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How much do ship agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship agent in the United States is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a ship agent?

To become a ship agent, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of maritime operations and logistics. Gaining experience in shipping, freight forwarding, or port operations is beneficial, and some roles may require industry certifications or licenses. Strong communication, organizational skills, and familiarity with port procedures are essential for success in this role.

What does a ship agent do?

A Ship Agent acts as a representative for shipowners, charterers, or operators while a vessel is in port. They handle administrative tasks, coordinate port services, arrange customs clearance, and ensure compliance with local regulations. Ship Agents also facilitate crew changes, procurement of supplies, and communication between the ship and port authorities. Their role is crucial for the smooth and efficient turnaround of vessels in port.

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

To thrive as a Ship Agent, you need strong organizational abilities, in-depth knowledge of maritime regulations, and experience with port operations or shipping logistics. Familiarity with port management systems, shipping documentation software, and sometimes relevant certifications such as IMDG or ISPS Code training are often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills are vital for coordinating with diverse stakeholders and responding quickly to unexpected situations. These competencies ensure efficient vessel turnaround, compliance with regulations, and smooth coordination between crews, port authorities, and service providers.

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Ship Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,664 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Title: Associate, Operations
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Company: Host Agency, LLC
Location: Houston, Texas
Reports To: Operations Manager
Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we're appointed - improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.
In addition to immediately serving our customers' vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain - from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring.
Position Summary:
Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
Operations Management
  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory
  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service
  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Prior customer service experience, required. Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications

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