As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Seaman in the United States is $44,213 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Seaman's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Seaman Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $47,840 | $3,987 | $920 | $23 |
| Average | $44,213 | $3,684 | $850 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,133 | $3,428 | $791 | $20 |
A Seaman's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.55% |
| Continuous Improvement | 3.94% |
| Lean | 2.96% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Seaman's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | $51,288 | |
| Decision Making | $51,288 | |
| Continuous Improvement | $51,288 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Seamans enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Seaman with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $42,062 and $45,769).
| Typical Education for Seaman | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 6.7% |
| High School | 53.3% |
| Associates | 6.7% |
| Bachelors | 33.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $47,840 | $3,987 | $920 | $23 |
| Average | $44,213 | $3,684 | $850 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,133 | $3,428 | $791 | $20 |
Salaries for a Seaman can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,467 in 2023 to around $44,364 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Seaman salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $44,467 |
| 2024 | $44,595 |
| 2025 | $44,364 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Seaman roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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