Earnings: Earnings vary widely with the particular water transportation position and the worker's experience. Earnings are higher than most other occupations with similar educational requirements for entry-level positions. While wages are lower for sailors than for mates and engineers, sailors' on-board experience is important for advancing into those higher paying positions. Workers are normally paid by the day. Since companies provide food and housing at sea and it is difficult to spend money while working, sailors are able to save a large portion of their pay.

Median annual wages of captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels were $61,960 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,810 and $83,590. The lowest 10 percent had wages of less than $29,330, while the top 10 percent earned over $108,120. Annual pay for captains of larger vessels, such as container ships, oil tankers, or passenger ships may exceed $100,000, but only after many years of experience. Similarly, earnings of captains of tugboats are dependent on the port and the nature of the cargo.

Median annual wages of sailors and marine oilers were $34,390 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,550 and $44,080. The lowest 10 percent had wages of less than $21,110, while the top 10 percent earned over $51,890.

Median annual wages of ship engineers were $60,690 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,520 and $79,800. The lowest 10 percent had wages of less than $34,420, while the top 10 percent earned over $102,850.

Median annual wages of motorboat operators were $31,910 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,600 and 48,310. The lowest 10 percent had wages of less than $20,420, while the top 10 percent earned over $59,120.

The rate of unionization for these workers is about 12 percent. Unionization rates vary by region. In unionized areas, merchant marine officers and seamen, both veterans and beginners, are hired for voyages through union hiring halls or directly by shipping companies. Hiring halls rank the candidates by the length of time the person has been out of work and fill open slots accordingly. Most major seaports have hiring halls.