The world is at your fingertips with a global career in maritime.

Overview of the maritime sector's workforce needs and opportunities for entry-level seekers, career changers and skilled professionals.

Why Maritime & Shipyards?

The Maritime Action Plan describes the need for a strong maritime industry to compete in the global maritime economy, maintain a continuous and efficient flow of goods, strengthen U.S. capacity to sustain military logistics, secure vital trade routes, and, in times of conflict, support a wartime economy.

The Department of Commerce reports that the marine economy contributed a total of $511 billion to the nation's GDP in 2023 (5.9 percent growth since 2022). It generated $827 billion in sales (4.5 percent growth) and supported 2.6 million jobs.

The American maritime industry is expected to need more than a quarter million new workers in the next decade — and that figure does not include workers for non-naval construction or mariners.

Sources: U.S. Maritime Action Plan; U.S. Department of Commerce, 2023 Marine Economy Report.

Job Stability

Long-term career security with strong industry growth and essential infrastructure roles.

High Demand

Growing shortage of technicians and engineers ensures competitive placement.

Emerging Technologies

Work with AR/VR simulation, precision engineering, and additive manufacturing.

90%
Global Trade
Handled by sea
$511B
U.S. GDP
Marine economy, 2023
2.6M
Jobs Supported
Across the marine sector
250K+
Workers Needed
Next decade

"Straight out of college, graduates from the country's maritime academies can earn more than $200,000 as a commercial sailor, with free food and private accommodations."

"Commercial sailors travel the world. Coffee breaks come with an ocean view. At night, the sky explodes with stars."

— Wall Street Journal, November 29, 2025

The Military Sealift Command also notes that entry-level positions pay at approximately $80,000, with potential for significant growth. See mariner pay by month →

Is a Maritime Career Right for You?

You don’t need experience to start — but people who thrive in maritime tend to share a few traits. See how many sound like you.

Hands-On & Practical

You’d rather build, fix, and operate real equipment than sit at a desk all day.

Dependable Under Pressure

You take responsibility seriously and stay steady when the work is demanding.

Up for Travel & Adventure

You’re open to seeing new places and to work that takes you beyond a fixed office.

A Team Player

You work well alongside a crew and understand that everyone’s job keeps the operation running.

A Problem-Solver

You like figuring out how things work and enjoy troubleshooting when something goes wrong.

Ready to Keep Learning

You’re willing to earn certifications and build skills over time to advance your career.

How to Use This Page

This page is an overview to help you find the maritime career path that fits you — not a step-by-step application guide or a job board. Use it to explore the roles, requirements, and pathways in each area, then take the next step with the schools, programs, and organizations linked throughout.

Tip: Don’t just start at “entry-level.” Look at the senior role you’re aiming for first, then work backwards to find your on-ramp — some pathways (like a maritime academy) can place you directly into a mid-level position and let you skip entry-level roles entirely.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Schools, apprenticeship programs, Centers of Excellence, unions, and other providers listed below can help you chart your path once you’ve found the right fit.

Shipyard Role Progression

Entry Level
Apprentice
Transition
Shipyard Transition
Mid-Level
Journeyworker
Senior
Foreman Supervisor Superintendent
Aiming higher? Work backwards. Decide the role you ultimately want, then trace the path back to your on-ramp. Some routes — like a maritime academy or a targeted training program — can start you at a mid-level position and let you skip entry-level roles.
Entry-Level
Career Transition
Mid-Level
Senior-Level

Your Starting Point

New workforce entrants, completion of high school requirements, early-career individuals, and apprentice technicians.

Types of Trade

Welding, pipefitter, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, riggers, crane operators, health and safety technicians, surveyors, and more.

Salary & career profiles: Shipfitter · Boilermaker (American Welding Society)

Available Roles & Baseline

Roles: Apprentice technicians.
Required baseline: Technical aptitude.

What to Expect

On-the-job training, certifications, apprenticeship opportunities, classroom training, and virtual AR/VR training.

Your Starting Point

Individuals transitioning from related trades — automotive, construction, manufacturing, energy, military veterans, industrial maintenance, and health and safety professionals.

Transferable Skills

Programming, mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, equipment operation, welding and fabrication, safety protocols, leadership, and people management.

Charting Your Path to Success in Maritime

Current maritime or trades workers looking to advance. Transition from apprenticeships and journeyworker roles into more advanced positions.

Certifications & Credentials

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) · American Welding Society · specialized Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training · National Fire Protection Association · National Electric Code (NEC).

Upskilling Areas

  • Advanced machining & CNC
  • Specialized training — coatings, electrical, non-destructive testing
  • Digital shipyard technologies
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Robotics & automation
  • Maritime cybersecurity
  • Leadership and project supervision

Charting Your Path to Success in Maritime

Current mid-level maritime or trades workers looking to advance from advanced technical roles into supervisor and management positions.

Upskilling Areas

  • Project Management
  • Financial Management
  • Leadership

Certifications & Credentials

Advanced degree · Project Management Professional (PMP)® · Program Management · American Welding Society.

Business Administration programs accredited by AACSB, the Association of MBAs, and the European Foundation for Management Development's Quality Improvement System.

Resources

Shipyard Training Programs & Resources

Available across all experience levels. Start here whether you're new to the trades or advancing your career. Links open in a new tab.

Training Programs
Apprenticeships
Business & Leadership
Connect With Stakeholders

Industry Associations

Trade Unions

Shipyards

See the full References section at the bottom of the page for the complete directory.

Still have questions? Reach out and our team will help you chart your path in maritime.
Contact Us

Vessel Design & Engineering Role Progression

Entry Level
Draftsman Junior Engineer
Transition
Ship Design Transition
Mid-Level
Engineer
Senior
Project Manager Senior Engineer
Aiming higher? Work backwards. Decide the role you ultimately want, then trace the path back to your on-ramp. Some routes — like a maritime academy or a targeted training program — can start you at a mid-level position and let you skip entry-level roles.
Entry-Level
Career Transition
Mid-Level
Senior-Level

Your Starting Point

College graduates with a degree in engineering or technology.

Types of Trade

Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, Ocean Engineers, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers.

Available Roles & Baseline

Roles: Junior Engineer.
Required baseline: Engineering or technology undergraduate.

What to Expect

Basic design and engineering work, developmental opportunities, and virtual AR/VR training.

Your Starting Point

Individuals transitioning from related careers — automotive, construction, manufacturing, energy, military veterans, industrial maintenance, and health and safety professionals.

Transferable Skills

Engineering, project management, programming, safety protocols, leadership, and management.

Support Offered

Skill-mapping tools, career coaching and development, qualification guidance, and mentoring programs.

Charting Your Path to Success in Maritime

Junior Engineers looking to advance through work experience and/or advanced education.

Certifications & Credentials

Professional Engineer.

Upskilling Areas

  • Graduate degree
  • CAD/CAM
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Digital shipyard technologies
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Robotics & automation
  • Maritime cybersecurity
  • Leadership and project supervision
  • Post-graduate / Master's programs

Charting Your Path to Success in Maritime

Current engineers looking to advance through work experience, including project and portfolio management.

Certifications & Credentials

Professional Engineer · Project Management Professional (PMP)® · Lean / Six Sigma (Green or Black) · Master in Business Administration.

Upskilling Areas

  • Project Management
  • Financial Management
  • Leadership
  • Business Administration Programs — accredited by AACSB, the Association of MBAs, and the European Foundation for Management Development's Quality Improvement System
Resources

Engineering Training Programs & Resources

Find programs, certifications, and grants to support your engineering pathway. Links open in a new tab.

Training & Education
Funding & Support
Professional Societies
Still have questions? Reach out and our team will help you chart your path in maritime.
Contact Us

Vessel Operations Role Progression

Deck — Navigation & Monitoring
Entry Level
Ordinary Seaman Deckhand
Transition
Vessel Transition
Mid-Level
Able Bodied Seaman Third Mate
Senior
Second Mate Chief Mate Master Mariner Pilot
Engineering — Systems Operation & Maintenance
Entry Level
Utilityman Wiper
Transition
Vessel Transition
Mid-Level
Junior Engineer Third Engineer Engine Utilityman Pumpman Electrician
Senior
Second Engineer Chief Engineer
Steward — Crew Care & Food Services
Entry Level
Steward Assistant Assistant Cook
Transition
Vessel Transition
Mid-Level
Chef
Senior
Chief Steward Chief Cook
Aiming higher? Work backwards. Decide the role you ultimately want, then trace the path back to your on-ramp. Some routes — like a maritime academy or a targeted training program — can start you at a mid-level position and let you skip entry-level roles.
Entry-Level
Career Transition
Mid-Level
Senior-Level

Your Starting Point

New workforce entrants, completion of high school requirements, and early-career individuals.

Entry-Level Roles by Track

TrackEntry Role
DeckOrdinary Seaman, Deckhand
EngineeringUtilityman, Wiper
StewardSteward Assistant, Assistant Cook

Required Baseline Skills

Technical aptitude · Pass drug test · Obtain Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) · Obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

What to Expect

On-the-job training, certifications, apprenticeship opportunities, classroom training, and virtual AR/VR training.

Many Ways In — No Degree Required

A college degree or maritime academy is not the only path into a maritime career. Many mariners start entry-level and advance through apprenticeships, sea time, and Coast Guard–approved training. Apprenticeship programs are available for roles such as Ordinary Seaman and Steward, combining paid on-the-job experience with structured instruction.

Your Starting Point

Individuals from the military and other backgrounds who can meet the requirements, including sea time and position-specific training. See Checklist NMC for relevant requirements (additional career advisement is strongly suggested).

Transferable Skills

Vessel navigation and engineering. The Military to Mariner program is a primary pathway for veterans transitioning to maritime careers — see training programs.

Charting Your Path to Success in Maritime

Current mariners looking to advance, and maritime academy graduates. Advancement requires sea time and training specific to your position — see Checklist NMC.

Certifications & Credentials

Licensing · STCW Certification.

Charting Your Path to Success in Maritime

Current mid-level mariners looking to advance into senior roles — Master Mariner, Chief Engineer, Chief Steward, and Pilot.

Certifications & Credentials

Licensing · STCW Certification.

Upskilling

Advancement requires sea time and training specific to position. Senior mariners often pursue specialized endorsements (e.g., tankerman, dynamic positioning, ice navigation) and command-level training.

See the Resources panel below for the National Maritime Center checklist and Coast Guard course catalog.

Resources

Vessel Operations Training & Credentialing

The Coast Guard approves all mariner training under domestic and international regulations. Start here for credentialing, courses, associations, and unions. Links open in a new tab.

Coast Guard / NMC
Credentials & Programs
Training & Apprenticeships
Maritime Academies
Vessel Operations Associations
Vessel Operations Unions
Vessel Operators & More
Paying for Training

Many maritime pathways cost little or nothing out of pocket — especially union and apprenticeship routes.

Still have questions? Reach out and our team will help you chart your path in maritime.
Contact Us
Where You'll Work

Vessel Operations Locations

Maritime careers span the nation's waterways and beyond — from inland rivers and the Great Lakes to offshore energy on the Outer Continental Shelf, domestic ports, and international shipping routes. Explore each environment below.

Inland Waterways

Rivers and canals moving bulk cargo across America's heartland (brown water).

USACE Navigation →

Great Lakes

Lake carriers and freshwater shipping across the U.S.–Canada border.

Learn more →

Outer Continental Shelf

Offshore energy and marine services beyond state coastal waters.

BOEM Leasing →

Domestic Ports

Cargo terminals and port operations across U.S. coastlines.

MARAD Ports List →

International

Blue-water routes connecting global trade across the world's oceans.

World Shipping Routes →

References

A complete directory of the training programs, credentialing bodies, associations, unions, and academies referenced throughout this page. All links open in a new tab.

Shipyard Training Programs

Apprenticeships

Shipyard Industry Associations

Shipyard Trade Unions

Engineering & Technical Societies

Funding & Paying for Training

Coast Guard / NMC Credentialing

Military to Mariner

Training & Apprenticeship Programs

Maritime Academies

Workforce Development

Vessel Operations Associations

Vessel Operations Unions

Vessel Operators & Mariner Resources

Salary & Career Profiles

Business & Leadership

Note: References to any companies or organizations herein are not to be construed as an endorsement of any product, service, or position by the United States government, the Maritime Administration, or employees thereof. MARAD's role in promoting a robust United States merchant marine does not imply that the government approves of the work product of any organization or considers any organization's work product to be superior to other products or services.