Ratings & Crew
Bosun — Global Hiring Overview
Bosuns lead the deck rating team — supervising daily deck work, mooring, cargo operations, and maintenance on merchant and offshore vessels.
Median Salary
$52.0k
$37.4k – $72.8k
Demand Score
94/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
5.4K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+13%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for bosuns in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 13% year-on-year increase in Bosun mandates, driven by fleet growth, crew rotation cycles, and a tightening rating supply chain in key seafaring nations.
Salary Trend
Bosun compensation typically falls between $37.4k and $72.8k, with experienced bosuns in the global maritime market commanding $72.8k+ 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
Bosuns typically progress to Able Seaman, Chief Officer roles, or into petty officer, bosun, and senior rating progression with cross-rank upgrades across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Lead deck ratings and apprentices
- •Plan and execute deck maintenance
- •Supervise mooring, cargo, and stores
Qualifications
- •AB certification + 5+ years sea-time
- •Crane / lifting equipment endorsements
For Shipowners & Employers
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Bosun jobs by city
Bosun jobs in Dubai
10.0K openings · $67.6k
Bosun jobs in Abu Dhabi
7.8K openings · $66.6k
Bosun jobs in Fujairah
6.8K openings · $54.6k
Bosun jobs in Doha
8.4K openings · $67.6k
Bosun jobs in Ras Laffan
7.0K openings · $57.2k
Bosun jobs in Dammam
7.6K openings · $57.2k
Bosun jobs in Jeddah
7.8K openings · $57.2k
Bosun jobs in Muscat
5.9K openings · $54.6k
Bosun jobs in Manama
5.4K openings · $57.2k
Bosun salary insights
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Bosuns
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Bosuns
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Bosuns
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Bosuns
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Bosuns
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Bosuns
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Bosuns
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Bosuns
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Bosuns
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Bosun in the global maritime market is around $52.0k, typically ranging from $37.4k to $72.8k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.