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Water Transportation Workers

Water transportation workers operate and maintain various types of vessels on rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and oceans. These professionals range from sailors and marine oilers who perform deck operations and equipment maintenance, to captains and pilots who command vessels, to engineers who oversee mechanical systems. They handle cargo operations, navigate waterways, ensure vessel safety, and may require specialized licenses depending on their role.

Median Annual Pay
$71,980
Range: $28,890 - $161,510
Training Time
Less than 6 months
AI Resilience
🟡AI-Augmented
Education
High school diploma or equivalent

🎬Career Video

🤖AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟡AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

4% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+2% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 9/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

📋Key Responsibilities

  • Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
  • Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
  • Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
  • Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
  • 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.
  • Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
  • Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
  • Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.

💡Inside This Career

Water transportation workers begin their days with safety checks and weather assessments, preparing vessels for another day on the water. Whether aboard massive cargo ships crossing oceans or compact ferries shuttling passengers across harbors, these professionals maintain constant vigilance over their craft and cargo. Their mornings typically involve inspecting equipment, reviewing navigation charts, and coordinating with crew members to ensure smooth operations. Bridge officers plot courses and monitor radio communications, while deck crews prepare lines and check mechanical systems. The rhythmic hum of engines and the sound of water against hulls provide the soundtrack to their workday.

Throughout their shifts, water transportation workers manage the delicate balance between human passengers, valuable cargo, and the unpredictable nature of waterways. They navigate through busy shipping channels, respond to changing weather conditions, and maintain detailed logs of their vessel's position and status. Collaboration flows naturally as crew members work together during docking procedures, emergency drills, and routine maintenance tasks. Engine room personnel monitor complex mechanical systems while deck officers handle the intricate choreography of loading and unloading operations.

The variety in water transportation keeps workers engaged across different seasons and routes. One day might involve guiding a tourist vessel through scenic coastal waters, while another requires the precision of maneuvering a commercial barge through narrow river channels. These professionals develop deep expertise in reading water conditions, understanding tidal patterns, and maintaining the mechanical systems that power maritime commerce. Their work connects communities, supports global trade, and keeps people and goods moving safely across waterways of all sizes.

📈Career Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$28,890
$26,001 - $31,779
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$46,126
$41,513 - $50,739
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$71,980
$64,782 - $79,178
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$116,745
$105,071 - $128,420
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$161,510
$145,359 - $177,661

📚Education & Training

Requirements

  • Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: Some experience helpful
  • On-the-job Training: Few months to one year

Time & Cost

Education Duration
0-0 years (typically 0)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $0
Can earn while learning
Source: college board (2024)
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Find jobs and training programs for water transportation workers- Median salary: $72K/year

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💻Technology Skills

Navigation systemsCommunication equipmentSafety documentationMicrosoft OfficeElectronic charts (ECDIS)Communication systemsGPS/mappingEngine monitoring systemsSCADAMaintenance management

Key Abilities

Far Vision
Control Precision
Oral Comprehension
Problem Sensitivity
Perceptual Speed
Depth Perception
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Multilimb Coordination
Auditory Attention
Manual Dexterity

🏷️Also Known As

Water Transportation WorkersAble Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman)Able Bodied Watchman (AB Watchman)Able SeamanAerographer's MateBarge HandBarge WorkerBargemanBoat Crew Deck HandBoat Deckhand+20 more

📑Specializations

This career includes 4 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

🔗Related Careers

Other careers in transportation

🔗Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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