Ratings & Crew
Oiler — Global Hiring Overview
Oilers handle lubrication, machinery checks, and routine engine-room work as watchkeeping ratings on merchant and offshore vessels.
Median Salary
$32.0k
$23.0k – $44.8k
Demand Score
95/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
10K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+14%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for oilers in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 14% year-on-year increase in Oiler mandates, driven by fleet growth, crew rotation cycles, and a tightening rating supply chain in key seafaring nations.
Salary Trend
Oiler compensation typically falls between $23.0k and $44.8k, with experienced oilers in the global maritime market commanding $44.8k+ 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
Oilers typically progress to Motorman, Wiper roles, or into petty officer, bosun, and senior rating progression with cross-rank upgrades across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Lubricate machinery and check oil levels
- •Support engine watches
- •Maintain engine-room equipment
Qualifications
- •STCW III/4 / III/5 engine rating
- •Basic safety training
For Shipowners & Employers
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Oiler jobs by city
Oiler jobs in Dubai
18.5K openings · $41.6k
Oiler jobs in Abu Dhabi
14.5K openings · $41.0k
Oiler jobs in Fujairah
12.5K openings · $33.6k
Oiler jobs in Doha
15.5K openings · $41.6k
Oiler jobs in Ras Laffan
13K openings · $35.2k
Oiler jobs in Dammam
14K openings · $35.2k
Oiler jobs in Jeddah
14.5K openings · $35.2k
Oiler jobs in Muscat
11K openings · $33.6k
Oiler jobs in Manama
10K openings · $35.2k
Oiler salary insights
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Oilers
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Oilers
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Oilers
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Oilers
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Oilers
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Oilers
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Oilers
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Oilers
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Oilers
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Oiler in the global maritime market is around $32.0k, typically ranging from $23.0k to $44.8k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.