Average Salaries of Sailors: What Affects Income

The work of a sailor is a unique profession where the salary depends on numerous factors. In this material, we will analyze what influences the income of sailors during voyages and how they can impact their earnings.

Key Factors Affecting a Sailor’s Salary

The key factors determining a sailor’s income include:

  • Type of Vessel. Sailors’ salaries vary significantly across different types of vessels (bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, chemical carriers, etc.) due to the complexity of tasks and specifics of cargo. LNG and LPG vessels are considered the most attractive to sailors.
  • Position. Earnings vary based on the level of responsibility: captain, chief engineer, sailor, motorman, etc. Typically, engineers have the highest salaries, which exceed those of assistant captains and captains.
  • Size and Type of Fleet. Large mega-containerships or LNG vessels generally offer higher salaries due to operational complexity. The larger the DWT of the vessel, the higher the expected salary.
  • Experience and Qualification. More experience and additional certifications increase the chances of obtaining a higher salary.
  • Region and Flag of the Vessel. Salaries differ based on the region of operation (Asia, Europe, USA) and the flag of the vessel (typically, vessels under “flag of convenience” pay less).

For many sailors, the dream remains to sail on Norwegian or American LNG in the position of Chief Engineer.

Average Salaries on Different Types of Vessels

Let’s take a closer look at the expected salaries for sailors in various positions on the most popular and in-demand types of vessels.

Bulk Carriers

Bulk carriers transport bulk goods such as grain, coal, or iron ore. Due to the lower complexity of operations compared to tankers, salaries on bulk carriers are usually slightly lower. What do sailors earn on bulk carriers on average?

  • Captain: $7,000–10,000.
  • Chief Engineer: $6,500–8,500.
  • Second Engineer: $3,500–5,000.
  • Motorman: $1,500–2,500.

Container Ships

Container shipping is one of the most popular segments of maritime transport. Here, compensation is slightly higher due to the complexity of logistics.

  • Captain: $10,000–12,000.
  • Chief Engineer: $8,000–9,000.
  • Second Engineer:

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