Ranked list · 42 careers
42 Jobs on the Ocean, Ranked by Fit and Pay (2026)
Marine Engineer and Naval Architect tops this list at $112,230 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), with +6.7% projected employment change over 2025–2035. Below are 42 careers that meet the criteria, each with its real median wage, outlook and entry requirement.
- Careers on this list
- 42From 1,731 in the bank
- Median pay on the list
- $72,990BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Projected to grow
- 42 of 42BLS EP, 2025–2035
- Openings a year
- 480,200Combined, BLS EP
Method
How we built this list
Careers at sea and on the water: ship officers and engineers, harbor pilots, commercial divers, fishing and marine science roles. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages.
- Careers at sea and on the water: ship officers and engineers, harbor pilots, commercial divers, fishing and marine science roles. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages.
- Occupations with no BLS wage or projection data are excluded rather than estimated.
- The list is regenerated from source data on every bank refresh. It is not hand-picked and no editorial ranking is applied.
The list
The top 42 jobs on the ocean
100% of these careers already have a full profile page; the rest publish with the next tranche and show the same bank data here in the meantime.
- 1
1. Marine Engineer and Naval Architect
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $112,230median a year
- Growth
- +6.7%
- Openings / yr
- 500
- Education
- Bachelor's
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
- 2
2. Ocean Engineer
Specialty within marine engineer and naval architect
- Median pay
- $112,230median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +6.7%
- Openings / yr
- 500
- Education
- Bachelor's
Designs structures and systems that work in the ocean, from offshore platforms, wind turbine foundations and subsea equipment to breakwaters and underwater vehicles.
- 3
3. Ship Engineer
Transportation and Material Moving
- Median pay
- $109,530median a year
- Growth
- +2.7%
- Openings / yr
- 900
- Education
- Certificate
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
- 4
4. Marine Geologist
Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers
- Median pay
- $101,920median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.1%
- Openings / yr
- 1,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
A geoscientist who studies the seafloor and coastlines, mapping sediments, faults and coastal change for research, hazards, offshore energy and engineering projects.
- 5
5. Oceanographer
Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers
- Median pay
- $101,920median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.1%
- Openings / yr
- 1,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
Studies the physics, chemistry and geology of the ocean, from currents and waves to seafloor sediments and ocean chemistry.
- 6
6. Coastal Engineer
Specialty within civil engineer
- Median pay
- $100,840median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +6.4%
- Openings / yr
- 22,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Designs projects that protect shorelines and harbors from waves, erosion, storm surge and sea level rise.
- 7
7. Captain, Mate, and Pilot of Water Vessels
Transportation and Material Moving
- Median pay
- $92,460median a year
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings / yr
- 3,800
- Education
- Certificate
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats.
- 8
8. Civil Service Mariner Officer
Specialty within captain, mate, and pilot of water vessels
- Median pay
- $244,075typical, Military Sealift Command CIVMAR recruiting pay data
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings / yr
- 3,800
- Education
- Certificate
A licensed deck or engineering officer employed by the Navy's Military Sealift Command to run the civilian-crewed ships that supply and support the fleet.
- 9
9. Dynamic Positioning Operator
Specialty within captain, mate, and pilot of water vessels
- Median pay
- $92,460median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings / yr
- 3,800
- Education
- Certificate
A licensed deck officer who uses computer-controlled thrusters to hold offshore vessels precisely in position for drilling, diving, construction and wind farm work.
- 10
10. Great Lakes Pilot
Specialty within captain, mate, and pilot of water vessels
- Median pay
- $481,642typical, U.S. Coast Guard, Great Lakes Pilotage Rates 2026 Annual Review (Federal Register)
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings / yr
- 3,800
- Education
- Certificate
Boards foreign-flagged ships entering the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway and guides them through narrow channels, rivers, and locks under federal registration.
- 11
11. Maritime Pilot
Specialty within captain, mate, and pilot of water vessels
- Median pay
- $449,591typical, Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners 2024 Annual Report
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings / yr
- 3,800
- Education
- Certificate
A state-licensed mariner who boards large ships at sea and guides them over river bars and through harbors and channels to the dock.
- 12
12. Yacht Captain
Specialty within captain, mate, and pilot of water vessels
- Median pay
- $210,000typical, Quay Crew Captain Salary Report 2023 (reported by SuperyachtNews)
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings / yr
- 3,800
- Education
- Certificate
Commands a private or charter yacht, responsible for navigation, safety, crew, maintenance and the guest experience, from coastal cruisers to oceangoing superyachts.
- 13
13. Offshore Installation Manager
Specialty within first-line supervisor of construction trades and extraction workers
- Median pay
- $79,920median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.0%
- Openings / yr
- 67,000
- Education
- High school
The person in overall charge of an offshore drilling rig or platform, responsible for the safety of everyone aboard and the operation of the installation.
- 14
14. Hydrographic Surveyor
Specialty within surveyor
- Median pay
- $75,440median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.8%
- Openings / yr
- 3,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Measures and maps the depth and shape of the seafloor, rivers and harbors using sonar and GPS, producing data for nautical charts, dredging and marine construction.
- 15
15. ROV Pilot Technician
Specialty within electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologist and technician
- Median pay
- $73,900median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +2.6%
- Openings / yr
- 1,400
- Education
- Associate's
Pilots and maintains remotely operated underwater vehicles for offshore energy, subsea construction, ocean research and salvage work.
- 16
16. Commercial Diver
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Median pay
- $72,990median a year
- Growth
- +4.8%
- Openings / yr
- 400
- Education
- Certificate
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures.
- 17
17. Saturation Diver
Specialty within commercial diver
- Median pay
- $72,990median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +4.8%
- Openings / yr
- 400
- Education
- Certificate
A commercial diver who lives for weeks in a pressurized chamber on a ship so they can work at great depths on offshore pipelines and oil and gas structures.
- 18
18. Underwater Welder
Specialty within commercial diver
- Median pay
- $72,990median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +4.8%
- Openings / yr
- 400
- Education
- Certificate
A commercial diver who welds, cuts and repairs steel structures underwater, from offshore platforms and pipelines to dams, bridges and ship hulls.
- 19
19. Longshore Foreman
Specialty within crane and tower operator
- Median pay
- $373,000typical, Pacific Maritime Association
- Growth
- +3.8%
- Openings / yr
- 3,500
- Education
- High school
A union supervisor who directs longshore gangs loading and unloading ships, planning the work and keeping terminal operations safe and on schedule.
- 20
20. Offshore Crane Operator
Specialty within crane and tower operator
- Median pay
- $68,080median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +3.8%
- Openings / yr
- 3,500
- Education
- High school
Runs the pedestal cranes on offshore oil and gas platforms and drilling rigs, transferring cargo and equipment between supply boats and the deck.
- 21
21. Registered Longshore Worker
Specialty within crane and tower operator
- Median pay
- $236,000typical, Pacific Maritime Association
- Growth
- +3.8%
- Openings / yr
- 3,500
- Education
- High school
A union dockworker who loads and unloads cargo ships at a seaport, operating cranes, straddle carriers, and other heavy equipment on the terminal.
- 22
22. Scientific Diver
Specialty within biological technician
- Median pay
- $57,510median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +7.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Dives to collect data and samples underwater for research on coral reefs, kelp forests, fisheries and underwater archaeology.
- 23
23. Marine Clerk
Specialty within cargo and freight agent
- Median pay
- $264,000typical, Pacific Maritime Association
- Growth
- +6.2%
- Openings / yr
- 9,000
- Education
- High school
A union port worker who tracks containers and cargo on a marine terminal, handling gate transactions, yard inventory, and vessel loading plans.
- 24
24. Sailor and Marine Oiler
Transportation and Material Moving
- Median pay
- $51,520median a year
- Growth
- +3.2%
- Openings / yr
- 3,600
- Education
- No formal credential
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot.
- 25
25. Superyacht Deckhand
Specialty within sailor and marine oiler
- Median pay
- $51,520median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +3.2%
- Openings / yr
- 3,600
- Education
- No formal credential
Works on the exterior crew of a large private or charter yacht, keeping the vessel spotless, handling lines and tenders, and running water sports for guests.
- 26
26. Motorboat Operator
Transportation and Material Moving
- Median pay
- $47,520median a year
- Growth
- +4.9%
- Openings / yr
- 300
- Education
- Certificate
Operate small motor-driven boats.
- 27
27. Scuba Diving Instructor
Specialty within recreation worker
- Median pay
- $36,560median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +4.3%
- Openings / yr
- 67,000
- Education
- High school
Teaches people to scuba dive safely and leads certified divers on underwater tours at dive shops, resorts, and liveaboard boats.
- 28
28. Surf Instructor
Specialty within recreation worker
- Median pay
- $36,560median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +4.3%
- Openings / yr
- 67,000
- Education
- High school
Teaches people to surf safely through lessons and camps, reading ocean conditions and supervising students in the water.
- 29
29. Toolpusher
Specialty within first-line supervisor of construction trades and extraction workers
- Median pay
- $79,920median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.0%
- Openings / yr
- 67,000
- Education
- High school
Supervises the crews and operations of an oil and gas drilling rig, making sure the well is drilled safely and to plan.
- 30
30. Coral Reef Ecologist
Specialty within wildlife biologist
- Median pay
- $76,780median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +3.6%
- Openings / yr
- 1,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
A marine scientist who studies, monitors and restores coral reefs, diving to survey reef health and running restoration and research projects.
- 31
31. Maritime Archaeologist
Specialty within anthropologist
- Median pay
- $70,770median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +6.0%
- Openings / yr
- 800
- Education
- Master's
Finds, documents and protects shipwrecks, sunken aircraft and submerged sites, often working as a scientific diver.
- 32
32. Cruise Ship Hotel Director
Specialty within lodging manager
- Median pay
- $69,250median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +3.8%
- Openings / yr
- 5,500
- Education
- High school
Runs all hotel operations on a cruise ship, including cabins, restaurants, bars, guest services, and entertainment, as one of the ship's senior officers.
- 33
33. Offshore Wind Technician
Specialty within wind turbine service technician
- Median pay
- $64,120median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +29.5%
- Openings / yr
- 1,500
- Education
- Certificate
Maintains and repairs wind turbines at sea, transferring from boats to towers to service generators, blades and electrical systems.
- 34
34. Offshore Medic
Specialty within paramedic
- Median pay
- $60,600median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.7%
- Openings / yr
- 4,300
- Education
- Certificate
A paramedic stationed on oil platforms, vessels, or remote industrial sites to provide emergency and routine medical care to workers.
- 35
35. Fisheries Observer
Specialty within biological technician
- Median pay
- $57,510median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +7.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
A biologist who goes to sea on commercial fishing boats to record catch, bycatch and protected species interactions for NOAA Fisheries management.
- 36
36. Protected Species Observer
Specialty within biological technician
- Median pay
- $57,510median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +7.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Watches for whales, dolphins and sea turtles from ships and platforms during offshore construction, seismic surveys and dredging, and orders work to pause when animals come too close.
- 37
37. Hyperbaric Technologist
Specialty within neurodiagnostic technologist
- Median pay
- $50,290median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.9%
- Openings / yr
- 12,400
- Education
- Certificate
Operates hyperbaric oxygen chambers and monitors patients receiving pressurized oxygen treatment for wounds, infections, and diving injuries.
- 38
38. Cruise Director
Specialty within first-line supervisor of entertainment and recreation workers, except gambling services
- Median pay
- $48,560median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.3%
- Openings / yr
- 10,600
- Education
- High school
Leads the entertainment and activities department on a cruise ship and acts as the onboard host and public face of the voyage.
- 39
39. Yacht Chef
Specialty within cook, private household
- Median pay
- $47,940median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +5.1%
- Openings / yr
- 5,000
- Education
- Certificate
Cooks every meal for the guests and crew of a private or charter yacht, often planning restaurant-level menus from a small galley at sea.
- 40
40. Marine Mammal Trainer
Specialty within animal trainer
- Median pay
- $39,990median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +4.2%
- Openings / yr
- 6,500
- Education
- Bachelor's
Cares for and trains dolphins, sea lions, seals and other marine mammals at aquariums, zoos and research facilities, using positive reinforcement.
- 41
41. Yacht Steward
Specialty within concierge
- Median pay
- $38,950median (parent occupation)
- Growth
- +2.6%
- Openings / yr
- 6,900
- Education
- High school
Runs the interior of a private or charter yacht, providing hotel-level guest service including housekeeping, laundry, table service and event planning.
- 42
- Median pay
- $33,580median a year
- Growth
- +5.5%
- Openings / yr
- 45,400
- Education
- No formal credential
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
Questions
Jobs on the Ocean: FAQ
What is the top career on the jobs on the ocean list?
Marine Engineer and Naval Architect leads the list with a median wage of $112,230 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) and projected employment change of +6.7% over 2025–2035. Typical entry-level education is bachelor's.
How was this list put together?
Careers at sea and on the water: ship officers and engineers, harbor pilots, commercial divers, fishing and marine science roles. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages. Careers at sea and on the water: ship officers and engineers, harbor pilots, commercial divers, fishing and marine science roles. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages. Every figure comes from BLS OEWS May 2025, BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035 and O*NET 31.0 Database.
How much do jobs on the ocean pay?
Across the 42 careers on this list the middle occupation pays $72,990 a year, from $33,580 at the bottom to $481,642 at the top (BLS OEWS May 2025 and the industry compensation sources cited on each career page). The median across all US occupations is $50,980.
How many of these careers can you enter without a degree?
29 of the 42 careers on this list have a typical entry requirement below an associate's degree: a high school diploma, a postsecondary certificate, or no formal credential (BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035).