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. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
SOC: 53-5011 O*NET: 53-5011.00
Median Salary
$49,610
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
What does a Sailors and Marine Oilers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,350
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,450
25th percentile
Median
$49,610
50th percentile
Experienced
$65,370
75th percentile
Top Earners
$81,890
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,350
25th
$38,450
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$49,610
Mean: $55,320
75th
$65,370
90th
$81,890
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $48,540 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,450 and $65,370
- •Salary spread is 54.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 31,360 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:32,100
Top Industries
Water Transportation37.9%
Support Activities for Transportation29.5%
Support Activities for Water Transportation29.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.3%
Annual Openings:3,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)32,100
Current
2034 (Projected)32,800
+2.3%
+700
Employment Change
+2.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Sailors and Marine Oilers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 33 locations
Louisiana
7,470 jobs$44,38019.21x
Texas
5,600 jobs$65,6801.99x
Florida
2,590 jobs$46,0701.30x
Virginia
2,390 jobs$44,7202.89x
Washington
1,910 jobs$64,8602.66x
California
1,830 jobs$54,9800.50x
New York
1,340 jobs$61,0100.69x
Kentucky
1,180 jobs$41,7302.91x
Tennessee
730 jobs$48,2201.10x
New Jersey
570 jobs$61,6100.66x
Mississippi
560 jobs$49,0302.37x
Indiana
450 jobs$47,9000.69x
Alaska
440 jobs$61,0306.76x
Illinois
440 jobs$48,3000.36x
Connecticut
350 jobs$56,1901.02x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Repairing
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Troubleshooting
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Repairing
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Troubleshooting
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics82%
5 shared skills
Continuous Mining Machine Operators82%
5 shared skills
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas82%
5 shared skills
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers82%
5 shared skills
Ship Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Speaking
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Repairing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Sailors and Marine Oilers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)General Responsibilities (15)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot, and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Sailors and Marine Oilers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Sailors and Marine Oilers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Sailors and Marine Oilers
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.31
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.28
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.05
Attention to Detail
ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level3.99
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.97
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.82
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Concern for Others
4.0
Attention to Detail
4.0
Self-Control
4.0
Initiative
3.8
Social Orientation
3.8
Persistence
3.6
Integrity
3.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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