Bosuns, who are frequently referred to as the “jack of all trades” on board a ship, are a crucial component of the maritime sector. They are in charge of directing cargo operations, maintaining the ship, and managing the deck crew. But how much money do bosuns actually make? The pay of a bosun, as well as related issues like the pay of an ordinary sailor and 2nd mate seaman, the prospects of a maritime career, and the hierarchy on board a ship, will all be covered in this article.
The median annual salary for sailors and marine oilers, which includes bosuns, was $41,660 as of May 2020, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, depending on a number of variables, including experience, vessel type, and location, a bosun’s pay may differ. For instance, a bosun on a tanker or cruise ship will likely make more money than one on a cargo ship. Similar to how a bosun with years of experience and higher-level credentials, like the Able Seafarer Deck Certificate, might make more money than a bosun at the beginning level.
Let’s now talk about an ordinary seaman’s pay. The entry-level deckhands on a ship are known as ordinary seamen, and they are in charge of duties like cleaning and painting the ship, handling lines, and using deck machinery. As of August 2021, an ordinary seaman earned an average hourly compensation of $16.24 according to Payscale’s salary information. This amounts to a $34,106 median yearly wage.
As one moves up the ladder, a 2nd mate seaman’s pay may surpass that of a bosun or an ordinary seaman. A Second Mate’s License is necessary for second mates, who are in charge of the ship’s navigation, safety, and communication. As of August 2021, the average yearly wage for a 2nd mate seaman was $71,593, according to salary information provided by Indeed.
Let’s now discuss whether pursuing a profession in maritime is a wise decision. Deckhands, captains, and engineers are just a few of the job options available in the marine sector, which also offers good pay and benefits. Additionally, the business is continually changing as a result of the adoption of new inventions and technology like autonomous ships, which opens up new work prospects. However, due to the long hours and time spent away from home, working on a ship can be physically and mentally taxing.
Let’s finally define the order of command on a ship. In the chain of command, a bosun is placed above a regular sailor but beneath an officer like a 2nd mate. A chief stew works in the hospitality division, which is in charge of running the ship’s food and beverage service, not the deck division.
With a typical yearly wage of $41,660, it can be concluded that a bosun’s pay can vary depending on experience, vessel type, and location. A 2nd mate seaman may make an average of $71,593 per year, while an ordinary seaman can expect to make $34,106 annually. While the marine sector offers a variety of professional options, it also demands commitment and hard work. Finally, a chief stew is in a completely separate department from an ordinary seaman, who is below a bosun but above an officer like a 2nd mate.