Also called: Messman, Galley Utility, Steward Utility
Helps feed the crew on a merchant ship by prepping food, serving meals, and cleaning.
A steward assistant starts before breakfast, sets up the mess hall, washes dishes, cleans officers' rooms, and helps the chief cook. It's a common first job at sea, with months on board and months at home.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential; maritime union training schools.
Ways in: Certification, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Maritime Training (union school).
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-5011: Average (3% to 4%).
Low risk for 10 years. Serving, dishwashing and cleaning on a ship stay human; few robots fit a small galley at sea.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to maritime union schools or shipping companies; get your TWIC, MMC and STCW Basic Training First: USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and TWIC card (often 4+ weeks); most companies hire 18+
Classes: Culinary arts CTE class, Health, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5011.
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