How much does a ship driver make hourly?

As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly pay of ship driver in the United States is $22. While Salary.com is seeing that ship driver salary in the US can go up to $27 or down to $19, but most earn between $20 and $25. Salary.com shows the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of ship driver in the United States.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
ship driver Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Hourly Pay Rate Location Last Updated
10th Percentile ship driver Salary $19 US April 01, 2026
25th Percentile ship driver Salary $20 US April 01, 2026
50th Percentile ship driver Salary $22 US April 01, 2026
75th Percentile ship driver Salary $25 US April 01, 2026
90th Percentile ship driver Salary $27 US April 01, 2026
25% $20 10% $19 90% $27 75% $25 $22 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out ship driver jobs in Columbus, Ohio

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Ritchie Lakeland Oil - WATERSMEET, MI

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J.B. Hunt Transport - EAST PROVIDENCE, RI

Owner Operator Truck Driver

J.B. Hunt Transport - WOONSOCKET, RI

Owner Operator Truck Driver

J.B. Hunt Transport - HOCKESSIN, DE

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What is a ship driver ?

The salary of a ship driver, also known as a maritime or marine operator, varies based on factors such as experience, type of vessel, and geographic location. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower range, while experienced professionals can earn significantly more. On average, salaries may range from $40,000 to $100,000 annually, with potential for overtime pay and bonuses. Additional benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The demand for skilled ship drivers is influenced by the shipping industry’s growth, making this a potentially lucrative car...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Job Openings for ship driver

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Delivery Truck Driver I

    0 - 1 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  2. This Job:

    ship driver

    1 - 3 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

Understand the total hourly compensation opportunity for a ship driver, hourly wage plus other pay elements

Average Hourly Wage

Core compensation

 
 
 
20
25
22

Average Total Hourly Cash Compensation

Includes base and short-term incentives

 
 
 
21
29
24
These charts show the average hourly wage (core compensation), as well as the average total hourly cash compensation for the job of ship driver in the United States. The average hourly rate for ship driver ranges from $20 to $25 with the average hourly pay of $22. The total hourly cash compensation, which includes base and short-term incentives, can vary anywhere from $21 to $29 with the average total hourly cash compensation of $24.

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For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

20
25

 

Jobs with a similar salary range to ship driver : Independent Driver, City Driver, Drivers