How much do seafarers earn? It depends on your rank, the type of vessel, the company and the trading area. Below is a realistic overview of monthly pay in 2026 for the merchant fleet. Figures are indicative gross monthly wages — actual offers vary by company and flag.
What drives a seafarer's salary
Rank — the biggest factor. Senior officers earn several times more than ratings.
Vessel type — gas carriers and tankers pay the most; general cargo and coasters the least.
Company and flag — established owners and premium flags pay above the market.
Contract length and rotation — shorter, equal-time rotations often carry a premium.
Typical monthly pay by rank (2026, indicative)
Deck department
Master (Captain): 8,000 – 22,000 USD
Chief Officer: 6,500 – 11,000 USD
2nd Officer: 4,000 – 6,500 USD
3rd Officer: 3,500 – 5,000 USD
AB (Able Seaman): 1,600 – 2,600 USD
OS (Ordinary Seaman): 1,200 – 1,900 USD
Engine department
Chief Engineer: 9,000 – 20,000 USD
2nd Engineer: 7,000 – 11,000 USD
3rd Engineer: 4,500 – 6,500 USD
Motorman / Oiler: 1,500 – 2,400 USD
ETO: 6,000 – 9,000 USD
Vessel type makes a big difference
The same rank can earn very differently depending on the ship:
Gas carriers (LNG / LPG) — the highest-paying tankers; specialised certificates justify a premium.
Oil and chemical tankers — pay above dry cargo for the added responsibility and hazard.
Bulk carriers and container ships — solid, stable middle-of-the-market wages.
General cargo and coasters — usually the lowest, but often shorter contracts closer to home.
Day rates vs monthly wages
Offshore vessels (AHTS, PSV, wind SOV/CTV) often pay a day rate instead of a monthly wage — for example 300 EUR per day, which works out to roughly 9,000 EUR a month of work. Day-rate roles usually run on equal-time rotations and can pay very well for the time on board.
How to find the best-paid jobs
Compare live salaries by browsing vacancies by rank and vessel type — the highest-paying openings are usually on gas carriers, tankers and offshore units. Create a free profile on SeaJobs.pro, set a job alert for your rank, and apply directly to crewing agencies.