Pay and Salary Information
Able Seaman pay varies widely based on several factors including vessel type, company, union vs. non-union, additional endorsements, and work schedule. Pay is typically structured as a daily rate rather than an annual salary, with additional compensation for overtime, weekend work, and special duties.
Understanding Maritime Pay
- Base Pay: Daily rate paid for each day aboard the vessel
- Overtime: Additional pay for hours worked beyond standard day (typically after 8 hours)
- Weekend/Holiday Premium: Higher rates (often 1.5-2.5x) for weekend and holiday work
- Vacation Pay: Additional pay accrued while working, collected when returning to shore
- Penalty Pay: Extra compensation for hazardous or unpleasant tasks
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits
- Vessel Type: Tankers and ATBs typically pay more than container ships or cruise ships
- Union vs. Non-Union: Union jobs generally offer better pay and benefits
- Geographic Location: Gulf of Mexico and Alaska operations often pay premium rates
- Additional Endorsements: Tankerman certification can significantly increase pay
- Experience Level: More experienced ABs command higher rates
- Work Schedule: Longer hitches may offer higher day rates
Typical Pay Ranges by Vessel Type
| Vessel Type | Daily Base Rate | Monthly Potential (with OT) | Common Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankers/ATBs | $400-650 | $10,000-13,000 | 28/28 or 30/30 |
| Container/Cargo Ships | $300-500 | $8,000-10,000 | 75/75 or 120/60 |
| Tugs (Offshore) | $350-500 | $9,000-12,000 | 28/14 or 28/28 |
| Tugs (Inland/Harbor) | $250-400 | $7,000-9,000 | 14/7 or 21/7 |
| Cruise Ships | $200-350 | $6,000-8,000 | 120/60 or 180/60 |
| Great Lakes Vessels | $300-450 | $8,000-10,000 | 60/30 or seasonal |
Note: These figures are approximations and can vary significantly based on company, union contract, and individual qualifications. Tankerman endorsement can add $100-200 per day to base rates.
Annual Income Potential
While maritime pay is typically calculated as a daily rate, many prospective mariners want to understand the annual income potential. Here's how to estimate annual earnings:
Example Calculation:
For an AB working on a tanker with a 28/28 schedule (equal time):
- Daily rate: $450
- Days worked per year: 182.5 (half the year)
- Base annual income: $450 × 182.5 = $82,125
- Overtime (average 2 hours/day): $56.25 × 2 × 182.5 = $20,531
- Weekend premium (52 weekend days/year): $225 × 26 = $5,850
- Total annual income: $108,506
This example doesn't include vacation pay, holiday premiums, or benefits, which would further increase total compensation.
Ordinary Seaman (OS) Pay
For those starting as Ordinary Seamen before advancing to AB, pay rates are lower but still competitive:
- Daily rates typically range from $200-350 depending on vessel type and company
- Monthly earnings of $5,000-7,000 with overtime are common
- SIU apprentices in Phase 4 typically earn around $3,800/month base pay plus overtime
- Great Lakes OS positions pay approximately $260-300 per day
Union vs. Non-Union
- Typically higher base pay rates
- Structured overtime and premium pay rules
- Better benefits (health insurance, pension)
- Job security through seniority system
- Standardized working conditions
- Union dues (approximately 2-3% of earnings)
Major maritime unions include SIU, SUP, MFOW, and AMO
- More variable pay rates
- Often more flexible hiring practices
- Benefits vary widely by company
- Potential for negotiating individual pay rates
- No union dues
- Working conditions vary by company
Common in Gulf of Mexico oil industry, some tug companies, and smaller operators