Maritime Officer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$82,000
national median salary
$62,000 to $108,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$115,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$86,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$65,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Maritime Officer salary in the United States is $82,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $62,000 at the 25th percentile to $108,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $115,000, while Washington DC offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Vessel type, license grade, and trade route determine compensation.
Maritime Officer salary by city
Skills that increase Maritime Officer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Maritime Officers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $11,480 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$11,480 per year
≈ +$10,660 per year
≈ +$9,840 per year
≈ +$9,020 per year
≈ +$9,020 per year
≈ +$8,200 per year
≈ +$8,200 per year
≈ +$7,380 per year
What you should know
Vessel type, license grade, and trade route determine compensation. Officers on tankers and LNG carriers earn premiums over general cargo ships. Deep-sea international routes pay more than coastal or inland assignments, and unionized positions typically offer stronger wage scales.
Third mates and third engineers start at $55,000 to $62,000. Second officers advance to $70,000 to $85,000 with experience and additional endorsements. Chief mates earn $90,000 to $108,000, while masters and chief engineers on large vessels can reach $120,000 to $160,000.
Maritime officers receive room and board while aboard, which effectively increases total compensation by $15,000 to $25,000 annually. Union contracts often include pension contributions, medical coverage, and paid leave rotations of equal time on and off.