Dock Worker

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Work Tasks

• Load and unload a ship's cargo by hand or machine
• Tie up lines of ships coming into port
• Run hoses which move liquids and grains to and from ships and storage areas
• Work outdoors in all kinds of weather at piers and docks or in the holds of ships for stevedoring companies
• Work with ship lines, hoses, nets, slings, shovels, hooks, cargo, winches, forklift equipment, cranes and pulling trucks

Salary, Size & Growth

• $41,500 average per year ($20.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (10,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.7% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma, 18 years of age or older, and able to do heavy work
• Certification/Licensing: Union membership may be required.