Explore Maritime Careers
Maritime offers the challenge of unlimited opportunity and options for your career journey – everything from recreational boating to international shipping. The Washington State maritime industry offers opportunity, both in earnings and professional development.
A Diverse and Dynamic Industry
If you enjoy a dynamic working environment, taking on new challenges, being part of a team, and working with cutting edge technologies, maritime is a great career.
Excellent pay and advancement opportunities
Start your career with little or no student loan debt
Work with cutting-edge technology, tools, and techniques
Choose Your Pathway
Most entry-level positions don’t require a four-year degree, you can enter the maritime industry with a certificate or credential. The skills and training you need can be obtained by attending a community or technical college program, entering an apprenticeship program or obtaining a four-year degree.
Not sure which pathway to pick?
We created a career pathway map that will help you learn which occupations and careers may be best for you. Click to download the PDF career pathway map. Check back often as we will continue to develop this map and more details other careers.
Community or Technical College
Choose this route to earn a certificate or credential that will qualify you for an entry-level position.
Or, complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree before transferring to a four-year university.
Apprenticeship
Apprentices are hired and trained in partnership with industry employers. This means that you will earn while you learn the skills you need to be successful on the job.
Many apprenticeships also offer education credits so you can complete your degree.
Four-year University
For some occupations, attending a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree is the best route.
Where Will You Work?
A career in the maritime industry can take you to multiple work environments, literally everything from the deck of a ship, an office, an engine room, a boat or shipyard and everything in between!
Shoreside Careers
The majority of the work you’ll perform in shoreside careers is on or near land.
Logistician
Safety Supervisor
Quality Assurance
Underway Careers
These careers will take you away from land and out on vessels on a body of water.
Mechanic
Pilot
Qualified Member of an Engineering Department (QMED)
Safety Officer
First Mate
Earn a Degree or Credential in Your Own Backyard
Washington’s Community & Technical Colleges are a fantastic way to learn the skills you need for a high-demand career in the maritime industry while saving money!
Community & Technical College Programs
Certificates
Many maritime jobs only require a certificate to get started. You can earn your credential and get right to work. Then, you can use the credits you already earned toward your degree at a later date.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
Completing your AA degree or the first two years of your bachelor’s degree is a smart move thanks to lower tuition at a community or technical college. Many colleges offer bachelor’s degree (BAS) programs or direct transfer agreements (DTA) which means it’s easy to complete your degree!
Registered Apprenticeship
Earn While You Learn the Skills to be Successful
With this pathway, you’ll apply for and be hired as an apprentice by an employer or labor union. Then, you will receive on-the-job training and related supplemental instruction as you work to complete the hours required for your journeyperson certificate. You’ll be paid while you work and as your skills increase, your wage does, too!
On-the-job Training (OJT)
At the core of a registered apprenticeship program is hands-on training from mentors and fellow workers. As you work, you’ll be paid to continue learning the skills your job requires. This saves you money and prepares you for a successful career.
Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI)
Many apprenticeship programs include instruction in a classroom, a lab, or on the job site. This knowledge augments what you learn on the job and in many cases can be applied toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree later.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The maritime industry offers competitive wages and benefits. Following are a few examples:
Ship Engineers earn over $99,000 per year in Washington State.
The average Welder in Washington earns about $53,000 annually.
An Electrician will make on average about $76,000 per year.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects earn an average of just over $100,000 annually.
Commercial Divers earn an average of over $134,000 in Washington State.
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The maritime industry is growing, and so are the opportunities. The industry is actively looking to fill positions at all levels!
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In the maritime industry it is not unusual to find yourself working entirely indoors or outside. Many positions require a bit of both.
Just like any other industry, the work can be dangerous. Shoreside and underway work environments are often dynamic and fast moving. Following proper safety protocols is important.
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If you’re working in an underway environment, you may be away from home for varying periods of time, two-weeks to six months. If you’re working in a harbor or inland water environment, you may be able to go home every day. It’s important to learn about the expectations of an underway career. It is rewarding and always challenging!
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Absolutely! The industry is actively looking for people from all communities to pursue a career in maritime. If you have a genuine interest in the industry, if you like working as part of a team, taking on new challenges and learning, this industry will welcome you.
The workforce demographic of the United States is changing rapidly, and the opportunities for all communities has never been greater. This is the time to consider the maritime industry.
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Yes! Each year, colleges, civic organizations, and others announce scholarship opportunities for students for certificate, degree programs and apprenticeships. Make sure to apply for all financial aid opportunities. There is financial aid available to help you access and pursue your goals.
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Not necessarily. The maritime industry of Washington State is diverse and robust. No matter where you live in the state, there is likely an opportunity near you. In some cases, moving for an opportunity may be an option.