As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchant Seaman in Applegate, CA is $63,264 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Merchant Seaman's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Merchant Seaman's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Merchant Seaman's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Merchant Seaman | $62,107 |
| Intermediate Level Merchant Seaman | $62,686 |
| Senior Level Merchant Seaman | $64,190 |
| Specialist Level Merchant Seaman | $66,236 |
| Expert Level Merchant Seaman | $67,575 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 4.55% |
| Mortgage Servicing | 1.52% |
| Work Ethic | 1.14% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Motivating
|
$75,917 |
20%
|
|
Calendaring
|
$70,223 |
11%
|
|
Employee Performance Management
|
$70,223 |
11%
|
|
Partnering
|
$70,223 |
11%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$69,591 |
10%
|
|
Lending Products
|
$68,958 |
9%
|
For Merchant Seaman roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Merchant Seaman positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Merchant Seaman as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $75,917 | $36.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Merchant Seaman's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Merchant Seaman job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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