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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Seamen

Median Salary
86,836
Workforce Count
22,385

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Seamen are responsible for the smooth operation of the majority of occurrences above deck. They are capable of performing and supervising almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat operations, and navigation. They have a working knowledge of all programs performed in, or related to, the marine environment. They must establish and maintain knowledge of ropes and cables, including different uses, stresses, strains, and proper stowing. They facilitate upkeep of ships' external structures, riggings, deck equipment, and lifeboats.

What is the work environment like?

Seamen work aboard all types of ships and submarines. On ships, they often work outdoors on deck while servicing shipboard equipment.

How many people have this role in the Military?

22,385

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$103,431

2 Years

$76,572

6 Years

$103,431

10+ Years
Median Salary
86,836

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for seamen consists of classroom instruction, on-the-job learning in various training environments, and through receiving advanced civilian/industry certifications and licenses (credentials), which may require additional education, training, or experience. Training programs vary depending on service and specialty.

    Education

    What level of education do professionals in this role have?

    Education Level

    • High school

      52%

    • Post-secondary certificate

      24%

    • Less than high school

      22%

    Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

    The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
    Learn More About Paying For College

    Skills and Interest

    What skills will set you up for success?

    Skills

    • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

      High

    • Verbal Skills

      Low

    • Leadership

      Mid

    • Math and Science Skills

      Mid

    • Technology Design and Control

      Mid

    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

      Mid

    What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

    • Administration and Management
    • Mechanical
    • Education and Training
    • Chemistry
    • Transportation

    What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

    Workplace

    • Exposure to Job Hazards

      High

    • Responsibility

      High

    • Physical Activity

      High

    • Time Pressure

      Mid

    • Repetitiveness

      Mid

    • Decision Making

      Mid

    • Level Of Competition

      Mid

    What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

    Realistic

    You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

    Conventional

    You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

    RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

    Take the RIASEC Test

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