Sailors and Marine Oilers
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Also called: AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman), AB Watchman (Able Bodied Watchman), Able Seaman, Barge Hand, Bargeman, Boat Deckhand
Median pay
$51,520
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,560 – $83,620
People employed
31,670
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Sailors and Marine Oilers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (34 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What sailors and marine oilers do
- 01Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- 02Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- 03Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
- 04Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
- 05Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
- 06Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Geography
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from sailors and marine oilers
- Dredge Operators86% · −4%
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders85% · +14%
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers83% · +34%
- Hoist and Winch Operators83% · +10%
- Riggers83% · +22%
Change into sailors and marine oilers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Dredge Operators80% · $49,640
- Helpers--Extraction Workers78% · $47,730
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers78% · $60,600
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors77% · $49,690
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas76% · $58,620