Sailor and Marine Oiler Salary
Sailors and Marine Oilers earn a median $51,520 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What sailors and marine oilers do
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. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels.
- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +3.2% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 3,600
Employment of sailors and marine oilers is projected to grow 3.2% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 3,600 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Sailor and Marine Oiler take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,002
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,194
- Medicare (1.45%)$747
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$43,576
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,560 | $16.62 | $29,949 |
| 25th percentile | $41,430 | $19.92 | $35,469 |
| Median (50th) | $51,520 | $24.77 | $43,576 |
| 75th percentile | $67,590 | $32.50 | $56,380 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,620 | $40.20 | $67,657 |
Best cities for sailors and marine oilers (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston, TX | $55,610 | $46,863 | $47,514 | 3,470 |
| 2 | Virginia Beach, VA | $48,210 | $38,959 | $39,778 | 2,830 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Houston, TX — $55,610
- Virginia Beach, VA — $48,210
Sailor and Marine Oiler salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $76,140 | +20.3% | $58,138 | $46,810 – $108,010 | 340 |
| New Jersey | $71,880 | +16.7% | $56,974 | $38,480 – $94,470 | 520 |
| Oregon | $70,410 | +2.5% | $53,032 | $45,040 – $91,140 | 210 |
| Washington | $66,700 | +2.8% | $55,753 | $45,200 – $84,120 | 1,590 |
| Alaska | $63,130 | +3.4% | $52,905 | $40,200 – $91,730 | 480 |
| Tennessee | $60,580 | +25.6% | $50,856 | $33,070 – $78,070 | 870 |
| Delaware | $60,040 | +3.7% | $47,767 | $44,990 – $63,860 | 80 |
| Florida | $57,930 | +25.7% | $48,727 | $34,230 – $79,150 | 2,710 |
| Minnesota | $56,680 | +5.4% | $45,392 | $36,680 – $79,780 | 90 |
| Indiana | $56,570 | +18.1% | $45,995 | $34,470 – $102,210 | 570 |
| Texas | $55,610 | −15.3% | $46,863 | $38,360 – $95,820 | 4,270 |
| California | $55,180 | +0.4% | $44,440 | $37,210 – $79,290 | 1,680 |
| New York | $54,210 | −11.1% | $43,407 | $34,070 – $78,860 | 1,570 |
| Ohio | $53,520 | +22.6% | $44,494 | $31,770 – $58,270 | 140 |
| Missouri | $51,940 | +37.3% | $42,410 | $30,810 – $75,920 | 220 |
| Michigan | $51,310 | −1.3% | $41,478 | $37,100 – $62,130 | 250 |
| South Carolina | $50,500 | +3.3% | $40,884 | $33,890 – $83,300 | 210 |
| Mississippi | $50,390 | +2.8% | $41,385 | $35,430 – $61,790 | 490 |
| Virginia | $49,120 | +9.8% | $39,638 | $32,660 – $60,650 | 2,970 |
| Illinois | $49,090 | +1.6% | $39,339 | $37,450 – $85,870 | 420 |
| Wisconsin | $48,880 | +1.5% | $40,085 | $33,070 – $76,860 | 110 |
| Rhode Island | $48,860 | +1.4% | $40,224 | $31,200 – $110,290 | 210 |
| Iowa | $48,100 | +14.7% | $39,652 | $35,820 – $60,470 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $47,460 | +13.7% | $38,771 | $36,580 – $62,080 | 1,470 |
| West Virginia | $47,370 | — | $38,838 | $35,160 – $69,050 | 100 |
| Maine | $46,800 | +9.1% | $37,806 | $39,550 – $60,840 | 240 |
| Louisiana | $46,610 | +5.0% | $38,619 | $29,730 – $92,420 | 7,580 |
| Connecticut | $45,280 | −19.4% | $37,450 | $37,600 – $73,790 | 400 |
| North Carolina | $44,770 | +3.5% | $36,875 | $33,420 – $60,240 | 310 |
| Massachusetts | $44,070 | +16.4% | $35,607 | $34,180 – $75,130 | 420 |
| Alabama | $43,000 | −11.0% | $34,846 | $38,370 – $70,300 | 290 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,810 | +1.7% | $32,172 | $35,810 – $61,630 | 210 |
| Georgia | $37,500 | +1.8% | $30,988 | $25,870 – $48,350 | 80 |
| Arkansas | $23,960 | — | $20,619 | $22,880 – $60,300 | 70 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorboat Operator | $47,520 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +4.9% |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $92,460 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +4.0% |
| Ship Engineer | $109,530 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +2.7% |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector | $49,690 | No formal educational credential | +2.1% |
| Dredge Operator | $49,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Bus Drivers, School | $47,920 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Rail Transportation Workers, All Other | $56,360 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.4% |
| Hoist and Winch Operator | $56,450 | No formal educational credential | +0.2% |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator | $46,420 | No formal educational credential | +1.5% |
| Airfield Operations Specialist | $56,850 | High school diploma or equivalent | +7.8% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a sailor and marine oiler make?
The national median salary for sailors and marine oilers is $51,520 a year ($24.77 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,560 and the top 10% earn over $83,620. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays sailors and marine oilers the most?
Hawaii has the highest median pay at $76,140. After taxes and local prices, Houston, TX offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many sailors and marine oilers are there in the U.S.?
About 31,670 people work as sailors and marine oilers nationwide.