Seaman Salaries on Container Ship in 2026

Below are the changes in salaries for key positions over the past year.
#

Position

Average monthly salary

(current year)

Average monthly salary

(last year)

Difference %

1 Master 11522 USD 11369 USD 1.35%
2 2nd Engineer 9275 USD 9148 USD 1.39%
3 3rd Engineer 4605 USD 4571 USD 0.74%
4 Chief Officer 9253 USD 8921 USD 3.72%
5 Chief Engineer 11517 USD 11306 USD 1.87%
6 ETO 7381 USD 7293 USD 1.21%
7 2nd Officer 4651 USD 4514 USD 3.04%
8 3rd Officer 3938 USD 3796 USD 3.74%
9 Able Seaman (AB) 2189 USD 2091 USD 4.69%
10 Fitter / Welder 2985 USD 2842 USD 5.03%

Dynamics of changes in salaries for key positions over the past year.

Please note: the data is based on the industry average and may vary depending on the company and the region of work.

Master
2026

2nd Engineer
2026

3rd Engineer
2026

Chief Officer
2026

Chief Engineer
2026

ETO
2026

2nd Officer
2026

3rd Officer
2026

Able Seaman (AB)
2026

Fitter / Welder
2026

Companies hiring on Container Ship

If you are looking for a job on a Container Ship, take note of the following companies that are actively recruiting for this type of vessel:

Amergo Group

Found: 146

See company

Marine MAN / Марин МАН

Found: 119

See company

MSC Crewing Services

Found: 93

See company

Alpha Navigation Crew Management, Crewing Ukraine

Found: 62

See company

VITA MARITIME LTD

Found: 22

See company

Baltic Shipping Services Poland Sp. z o.o.

Found: 21

See company

S.K.Crewing

Found: 20

See company

Nikolaev Maritime Agency

Found: 16

See company

Factors influencing salary levels:

  • Work experience

    Seafarers with extensive experience and a long track record on Container Ship receive higher pay.

  • Qualifications

    Additional certifications and specialized training courses increase your value as a professional.

  • Work region

    Salaries can vary significantly depending on the region and its economic situation. Additionally, working in high-risk areas typically results in additional bonuses or higher pay rates

  • Type of Container Ship

    The size and technical specifications of the vessel also influence the salary level.

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