If you were obsessed with seafaring stories as a kid, your dream job growing up might have been something like a sailor or captain - or, if you were a mischievous child, a pirate! While we can't condone a career in piracy (put away your skull-and-crossbones flag!), plenty of legally acceptable and rewarding careers are available in the marine transportation industry.
The job outlook for seafaring careers is also solid. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in marine transportation will likely grow at a rate of 2% annually through 2032. But can you really earn a living on the sea? Yup: The annual salary range depends on the position, but the best-paying jobs will give you a six-figure salary - plus the freedom of a job on the water.
Read on for our roundup of the best marine transportation jobs, plus some tips on breaking into the field.
10 top jobs in marine transportation
Water transportation jobs cover all kinds of specialties. Here are some of our favorite maritime industry career choices, from entry-level positions to more advanced job opportunities.
1. Ship pilot
A ship pilot is responsible for operating and navigating large ships or boats. The type of vessel depends on who the pilot works for and could include oil tankers, cargo ships, ferries, or passenger vessels. The pilot is responsible for steering the ship in and out of ports and overseeing the safe loading and unloading of cargo and/or passengers.
Average salary: $89,528 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in a marine or maritime-related field, like marine engineering, marine transportation, maritime operations, or marine engineering systems
- U.S. Coast Guard Commercial (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential; Transportation Worker Identification Credential from the Department of Homeland Security
Useful skill sets:
- Strong leadership abilities
- Ability to work well under stress
- Excellent communication skills
2. Ship captain
Like pilots, ship captains operate seafaring vessels. However, while pilots primarily work in ports or harbors, captains are usually at the helm when the vessel is out on open waters.
Captains also oversee crew members and deckhands, keep ship logs, and ensure everyone follows maritime law. Passenger ship captains may interact with customers, while pilots are usually behind the scenes - another way these two maritime jobs differ.
Average salary: $123,781 per year (This is one of the highest-paying jobs on the list!)
Education and licensing requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in a marine or maritime-related field, like marine engineering, marine transportation, maritime operations, or marine engineering systems
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential; Transportation Worker Identification Credential from the Department of Homeland Security
Useful skill sets:
- Professional appearance
- Detail-oriented
- Excellent leader
3. Naval architect
As a naval architect, you'll design ships, boats, and offshore structures, creating the structural blueprints to make sure everything is stable and safe. You'll need to know all the safety regulations inside and out. The best part is seeing your designs come to life and collaborating with all sorts of experts along the way. This could be the perfect gig for you if you're into combining creativity with technical know-how.
Average salary: $100,270 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in naval architecture or marine engineering
- Some positions may require a Professional Engineering (PE) license
Useful skill sets:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Creativity and design thinking
4. Deck officer
Also known as merchant marine officers, these sea-savvy pros work hand-in-hand with the captain and crew. You'll be responsible for plotting the course, keeping an eye on weather conditions, managing the deck crew, maintaining all the logbooks, and overseeing cargo. It's a fast-paced job that requires strong leadership skills and the ability to make quick decisions. But if you thrive in a dynamic environment and love the idea of life at sea, becoming a deck officer could be an awesome adventure.
Average salary: $102,515 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in maritime studies, marine transportation, or a related field
- Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Useful skill sets:
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with navigation equipment and maritime regulations
5. Marine superintendent
Marine superintendents manage vessels when they're in a shipyard. They act as a transportation manager, coordinating the ship's operations in the yard and serving as the go-between between ships. Tasks include arranging repairs, enforcing safety rules, and conducting dock-side inspections.
Average salary: $92,729 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marine administration or operations management
- Certificate of competency from an International Maritime Organization White List country
Useful skill sets:
- Multitasker
- Keen eye for detail
- Highly organized
6. Maritime lawyer
You'll also find marine industry jobs available for landlubbers. According to U.S. and international maritime laws, maritime lawyers deal with legal matters concerning oceans and waterways (such as right of passage and commerce at sea). They may review contracts, review law updates, and handle legal matters related to seafaring vessels, like personal injury claims.
Average salary: $108,160 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Law degree (JD) from an accredited law school
- Pass the bar exam to receive a state license to practice
Useful skill sets:
- Research-driven
- Analytical mindset
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
7. Radio technician
Ships use radio to communicate with one another and with ports and bodies like the USCG. Marine electronics technicians or radio technicians are responsible for installing and maintaining this equipment. In addition to electronic communication equipment, they also maintain sonar, sound, and navigation electronics.
Average salary: $53,014 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- High school diploma minimum; bachelor's degree in marine engineering preferred, although some marinas hire technicians with an associate degree or marine electrical certificate (gain experience to improve your chances of finding a job).
Useful skill sets:
- Technically adept
- Detail-oriented
- Team player
8. Marine mechanic
Maritime mechanics work on boats, ensuring they're well-maintained and operating smoothly. They might do things like install new equipment, replace parts, or run routine maintenance checks. A marine mechanic is basically the reason a boat doesn't break down in the middle of the ocean!
Average salary: $59,300 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Associate degree in marine technology or appropriate apprenticeship/training program
Useful skill sets:
- Technically skilled
- Detail-oriented
- Physically fit
9. Marine welder
If you want a marine transportation career that takes you under the water instead of above, this welding job is for you. Marine welders perform boat welding and often work underwater. They may do construction, maintenance, and hyperbaric welding at various depths. Most are certified divers. But welders can also work on a ship, like in the engine room.
Average salary: $83,757 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Welding credential, plus underwater diving certificate
Useful skill sets:
- Physically fit
- Work well under stress
- Technical acumen
10. Ship security officer
Ship security officers may work on cruise ships to keep passengers orderly and safe. However, they may work on commercial vessels, like cargo ships, for shipping companies to safeguard the transportation of goods against theft and piracy (yes, pirates exist, especially in global trade).
Average salary: $72,430 per year
Education and licensing requirements:
- Some employment recruiters request a security guard license from a resident state; others ask for credentials like a certification of completion of the Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) training program.
Useful skill sets:
- Physically fit
- Calm demeanor
- Problem-solving abilities
What education do you need for a career in marine transportation?
You don't need a Ph.D. to work in the maritime transportation industry. Quite a few jobs require little more than a high school diploma and a professional certificate. This applies to marine transportation workers like welders or radio technicians. A bachelor's degree can be a plus for a ship's captain or pilot role.
The best college majors for marine transportation jobs
Ready to leave your landlubber days behind and get out on the open water? It all starts with the right school and the right marine transportation degree. Here are some options that can pave the path to maritime transport jobs:
- Maritime transportation. This bachelor's degree can lead to a senior role like a ship's captain or pilot.
- Marine engineering. If you're more interested in the technical side of things, a marine engineering degree can lead to jobs like ship engineer or marine surveyor.
- Marine technology. This certification can open up doors to career opportunities like marine mechanics.
- Operations management. This bachelor's degree can give you the skills to become a marine superintendent.
- Law degree. If you like the idea of boats but don't necessarily want to be on one, get your JD to become a maritime lawyer.
College Rover helps you find the best school for your future career
Put some wind in your sails and start scoping out schools to jump-start your maritime career. College Rover has all the information you need to plan your future and become a marine transportation professional.
