Also called: Pumpman, Cargo Pumpman
Operates and repairs the pumps and valves that load and unload oil and chemicals on tanker ships.
A pumpman lines up valves for discharge, watches pressure gauges for hours during cargo operations, cleans tanks, and fixes pumps between ports. It's one of the best-paid unlicensed jobs at sea.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential with tankerman endorsements; usually promoted from able seaman or QMED.
Ways in: Certification, 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 for 10 years. Automated valves and remote monitoring help, but lining up cargo, tank cleaning and pump repair stay hands-on.
Classes: Chemistry, Auto or shop CTE class, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.