Also called: Licensed mariner, Ship's mate, Third Mate, Kings Point graduate
Licensed civilian officer who navigates or runs the engines of cargo ships, tankers, and military supply ships.
Merchant officers work on rotation, often 2-4 months on a ship and then months off. Mates stand bridge watch and handle cargo; engineers run giant diesel engines. In wartime, merchant ships carry military supplies, and graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy can serve in the Navy Reserve.
BLS captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels; deep-sea officers and captains often earn $150k-$250k for 6 months' work a year.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's from a maritime academy (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point is free; state academies exist) plus a U.S. Coast Guard license.
Ways in: 4-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Maritime Studies.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projects slow growth for ship officers, though licensed mariners are in short supply.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Ship automation trims crew sizes and autonomous ships are tested; licensed officers stay required for now.
Classes: Physics, Trigonometry, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5021.
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