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Your Maritime Career Path

From cadet to command — typical progression timelines and real 2026 salary ranges for every rank, deck and engine.

1
Deck Cadet
Typically 0 years at sea to reach

Training aboard, building sea time toward first watchkeeping certificate.

2
3rd Officer
Typically 0–2 years at sea to reach

First officer rank — navigation watches, safety duties.

💰 $3,000–$6,000/mo
3
2nd Officer
Typically 2–4 years at sea to reach

Primary navigation and voyage planning responsibility.

💰 $4,500–$8,500/mo
4
Chief Officer
Typically 5–8 years at sea to reach

Cargo operations, deck department, direct link to the Master.

💰 $7,000–$14,000/mo
Master
Typically 9+ years at sea to reach

Full command — navigation, cargo, crew, and regulatory compliance.

💰 $9,000–$21,000/mo

Timelines are general industry patterns and vary by company, flag state, and individual sea time — not a guarantee. Salary ranges span bulk carrier to LNG carrier rates for 2026, from ShipCrewFinder's Salary Index.

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