ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ship Unloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CalPortland

Cement Terminal Ship Unloader

Seattle, WA · On-site

$39 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Summary The Cement Terminal Ship Unloader operates and maintains cement equipment and performs tasks for the efficient operation of the terminal. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a ...

CalPortland

Cement Terminal Ship Unloader

Seattle, WA · On-site

$39 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Summary The Cement Terminal Ship Unloader operates and maintains cement equipment and performs tasks for the efficient operation of the terminal. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a ...

AIS

Container Unloader

Leominster, MA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Container Unloader Leominster - Leominster, MA 01453 Overview Salary Range $16.00 - $20.00 Hourly ... Able to work quickly, efficiently, and accurately to ensure accuracy and hit customer ship dates.

AIS

Container Unloader

Leominster, MA

$16 - $20/hr

Container Unloader REPORTS TO: Nick Robinson/Jack Romeiro SUPERVISES: FULL-TIME, NON-EXEMPT ... Able to work quickly, efficiently, and accurately to ensure accuracy and hit customer ship dates.

Pangaea Baltimore LLC

Mechanic

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Operate ship unloader and Loader during ship discharge * Complete work in a safe and timely manner in compliance with company and regulatory requirements. * Safely operate various types of equipment ...

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd

Mechanic

Curtis Bay, MD · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Operate ship unloader and Loader during ship discharge * Complete work in a safe and timely manner in compliance with company and regulatory requirements. * Safely operate various types of equipment ...

Michaels Stores

Truck unloader

Burlington, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

Michael's Inc

Truck unloader

Burlington, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

Michaels Stores

AM Truck Unloader

Boulder, CO · On-site

$16.82 - $19.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope

Loader/Unloader

York, PA

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Responsible for fabrication of wooden crates to ship, job clean ups, small jobs parts and orders * Loads windows and accessories * Ensure that product is packaged safely within the crate to minimize ...

Key Personnel

Paint Line Unloader

Holland, MI · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Assembly teams help support the production lines by - preloading small parts onto racks to help load them onto the lines; complete secondary inspections prior to shipment; and assembly 'kits' to ship ...

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope

Loader/Unloader

York, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

  • PTO

Responsible for fabrication of wooden crates to ship, job clean ups, small jobs parts and orders * Loads windows and accessories * Ensure that product is packaged safely within the crate to minimize ...

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope

Loader/Unloader

York, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

  • PTO

Responsible for fabrication of wooden crates to ship, job clean ups, small jobs parts and orders * Loads windows and accessories * Ensure that product is packaged safely within the crate to minimize ...

QUIKRETE Companies

Terminal Operator Lead

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate screw and pneumatics ship unloaders. * Foreman experience. * Administrative experience. * Perform maintenance on equipment. * Load trucks via control system. About You We Require: * A minimum ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsShip Unloader Jobs

Ship Unloader information

See salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do ship unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship unloader in the United States is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cargo ship unloaders make?

Cargo ship unloaders typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Many positions require operating heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts, and some roles offer overtime pay for extended shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by ship unloaders, and how are they usually addressed on the job?

Ship Unloaders often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or hazardous cargo, and maintaining safety protocols on busy docks. To address these, employers provide thorough safety training, proper protective equipment, and enforce strict adherence to operational procedures. Teamwork and clear communication with crane operators and logistics staff are also essential to ensure efficient and safe unloading. Regular maintenance of equipment and ongoing safety briefings help mitigate risks and maintain smooth operations.

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

To thrive as a Ship Unloader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety procedures, and basic knowledge of cargo handling, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyor systems, as well as relevant safety certifications, is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in coordinating with crew and addressing unexpected challenges. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and timely unloading operations in a demanding port environment.

What is a ship unloader?

Ship unloaders are specialized machines or equipment used at ports and terminals to efficiently remove bulk materials, such as coal, grain, ore, or other cargo, from ships. They are critical for speeding up the unloading process and minimizing labor costs. Ship unloaders can be of various types, including grab-type and continuous-type unloaders, each suited to different kinds of cargo. Operators of these machines must be skilled in safely handling heavy equipment and following safety protocols to prevent accidents. Ship unloaders play a key role in the supply chain by ensuring cargo is transferred swiftly from ship to shore.

What is the difference between Ship Unloader vs Crane Operator?

AspectShip UnloaderCrane Operator
Primary RoleManually or mechanically unloads cargo from shipsOperates cranes to lift and move materials
Work EnvironmentPort terminals, docks, shipsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
CredentialsBasic safety training, sometimes certifications for equipmentCrane operation certification, safety training
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, shipping, industrial sectors

While both roles are essential in port and shipping industries, a Ship Unloader focuses on physically or mechanically removing cargo from ships, often working directly at docks. A Crane Operator, on the other hand, operates cranes to lift and move heavy materials, which may include cargo but also extends to other lifting tasks. Both roles require safety training and are vital for efficient port operations, but they differ in specific responsibilities and equipment used.

More about Ship Unloader jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Unloader jobs? Cities with the most Ship Unloader job openings:
What states have the most Ship Unloader jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Unloader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Unloader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Unloader jobs are:
Ship Unloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Unloader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,139 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cement Terminal Ship Unloader

CalPortland

Seattle, WA • On-site

$39 - $44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
The Cement Terminal Ship Unloader operates and maintains cement equipment and performs tasks for the efficient operation of the terminal.
Benefits
At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That's why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.
Compensation
Hourly $39.00 to $44.00
Responsibilities
  • Maintains and operates cement equipment and performs tasks ensuring efficient operation of the terminal
  • Operates a remotely controlled boom for ship unloading of cement and front-end loader
  • Performs daily preventative maintenance on docksider ship unloading equipment, front-end loader, and product piping
  • Troubleshoots problems and performs mechanical repairs to ship unloading equipment
  • Occasionally travels for vessel unloading which may require a six-day stay
  • Operates a winch and bucket machinery for barge loading and unloading
  • Monitors product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow
  • Records operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings and operating times
  • Maintains cement plant facilities clean and orderly

Education
High school diploma/GED
Requirements/Qualifications
  • Requires long periods of standing with frequent squatting, bending, climbing, working on conveyors and/or other elevated equipment, and large handling equipment (such as loader) within limited workspace and limited visibility.
  • Physical requirements: able to work in confined spaces, climb up stairs/ladders up to 40 ft., operate 50 lb. jackhammer, occasionally lift over 50 lbs.
  • Ability to operate industrial trucks, tractors, loaders, crane, forklift and other equipment to transport material
  • Experience using various electric and air-powered hand, welding and cutting tools
  • Able to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Basic math skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and general computer programs
  • Able to work varying and flexible workdays and hours
  • Basic welding and cutting skills a plus

Conditions of Employment
Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require FMCSA regulated on-going drug and alcohol testing.
Location:

What CalPortland employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply