Sailor

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sailor?

A Sailor is a skilled mariner involved in operating and maintaining a ship. They perform a range of tasks crucial for the smooth functioning of maritime vessels, including navigation, maintenance, and cargo handling.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sailor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sailor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$32K per year	$38K per year	$48K per year	$63K per year	$79K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $340 above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sailor do?

Work environment

Sailors typically work on commercial ships, fishing vessels, or naval ships, spending extended periods at sea. The work environment can be physically demanding and involves exposure to various weather conditions. Sailors may work in shifts to ensure continuous operation of the ship.

Quick task list

Assists with navigation of the vessel.
Performs maintenance and repair tasks on the ship's equipment and structures.
Handles the loading and unloading of cargo.
Participates in emergency drills and safety procedures.
Cleans and preserves the ship to ensure its seaworthiness.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Deckhand: Handling the day-to-day tasks on the ship's deck, including cleaning and maintenance.
Watchstander: Participating in navigation and lookout duties during assigned shifts.
Bosun (Boatswain): Supervising the deck crew and overseeing maintenance and cargo operations.
Engine Room Crew: Maintaining and operating the ship's engine and mechanical systems.
Fishing Crew Member: Specializing in operating fishing gear and processing catch on fishing vessels.

Description

The role of a Sailor is integral to the maritime industry, requiring a combination of technical skills, physical stamina, and adaptability. Sailors must be proficient in various tasks, from basic ship maintenance to assisting in complex navigation procedures. They work under the guidance of senior officers and must be able to follow instructions accurately while also showing initiative in daily tasks.

Teamwork is crucial in this role, as the crew must work cohesively to ensure the safety and efficiency of the ship's operations. Sailors must be prepared to live and work in close quarters, often under challenging conditions, and develop strong bonds with their crewmates.

Continuous learning and adaptability are key in this profession, as technology and regulations in the maritime industry evolve. Sailors often participate in training programs and drills to update their skills, especially in safety and emergency procedures.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The sense of camaraderie and teamwork among crew members.
Opportunities for travel and adventure, experiencing different parts of the world.
The fulfillment of performing a variety of hands-on, challenging tasks.
The pride in contributing to crucial global industries like shipping or fishing.

You might make a good Sailor if you are...

Comfortable with extended periods away from home and living in confined spaces.
Physically fit and able to perform demanding tasks.
Adaptable, with a willingness to learn new skills and take on varied tasks.
A team player who enjoys working as part of a close-knit group.
Interested in maritime life and willing to adhere to strict safety protocols.

Pros:

Opportunities to travel and see different parts of the world.
Exciting and diverse work environment.
Strong sense of accomplishment and teamwork.

Cons:

Long periods away from family and friends.
Potentially hazardous working conditions.
Physically and mentally demanding work.

How to become a Sailor

Typical education

Formal education requirements vary; a high school diploma is often sufficient, with most training done on the job. For advancement and specialized roles, attending a maritime academy or obtaining specific certifications can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education for physical fitness.
Technical and vocational courses, especially in mechanics or welding.
Geography or earth sciences to understand navigation and oceanography.
Mathematics for basic navigation and operational calculations.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a sea cadets program or naval reserves.
Participating in team sports to develop teamwork skills.
Engaging in outdoor activities like sailing, fishing, or camping.

Preparation after high school

Entry-level positions on ships to gain practical experience.
Training courses in maritime safety and operations.
Certifications like Basic Safety Training or Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW).
Maritime academy programs for career advancement.

More resources

International Maritime Organization (IMO) - Global standard-setting authority for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
Maritime Administration (MARAD) - Provides information on maritime education and careers.
National Maritime Center (NMC) - Offers resources for maritime training and credentialing.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.