Seaman Salary by Ranks 2025 | Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about how much seamen will earn in 2025? This guide gives you a clear look at the salaries for different seaman ranks.

It helps people interested in this career and those already working in it to plan and see what they could earn.

This detailed guide shows the salary differences between ranks and the income opportunities in the maritime world.

Keep reading to learn more about what you can earn in the seafaring job.

Seaman Salary in the Philippines

Imagine you’re a sailor from the Philippines working on a ship. You get paid around ₱188 for every hour you work.

That’s like getting ₱2,346 for a whole day of work! And if you keep working at this rate, you could make as much as ₱12,162 every week or around ₱47,168 every month.

That’s a lot of money, right? In a year, you could even earn up to ₱666,205!

But here’s the catch: not all sailors get paid the same.

Different companies might offer various amounts of money for the same job, depending on your position on the ship and other factors.

Oh, and one more thing to know is that your pay might not be the same if you’re an able or an ordinary seaman. The responsibilities and job titles can differ, affecting how much you get paid.

Listed below are some Philippine companies and their corresponding seafarer salary offerings:

List of Companies in the Philippines	Monthly salary per month
Marlow Navigation	₱20,000
TORM	₱58,000
Government of Canada (AB)	₱25,000
Kestrel Maritime (AB)	₱50,000
Prime Software Technologies (AB)	₱25,000
Southeast Asia Shipping (AB)	₱25,000
United Philippine Lines	₱60,000
Yes Marketing	₱20,000

Seaman’s Salary in International Ships

A seaman’s salary on international ships depends on rank, experience, and the type of vessel.

Generally, international seamen earn higher wages, with additional bonuses and benefits for experienced or specialized roles.

Seaman Salary on Tanker Vessels

Huge ships called tanker vessels. These ships are super-sized delivery trucks, but they are for liquids like oil and other stuff.

They sail from place to place, carrying many liquids, primarily crude oil or products made from oil.

And guess what?

The people working on these tanker vessels are paid a lot of money because the stuff they carry is very valuable.

Now, here’s where things get exciting and a bit adventurous.

Even though the job pays well, it’s not a walk in the park. It’s pretty risky.

Why?

Well, imagine dealing with harmful substances, like chemicals, and doing your job in tricky and sometimes really unpredictable situations, like stormy weather.

So, the people working on these ships must undergo serious safety training. They learn innovative ways to stay safe and ensure nothing goes wrong.

To summarize, tanker vessel jobs are like high-paying adventures on huge liquid-carrying ships.

But because of the valuable and sometimes dangerous cargo, the people on these ships must be extremely careful and know how to stay safe.

Rank	Product Tanker	Chemical	VLCC	LPG/LNG
Master	11,500-12,500	12,000-14,000	8,488-14,067	12,800-15,400
CH. Mate	8,000-11,500	10,500-11,444	8,000-11,062	10,900-12,000
2nd Mate	4,000-4,800	4,500	4,000-4,800	4,760-5,250
3rd Mate	3,300-3,800	3,500-4,420	3,100-3,800	3,500-4,500
CH. Engineer	11,200-12,000	12,800-13,880	10,500-13,200	12,300-15,141
2nd Engineer	8,000-11,062	10,200-11,400	10,400-10,400	9,900-12,300
3rd Engineer	4,000-4,800	4,200-5,259	4,000-4,800	4,760-5,250
4th Engineer	3,300-3,800	3,500-4,700	3,100-3,800	3,500-4,500
Gas Engineer	–	–	–	7,500-10,000
Electrician	3,200-3,600	4,000-6,500	3,500-6,010	6,000-8,100
PumpMan	2,250-2,500	2,250-2,900	2,250-2,500	2,500
Bosun	1950-2,500	2,000-2,600	1,950-2,500	2,300-2,500
Able (AB Seaman)	1,450-1,950	1,450-2,100	1,450-1,950	1,700-2,100
OS (Ordinary Seaman)	900-1,300	1,050-1,500	900-1,300	1,300-1,800
Fitter/Welder	1,950-2,500	2,100-2,500	1,950-2,500	2,000-2,500
Oiler	1,450-1,950	1,450-2,100	1,450-1,950	1,700-2,100
Wiper	900-1,300	1,050-1,500	900-1,300	1,300-1,800
Cook	1,750-2,300	1,875-2,500	1,750-2,300	1,800-2,500
Messman	1,450-1,950	1,450-2,500	1,450-1,950	1,300-1,950
Cadet	600-1,055	725-1,155	600-1,055	680-1,255

Seaman Salary on Dry Cargo Ships

So, imagine these huge ships – they’re called dry cargo ships.

Picture them like giant carriers hauling grain, coal, and iron ore. You know, the basic materials we need for a bunch of things.

These ships are like the rockstars of the sea, super common all around the world. And they’re like the superheroes of trade, helping move stuff between countries.

Here’s the cool part: people working on these ships can make much money.

Why?

because their jobs require special skills, such as handling cargo, steering the ship, and keeping it in tip-top shape.

But here’s the catch – the work is tough on your body, and you’re away from home for a long time.

But guess what?

Even with all the hard stuff, many folks still love working in this dry cargo ship world. Why? Because it pays well and makes them feel good. They’re part of something big, ensuring the world runs smoothly.

Rank	Bulk	Container	Car carrier	Gen. cargo
Master	8,100-12,100	8,000-11,700	8,100-12,600	9,000-13000
CH. Mate	6,000-9,500	6,900-7,100	5,500-7,750	5,500-8,670
2nd Mate	2,500-3,500	2,700-3,700	3,200-4,500	2,500-4,500
3rd Mate	2,000-3,990	3,100-4,000	3,300-3,500	2,500-3,300
CH.Engineer	8,400-12,000	8,200-11,000	7,500-10,200	7,700-10,200
2nd Engineer	6,700-9,500	6,900-7,100	5,500-7,750	5,500-8,670
3rd Engineer	2,700-4,000	2,700-4,300	3,200-4,500	2,500-4,500
4th Engineer	2,200-3,000	2,000-3,200	2,200-3,200	2,500-3,150
Electrician	4,000-5,600	3,400,5,000	2,000-5,600	2,700-5,040
Bosun	1,600-1,900	1,600-1,900	1,600-2,000	1,600-1,800
AB(Able Seaman)	1,387-1,400	1,300-1,672	1,300-1,672	1,100-1,600
OS (Ordinary Seaman)	900-1,220	910-1,285	900-1,200	1,131-1,400
Fitter/Welder	1,650-1,900	1,636-1,850	1,600-2,000	1,636-2.201
Oiler	1,387-1,400	1.300-1,672	1,300-1,672	1,100-1,600
Wiper	900-1,220	910-1,285	900-1,220	1,141-1,400
Cook	1,600-1,988	1,632-1,900	1,600-2,000	1,400-2,600
Messman/2nd Cook	500-1,400	900-1,446	900-1,446	900-1,446
Cadet	200-750	400-650	400-650	250-700

The information presented in both tables has been sourced from seamanmemories.com

Seaman Salary Increase

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and a group of maritime employers have agreed to a new four-year labor contract that will cover 250,000 seafarers and 10,000 ships worldwide.

Key points:

• A 4% wage increase for seafarers in 2024.
• An additional 2% raise starting in 2025.
• Wages and cost items for 2026-2027 will be negotiated in 2025.

Different Ranks of Seafarers

Here are the different ranks of Seafarers:

Captain/Master Mariner

Here are the structure of roles on a merchant ship categorized into three main departments:

Deck Department

• Chief Officer/Mate
• Second Officer/Mate
• Third Officer/Mate
• Deck Cadets

Deck Rating (non-officers):

• Bosun (head of the rating staff)
• Welder/Fitter (this rank onboard renders his services to both the deck as well as the engine department)
• Able Bodied Seaman (AB)
• Ordinary Seaman (OS)
• Trainee OS

Engine Department

• Chief Engineer
• Second Engineer/First Assistant Engineer
• Third Engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer
• Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer
• Fifth Engineer/ Engine Cadet
• Electrical Officer

Engine Room Rating:

• Fitter
• Motorman
• Wiper
• Trainee Fitter / Trainee Wiper

Catering Department

• Chief Cook
• Trainee Cook
• Steward

Why Pursue a Career as a Seaman?

There are several benefits to pursuing a career in seafaring, including:

1. Tax-Free Earnings:
   The Philippine government ensures that seamen’s salaries and remittances are tax-free. This means you get to keep 100% of what you earn, providing financial freedom and security.
2. Financial Stability:
   The maritime industry offers competitive salaries with added benefits like free accommodations and food. A seaman’s job provides a stable and lucrative source of income for individuals and their families.
3. Opportunities to Travel:
   A seaman’s job allows you to explore the world for free. Every port offers the chance to disembark during shore leave, giving you time for rest, recreation, and the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet new people.
4. Generous Leave Periods:
   While seafarers spend long periods away from home, they enjoy extended holidays when they return, allowing them to spend quality time with family and friends.
5. Transferable Sea-Gained Skills:
   Skills acquired at sea open doors to shore-based management jobs. Many industries value the experience and discipline gained from working as a seafarer.
6. Favorable Long-Term Prospects:
   The maritime industry anticipates a growing demand for qualified officers due to a global shortage, ensuring job stability and opportunities for career advancement.

So, if you’re looking for exciting adventures, financial stability, and great career prospects, being a seaman might be the perfect fit for you!

How to Become a Seaman?

So, if you want to be a seaman, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Get the Right Education
  • To begin a career in the maritime field, the essential step is to complete high school or its equivalent. You could also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation in the Philippines. While some employers value further education in maritime studies, having a high school diploma is the primary requirement.
• Step 2: Learn Important Stuff
  • Now, before you can start working on a ship, you have to go through some training. It’s like getting ready for an important job. This training is super necessary for your safety and the environment. They call these courses “STCW” – Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. They teach you to be safe, care for the environment, and do your job well.
• Step 3: Get Special Certificates
  • Before starting work on a ship, you must obtain specific qualifications. This involves securing a medical certificate proving you’re fit for duty and completing specific STCW training relevant to your role, whether in engineering or navigation. These certifications serve as your professional credentials, affirming your readiness and capability for maritime work.
• Step 4: Get Some Experience
  • Just like when you’re trying to get a job, having some experience under your belt is a big plus. You might start as a trainee or apprentice on a ship. This way, you’ll learn the ropes and get better at what you do. Employers like it when you know what you’re doing.
• Step 5: Hunt for Jobs
  • After finishing your education and training and earning the necessary certificates and experience, it’s time to look for a seaman job. You can look online, ask agencies, or contact shipping companies. Show your skills and experience in your applications, and adjust your resume for each job.

That’s pretty much it! Becoming a seaman takes a bit of effort, but it’s a cool journey if you love the ocean and ships. Good luck with your seafaring adventure!

Conclusion

The guide outlines the expected salaries for seamen in 2025, showing how earnings can vary by job rank and the type of ship they work on.

It gives a clear idea of what seafarers in the Philippines and international vessels might earn, mainly focusing on tanker and dry cargo ships.

This guide is helpful for anyone in or considering a career in the maritime industry, highlighting the financial benefits and factors that influence pay.

References

1. Gibi. (2019, February 9). Seaman’s Salary Per Month on International Ships. Seaman Memories. https://www.seamanmemories.com/-seamans-salary-per-month-on-international-ships/
2. The Maritime Executive. (2023, September 26). ITF Secures Pay Increase for 250,000 Seafarers. The Maritime Executive. https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/itf-secures-pay-increase-for-250-000-seafarers
3. Magazine, M. (2023, September 26). Seafarers receive wage increase under global agreement – Maritime Magazine. Maritime Magazine. https://www.maritimemag.com/en/-seafarers-receive-wage-increase-under-global-agreement/
4. 250,000 Seafarers Have Pay Boosted by 6%. (2023, September 26). MarineLink. https://www.marinelink.com/news/-seafarers-pay-boosted-508293
5. Wikipedia Contributors. (2020, January 12). Seafarer’s professions and ranks. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/-Seafarer%27s_professions_and_ranks
6. Abdullah, A. I. (2023, September 27). What is the Difference between Seafarer And Seaman. MAS. https://www.mascrew.com/post/-difference-between-seafarer-and-seaman