Ratings & Crew
Able Seaman — Global Hiring Overview
Able Seamen are senior deck ratings handling mooring, cargo, watchkeeping lookout, and seamanship duties on merchant and offshore vessels worldwide.
Median Salary
$34.0k
$24.5k – $47.6k
Demand Score
97/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
16K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+16%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for able seamen in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 16% year-on-year increase in Able Seaman mandates, driven by fleet growth, crew rotation cycles, and a tightening rating supply chain in key seafaring nations.
Salary Trend
Able Seaman compensation typically falls between $24.5k and $47.6k, with experienced abs in the global maritime market commanding $47.6k+ at leading shipowners, managers, ports, cruise operators, and offshore players. Total compensation often includes leave pay, travel, joining bonuses, performance pay, and ship-type or DP allowances.
Career Path
Able Seamen typically progress to Ordinary Seaman, Bosun roles, or into petty officer, bosun, and senior rating progression with cross-rank upgrades across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Stand lookout and helm watches
- •Execute mooring, anchoring, and cargo work
- •Maintain deck, hatch, and LSA gear
Qualifications
- •STCW II/4 + II/5 AB
- •Basic safety training, security awareness
- •Sea-time as OS
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified able seamen on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted able seamen worldwide.
Able Seaman jobs by city
Able Seaman jobs in Dubai
29.6K openings · $44.2k
Able Seaman jobs in Abu Dhabi
23.2K openings · $43.5k
Able Seaman jobs in Fujairah
20K openings · $35.7k
Able Seaman jobs in Doha
24.8K openings · $44.2k
Able Seaman jobs in Ras Laffan
20.8K openings · $37.4k
Able Seaman jobs in Dammam
22.4K openings · $37.4k
Able Seaman jobs in Jeddah
23.2K openings · $37.4k
Able Seaman jobs in Muscat
17.6K openings · $35.7k
Able Seaman jobs in Manama
16K openings · $37.4k
Able Seaman salary insights
Able Seaman salary in Dubai
$44.2k
Able Seaman salary in Abu Dhabi
$43.5k
Able Seaman salary in Fujairah
$35.7k
Able Seaman salary in Doha
$44.2k
Able Seaman salary in Ras Laffan
$37.4k
Able Seaman salary in Dammam
$37.4k
Able Seaman salary in Jeddah
$37.4k
Able Seaman salary in Muscat
$35.7k
Able Seaman salary in Manama
$37.4k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Able Seamen
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Able Seamen
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Able Seamen
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Able Seamen
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Able Seamen
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Able Seamen
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Able Seamen
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Able Seamen
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Able Seamen
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Able Seaman in the global maritime market is around $34.0k, typically ranging from $24.5k to $47.6k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.