Also called: Wheelsman, Helmsman (Great Lakes)
Steers a Great Lakes freighter by hand under orders from the mate or captain.
A wheelsman stands watch in the pilothouse, steering the ship through rivers and into locks by following precise rudder commands. Many work toward a mate's license.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Union training; Coast Guard able seaman credential.
Ways in: Certification, Trade school, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Maritime Studies.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-5011: Average (3% to 4%).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Autopilot handles open lake; rivers and locks still need a hand on the wheel, though leaner bridges may come later.
Classes: Physics, Earth science, Driver's ed.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5011.
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