When it comes to the marine transportation industry, there is no job more prestigious than the Captain of a Cargo Ship. Not only does this type of job offer the opportunity to travel the world and explore different cultures, it carries a certain degree of power and respect with it. But just how much does a cargo ship captain make?
The short answer is that it depends. A variety of factors, including experience, the size of the ship, and the company, can all influence how much a cargo ship captain makes. The average salary for a cargo ship captain is around $94,000, but some of the highest paid captains can make over $200,000.
How to Become a Cargo Ship Captain?
Becoming a cargo ship captain is no easy task. It requires extensive knowledge of the maritime industry and relevant laws and regulations. In order to become a captain, you must complete the following steps:
1. Obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential
To become a cargo ship captain, you must obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential. This credential is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and requires that you pass a variety of tests, including drug testing and physical exams, as well as courses in maritime law and navigation.
2. Acquire a Maritime License
To become a cargo ship captain, you must also acquire a maritime license. This license is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and requires that you have a degree in marine science or a related field, as well as proof of experience in the maritime industry.
3. Complete Shipboard Training
Shipboard training is required to become a cargo ship captain. This training can be completed through a maritime school or through on-the-job training with a shipping company.
![how to become a cargo ship captain](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/how-to-become-a-cargo-ship-captain-1024x768.jpg)
![how to become a cargo ship captain](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/how-to-become-a-cargo-ship-captain-1024x768.jpg)
4. Obtain a U.S. Coast Guard Officer’s License
To become a cargo ship captain, you must also obtain a U.S. Coast Guard Officer’s License. This license requires that you complete a three-year tour of duty on a cargo ship, as well as additional coursework in maritime law and navigation.
How Much Does a MAERSK Ship Captain Make?
MAERSK is one of the world’s largest shipping companies and is known for its incredibly high standards when it comes to its captains. A MAERSK ship captain can make anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 a year. This ofcourse depends on the size and type of vessel they are commanding.
![How Much Does a MAERSK Ship Captain Make](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/How-Much-Does-a-MAERSK-Ship-Captain-Make-1024x536.png)
![How Much Does a MAERSK Ship Captain Make](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/How-Much-Does-a-MAERSK-Ship-Captain-Make-1024x536.png)
What Is the Highest Paid Ship Captain?
The highest paid ship captain is the captain of a supertanker. Supertankers are the largest and most expensive ships in the world and are used to transport crude oil across the globe. Because of their size, these ships require a captain with an immense amount of experience and knowledge. As a result, a captain of a supertanker can make up to $500,000 a year.
![supertanker](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/supertanker-1024x536.png)
![supertanker](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/supertanker-1024x536.png)
How Much Do Cargo Ship Captains Make an Hour?
The amount a cargo ship captain makes an hour will depend on the size of the ship and the company they work for. Generally speaking, a cargo ship captain can make anywhere from $20 to $80 an hour, with the higher end of the scale being reserved for more experienced captains.
Which Type of Ship Has the Highest Salary?
As mentioned earlier, the type of ship that has the highest salary is a supertanker, with captains making up to $500,000 a year. The next highest paid ship captains are those of large container ships, with salaries ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 a year.
![how much does a cargo ship captain make](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cargo-ship-captain-percentile-wage-estimates.png)
![how much does a cargo ship captain make](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cargo-ship-captain-percentile-wage-estimates.png)
How Much Do Cargo Ships Make Per Trip?
Cargo ships make money by charging for the transportation of goods. The amount of money a cargo ship makes per trip depends on many factors. These include the size of the ship, the type of cargo being transported, and the distance being traveled. Generally speaking, a cargo ship can make anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars per trip.
![how much do cargo ships make per trip](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/how-much-do-cargo-ships-make-per-trip-1024x682.jpg)
![how much do cargo ships make per trip](https://jobinfocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/how-much-do-cargo-ships-make-per-trip-1024x682.jpg)
Conclusion
Overall, the job of a cargo ship captain can be extremely lucrative and rewarding. The experience and knowledge required to become a captain can be difficult to obtain, but the rewards can be well worth it. If you’re looking to make a career in the marine transportation industry, then a job as a cargo ship captain is definitely worth considering.