Also called: AB, Able-Bodied Seaman
A skilled deckhand who steers, keeps lookout, and maintains a ship's deck.
An AB takes the helm on watch, scans the horizon for other ships, handles mooring lines in port, and maintains winches and lifeboats. Long voyages mean months away, but also months off and a chance to see ports worldwide.
BLS median for sailors and marine oilers is about $50k; union ABs on deep-sea ships often earn more with overtime.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. No degree; get a Merchant Mariner Credential, sea time as an ordinary seaman, then pass the AB exam. Union schools offer paid training.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Seamanship (union training school).
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Steering and lookout may shift to automation and smaller crews by the 2030s; mooring and deck maintenance stay physical.
Classes: Physical education, Earth science, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5011.
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