Highest-Paying Ship Worker Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a combination of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for ship worker positions across the United States. Based on this data set, we have identified the highest-paid ship worker roles according to their average annual salaries.
Here are our key findings on the highest-paying types of ship workers:
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The Third Officer ranks as the highest-paid ship worker, boasting an average salary of $121,038, equating to an hourly rate of $58.19.
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The second highest-paid role is the Pilot Boat Officer, with an average salary of $84,948.
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The average salary for ship workers overall is $28,576 annually, with an average hourly wage of $13.74.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary should not be the sole factor in your decision, it plays a vital role. If you’re aspiring to become a ship worker, understanding the highest-paid positions can help you plan your career trajectory effectively.
Below are the top salaries for various ship worker roles:
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Third Officer
Average Salary: $121,038
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Pilot Boat Officer
Average Salary: $84,948
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Third Mate
Average Salary: $61,803
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Deck Mate
Average Salary: $60,597
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Relief Mate
Average Salary: $60,561
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the average salaries for various ship worker positions, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Ship Workers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Third Officer | |
| 2 | Pilot Boat Officer | |
| 3 | Third Mate | |
| 4 | Deck Mate | |
| 5 | Relief Mate | |
| 6 | Skipper | |
| 7 | Boatswain’s Mate | |
| 8 | Fishing Vessel Mate | |
| 9 | Training Mate | |
| 10 | Tugboat Mate | |
| 11 | Relief Master | |
| 12 | Coastal Tug Mate | |
| 13 | Boatman | |
| 14 | Second Mate | |
| 15 | Second Officer | |
| 16 | Mate | |
| 17 | Navigation Officer | |
| 18 | First Mate | |
| 19 | Generator Worker | |
| 20 | Ferry Terminal Agent |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available information from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to create our salary estimates.
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and company resources for the most current salary information for ship workers.
After gathering the data, the team computes a weighted average for each job title they are estimating. For further details on our salary estimates, please review our detailed methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Highest-Paying Ship Worker Jobs
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What is the highest-paid ship worker job?
The highest-paid ship worker job is a Third Officer. Third Officers earn an average salary of $121,038, which translates to $58.19 per hour.
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What is a good salary for a ship worker?
A good salary for a ship worker is $28,576 or more. This figure represents the average ship worker salary, so those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale.
However, keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly based on location, as companies adjust their pay scales according to the cost of living in that area. Researching the average salary for your expertise and experience level in your region will provide a more accurate perspective on your compensation.
If you are just beginning your career as a ship worker, the average starting salary may be lower than the overall average, so don’t rely solely on the $28,576 average, as it encompasses all ship workers of varying skill levels.
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Do ship worker jobs pay well?
Generally, ship worker jobs do not pay as well as some other professions. While certain ship worker roles offer competitive salaries, the average ship worker salary of $28,576 is lower than the average national salary of around $44,225 per year.
Many ship worker jobs also have significant earning potential, with the top 10% earning much higher than the average.
It’s essential to remember that salaries for ship workers will fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location. Conduct thorough research on the going rate for ship workers in your area and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do ship workers get paid the most?
Ship workers earn the highest salaries in West Virginia. In West Virginia, the average annual salary for ship workers is $31,693, with an average hourly wage of $15.24.
Following West Virginia, the states with the highest-paid ship workers include Washington, Vermont, and Nebraska, with average annual salaries of $29,514, $34,655, and $28,413 respectively.
The cities offering the highest salaries for ship workers are as follows:
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Baltimore, MD – $32,416
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Portland, ME – $32,087
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Newark, NJ – $31,939
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
