Sailor

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Work Tasks

• Help steer ships and watch for other ships and obstacles in the path
• Use deck equipment like life boats and anchors and measure water depth
• Fix minor problems in machinery and oil engine moving parts; clean and paint decks
• Help load and unload cargo
• Work on merchant marine ships, United States Navy Military Sealift ships, tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredges, pilot boats, charter boats, cruise ships, casino boats, and in marine construction, salvaging, and surveying
• Work with buckets, mops, other cleaning tools, life boats, anchors, cargo-handling gear, brushes, paints, oil, mooring lines, hoses, pumps, and tanks

Salary, Size & Growth

• $38,500 average per year ($18.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (34,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Pass a drug test and physical, and be a US citizen
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma
• Skills/Courses: Training in first aid, firefighting, and job duties
• Certification/Licensing: Certification as an able seaman is available.