Sailors and Marine Oilers

The short answer

Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.

The measurable national baseline is $49,610 median annual pay, 2.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 3,900 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for Sailors and Marine Oilers is $49,610. Current employment is 32,100, with projected 2034 employment of 32,800. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects 2.3% employment growth for Sailors and Marine Oilers from 2024 to 2034 and about 3,900 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is No formal educational credential. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Moderate-term on-the-job training. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.

A representative O*NET task is: Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached. The broader activity profile emphasizes Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings, Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Monitoring, Active Listening, Critical Thinking. Leading knowledge areas are Public Safety and Security, Transportation, Mechanical. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Common questions

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.