Some of the highest starting salaries in the US today are actually at sea. Fresh graduates from America’s maritime academies can earn over $200,000 a year as commercial sailors. They get free food, private rooms, and a chance to travel the world. Their workdays come with ocean views, and nights often mean clear skies filled with stars.
But even with these strong perks, the country is struggling to fill maritime jobs. The shortage has now become a national security worry, especially as the US cargo fleet faces more demands, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
America’s high-paying maritime jobs go empty
Very little US cargo moves on American-flagged ships today. One major reason is the lack of trained crews. US shipping companies, which must hire American workers, say they “can’t find enough people.”
President Trump earlier issued an executive order, and bipartisan legislation is being discussed. The goal is to rebuild the country’s maritime sector, including shipbuilding, ship ownership and staffing. “This academy has been neglected for way too long,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in April.
Shipping companies are now offering large signing bonuses and better salaries. To keep people on board, they are upgrading gyms, internet access, food options and onboard living spaces, among other facilities. Even then, many young people simply don’t know these jobs exist.
According to WSJ, the number of American seafarers has fallen from tens of thousands in earlier decades to about 10,000 today. The federal Maritime Administration stopped publishing sailor data after 2000, but estimates show a steep drop.
Why it matters for national defence
The Pentagon depends largely on commercial sailors and private cargo ships to move military equipment. Today, the US has about 10,000 commercial sailors, a number that has dropped dramatically over the decades as more shipping work has moved overseas.
The Navy operates only a small number of supply ships on its own. Last year, it had to mothball 17 supply ships because there simply weren’t enough commercial crews available. Experts warn that in a conflict, the US could struggle to transport and resupply its forces abroad.
Retired Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, told WSJ, “Even if we build more ships, can we staff them? I don’t think so without major changes.” John Salkeld, who graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy, said students from other colleges didn’t understand what he studied. Many reacted with questions like, “Wait—this is a real job? Do you actually cross oceans?”
As concerns grow about artificial intelligence replacing office jobs, hands-on careers like sailing may become more attractive, especially for people who like working with machines.
