10 of the Most Popular Types of First Mate Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to First Mate jobs are hiring now
A first mate is the second in command directly under the ship’s captain and is responsible for ship navigation and safety if the captain is unable to perform their duties. Professional training is available to become a certified first mate, including required exams in coast navigation and deck safety. Institutions like Maritime Professional Training offer courses and licensing exams. Professional experience is also needed; many first mates started as deckhands, crew members and second mates, dedicated to a career on a ship and working their way up the ranks.
If you are interested in a job related to First Mate, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of First Mate Jobs
First Mate Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
First Mate Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for First Mate Mate jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for First Mate Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Ferry Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
Ferry Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Ferry Mate jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ferry Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Second Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
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.
Mate Unlimited
Salary range: $31,500 - $85,500
Mate Unlimited is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Mate Unlimited jobs pay between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $85,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mate Unlimited job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Fishing Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
Fishing Mate is a typical job search query Most salaries for Fishing Mate jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Fishing Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Summer Deckhand Fishing
Salary range: $37,500 - $51,500
Summer Deckhand Fishing is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Summer Deckhand Fishing jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Summer Deckhand Fishing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Summer Deckhand
Salary range: $37,500 - $51,500
Summer Deckhand is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Summer Deckhand jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Summer Deckhand job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Apprentice 200 Ton Mate
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,500
Apprentice 200 Ton Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Apprentice 200 Ton Mate jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Apprentice 200 Ton Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Vessel Mate
Salary range: $50,500 - $69,000
Vessel Mate is a typical job search query Most salaries for Vessel Mate jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Vessel Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Seasonal Deckhand On Crab Boat
Salary range: $37,500 - $51,500
Seasonal Deckhand On Crab Boat is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Seasonal Deckhand On Crab Boat jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Seasonal Deckhand On Crab Boat job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.