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Ship Unloader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Deckhand

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Loading and unloading guest luggage, ship stores, garbage, and daily logistics tasks. * Cleaning all exterior decks, verandas, windows, furniture, and marine spaces. * Washing, drying, and folding ...

American Cruise Lines

Deckhand

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Loading and unloading guest luggage, ship stores, garbage, and daily logistics tasks. * Cleaning all exterior decks, verandas, windows, furniture, and marine spaces. * Washing, drying, and folding ...

BRIDGESTONE HOSEPOWER LLC

Warehouse Associate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Receives, organizes, stores, pulls and ships merchandise/supplies used to fulfill customer orders ... Shipping and receiving, including unloading and processing of items * Move, store and transfer ...

NORFOLK SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Maintenance Mechanic

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24.25 - $31/hr

... locks, unloading and transporting displays, repairing bleachers and benches and assisting the ... to ship personnel, operating computer software and hardware and making information panels.

American Scaffold

Laborer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're an unbeatable combination of onsite leadership and veteran industrial and ship scaffold ... Description • Cleaning and preparing work sites. • Loading and unloading materials and ...

Bridgestone HosePower

Warehouse Associate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Receives, organizes, stores, pulls and ships merchandise/supplies used to fulfill customer orders ... Shipping and receiving, including unloading and processing of items * Move, store and transfer ...

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Ship Unloader information

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$10

$15

$19

How much do ship unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship unloader in Virginia is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 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.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia? For Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ship Unloader jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ship Unloader job openings:
Ship Unloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Unloader job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,854 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Deckhand

American Cruise Lines

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Full-time, Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Deckhand
American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise company, offers unique experiences exploring America’s rivers and coasts. We’re hiring Deckhands for the 2026 season. You'll work on our ships to ensure a safe and seamless voyage for all our guests, as a proud representative of our brand. This is a temporary position where we challenge you to work onboard for 28 weeks.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Handling lines, gangways, anchors, and marine equipment under the guidance of Captains and Mates.
  • Responsible for daily exterior cleaning, line handling, and logistic support tasks. Standing helm watches assisting the Captain and Mate in steering the vessel.
  • Standing gangway and deck watches including security, maintenance, and passenger assistance duties.
  • Loading and unloading guest luggage, ship stores, garbage, and daily logistics tasks.
  • Cleaning all exterior decks, verandas, windows, furniture, and marine spaces.
  • Washing, drying, and folding all ship laundry.
  • Maintain exemplary professional grooming and uniform appearance.
  • Continual availability to assist guests and crew.
  • Rotate through day-night watch and task schedules averaging 12-hours daily.
Highlights:
  • Pay: Wages range from $1,000 to $1,400 per week with additional bonuses. With all major living expenses covered aboard, you have an extraordinary chance to save your earnings.
  • Hospitality Experience: This is an introductory position to the cruise industry and a strong foundation for a career in hospitality.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
  • Travel the Country: We have over 50 itineraries, spanning over 35 states in America.
  • Crew Connections: Create lifelong memories and relationships with fellow crew members and guests from all over the country.
Qualifications:
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and an American citizen or Green Card holder. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Under Federal Law and the Department of Transportation, we are required to pre-employment drug test all shipboard employees which includes testing for Marijuana and other controlled substances. To provide safe and conscientious service to our guests, the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. All shipboard employees also have emergency and safety functions essential to the safe operation of the ship that are included in your training.
American Cruise Lines has grooming standards that include limitations on visible tattoos and piercings. This is a temporary employment position not to extend beyond 28 weeks of shipboard work. We encourage you to utilize the skills you develop to apply for management positions within American Cruise Lines, but such positions cannot be expected and are not guaranteed.
Successful individuals work well under pressure, keep composure and have a positive attitude. The talent and dedication of American Cruise Lines’ employees have made us America's Leading Small Ship Cruise Line.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship, for up to 28 weeks.
  • This is a temporary position with no guarantee of future employment.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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