliary Equipment.
  • Experience in GTG Reduction Gear alignments, clutch assessment and repairs, and machinery vibration analysis.
  • Five (5) years specialized hands-on experience in operation, repair, maintenance, and assessment of US Naval Marine Main Reduction Gear, Turning Gear, Shaft Line Bearings, Thrust Bearings, Main Shaft Seals, Bulkhead Shaft Seals, Gas Turbine Generator Reduction Gear, Emergency Diesel Generator Pedestal Bearings, Air Operated Diaphragm Control Valves and Auxiliary Equipment.
  • Experience developing and reviewing Engineering Approved Technical Procedures (EATP).
  • Must obtain certification of at least Category II Vibration Analyst, or higher, within six (6) months of task order award or new employee onboarding.
  • Must have recent (within 18 months) hands-on experience with operation, repair, maintenance, and assessment of respective equipment.
  • In substitution of the above requirements, a degreed Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited university with at least three (3) years of experience in mechanical repairs and troubleshooting of rotating machinery.
  • Must have working knowledge of Navy assessment programs, shipboard visit processes, and formal reporting methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to read schematics, blueprints, and tech manuals. Proficient in Microsoft Office for compiling reports and formatting/enhancing digital report photos.
  • Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills for writing technical report findings and debriefing government SMEs.
  • The position requires the ability to work onboard US Navy ships and access ship repair industrial facilities.
  • The position may require travel.
  • Must have an Active Secret Clearance. US government clearance. Note: US citizenship is required to maintain a secret clearance.

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits:
This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.
Compensation Details:
$30.81
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
08/21/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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