Salary reference
These are reference ranges from publicly published surveys. Your actual contract may differ. Always verify with the ITF, your union, or a Seafarer Index inspector before signing.
| Rank | Vessel | Region | Low | Median | High | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master | VLCC | Global | $14,000 | $16,500 | $19,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys (Danica, Spinnaker) |
| Chief Engineer | VLCC | Global | $14,000 | $16,200 | $18,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Chief Mate | VLCC | Global | $9,500 | $11,000 | $12,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Second Engineer | VLCC | Global | $9,000 | $10,500 | $12,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | Container (post-Panamax) | Global | $11,000 | $13,500 | $16,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Chief Engineer | Container (post-Panamax) | Global | $11,000 | $13,000 | $15,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | Bulk carrier (Capesize) | Global | $9,500 | $11,500 | $14,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Chief Engineer | Bulk carrier (Capesize) | Global | $9,500 | $11,200 | $13,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | LNG carrier | Global | $16,500 | $19,000 | $22,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Chief Engineer | LNG carrier | Global | $16,500 | $18,800 | $22,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| ETO | LNG carrier | Global | $7,500 | $9,000 | $11,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Able Seafarer Deck (AB) | Container | ITF TCC | $1,858 | $2,041 | $2,250 | 2025 | ITF Total Crew Cost (TCC) scale |
| Able Seafarer Deck (AB) | Bulker | ITF TCC | $1,800 | $1,990 | $2,200 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Ordinary Seafarer (OS) | Container | ITF TCC | $1,400 | $1,550 | $1,700 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Bosun | Container | ITF TCC | $2,250 | $2,450 | $2,700 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Cook | General | ITF TCC | $2,200 | $2,400 | $2,650 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Messman/Steward | General | ITF TCC | $1,350 | $1,500 | $1,650 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Fitter | General | ITF TCC | $1,900 | $2,100 | $2,300 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Motorman | General | ITF TCC | $1,700 | $1,900 | $2,100 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Oiler | General | ITF TCC | $1,500 | $1,700 | $1,900 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Wiper | General | ITF TCC | $1,300 | $1,450 | $1,600 | 2025 | ITF TCC scale |
| Third Officer | Container | Global | $5,500 | $6,500 | $7,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Second Officer | Container | Global | $6,500 | $7,500 | $8,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Third Engineer | Container | Global | $6,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Fourth Engineer | Container | Global | $5,000 | $5,800 | $6,800 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | Cruise | Global | $13,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Hotel Director | Cruise | Global | $10,000 | $13,000 | $17,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | OSV / PSV | North Sea / West Africa | $11,000 | $13,000 | $15,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | AHTS | Global | $13,000 | $15,500 | $18,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | Tug (harbour) | Northern Europe | $7,500 | $9,000 | $11,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | Chemical tanker | Global | $11,500 | $13,500 | $15,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Chief Officer | Chemical tanker | Global | $8,000 | $9,500 | $11,000 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Master | Ro-ro / PCTC | Global | $10,500 | $12,500 | $14,500 | 2025 | Industry wage surveys |
| Cadet (deck) | General | Global | $350 | $600 | $900 | 2025 | Manning-agency stipend ranges |
| Cadet (engine) | General | Global | $350 | $600 | $900 | 2025 | Manning-agency stipend ranges |