Seamen Salary and Ranks in Philippines
Key takeaways:
- Seamen are one of the highest paid workers in the world and their job is sought-after in the Philippines
- The average salary of an ordinary seaman in the Philippines is PHP 47,168 per month, with an average of PHP 188 per hour or PHP 2,346 per day.
- Women mostly work in the cruise and ferry sector as seawomen
- Tanker vessel seamen earn an average monthly salary ranging from USD 3,100 to USD 15,400
Table of Contents
Do you know that a seaman is one of the highest paid workers in the world? No wonder it is one of the most sought-after jobs in the Philippines. Not only is the salary very satisfactory but you get to travel and see places around the world. Salaries on a per month basis are much bigger compared to land-based occupations. A seaman holding the position of a Master Mariner can earn as much as USD 1,000.00 for just one day!
Seaman Ranks and Salary in the Philippines
Each company is offering different salaries for the seamanâs job. The average salary of seaman in Philippines is Php 188 per hour or Php 2, 346 per day.
- The average seaman salary per month in Philippines is Php 47,168.
- The average salary of an ordinary seaman is Php 26,975 monthly or Php 323,699 annually. Their average bonus is Php 7,510.
- An entry level ordinary seaman salary Philippines is Php 20, 288 monthly or Php 243,459 annually.
- A senior level ordinary Filipino seaman salary is Php 32,965 monthly or Php 395,579 annually.
Many are also interested to know how much is a seawoman salary. An early career ordinary seawoman with 1 to 4 years of experience earns about Php 150,000 annually, this includes bonus and overtime pay. Women mostly work in the cruise and ferries sector. Unfortunately, they are among the worst paid and least protected of jobs at sea.
The salary estimates were based on salary data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in the Philippines.
Seaman Salary on Various Ships: Tankers and Dry Cargo Ships
Salary on Tanker Vessels
There are many different types of tanker vessels so you cannot pinpoint the exact wages for each kind. Below are the monthly salaries of seafarers in 4 different types of tanker vessels. It covers the wages of Filipinos and other nationalities. All figures are in US dollars (USD).
| Rank | Product Tanker | Chemical | VLCC | LPG/LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master | 11,500-12,500 | 12,000-14,000 | 8,488-14,067 | 12,800-15,400 |
| CH. Mate | 8,000-11,500 | 10,500-11,444 | 8,000-11,062 | 10,900-12,000 |
| 2nd Mate | 4,000-4,800 | 4,500 | 4,000-4,800 | 4,760-5,250 |
| 3rd Mate | 3,300-3,800 | 3,500-4,420 | 3,100-3,800 | 3,500-4,500 |
| CH. Engineer | 11,200-12,000 | 12,800-13,880 | 10,500-13,200 | 12,300-15,141 |
| 2nd Engineer | 8,000-11,062 | 10,200-11,400 | 10,400-10,400 | 9,900-12,300 |
| 3rd Engineer | 4,000-4,800 | 4,200-5,259 | 4,000-4,800 | 4,760-5,250 |
| 4th Engineer | 3,300-3,800 | 3,500-4,700 | 3,100-3,800 | 3,500-4,500 |
| Gas Engineer | – | – | – | 7,500-10,000 |
| Electrician | 3,200-3,600 | 4,000-6,500 | 3,500-6,010 | 6,000-8,100 |
| PumpMan | 2,250-2,500 | 2,250-2,900 | 2,250-2,500 | 2,500 |
| Bosun | 1950-2,500 | 2,000-2,600 | 1,950-2,500 | 2,300-2,500 |
| Able (AB Seaman) | 1,450-1,950 | 1,450-2,100 | 1,450-1,950 | 1,700-2,100 |
| OS (Ordinary Seaman) | 900-1,300 | 1,050-1,500 | 900-1,300 | 1,300-1,800 |
| Fitter/Welder | 1,950-2,500 | 2,100-2,500 | 1,950-2,500 | 2,000-2,500 |
| Oiler | 1,450-1,950 | 1,450-2,100 | 1,450-1,950 | 1,700-2,100 |
| Wiper | 900-1,300 | 1,050-1,500 | 900-1,300 | 1,300-1,800 |
| Cook | 1,750-2,300 | 1,875-2,500 | 1,750-2,300 | 1,800-2,500 |
| Messman | 1,450-1,950 | 1,450-2,500 | 1,450-1,950 | 1,300-1,950 |
| Cadet | 600-1,055 | 725-1,155 | 600-1,055 | 680-1,255 |
Wages on Dry Cargo Ships
Below is the salary of seafarers on dry cargo ships. This is applicable to Filipino seamen and other nationalities. All figures are in US dollars (USD).
| Rank | Bulk | Container | Car carrier | Gen. cargo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master | 8,00-12,100 | 8,000-11,700 | 8,100-12,600 | 9,000-13000 |
| CH. Mate | 6,000-9,500 | 6,900-7,100 | 5,500-7,750 | 5,500-8,670 |
| 2nd Mate | 2,500-3,500 | 2,700-3,700 | 3,200-4,500 | 2,500-4,500 |
| 3rd Mate | 2,000-3,990 | 3,100-4,000 | 3,300-3,500 | 2,500-3,300 |
| CH.Engineer | 8,400-12,000 | 8,200-11,000 | 7,500-10,200 | 7,700-10,200 |
| 2nd Engineer | 6,700-9,500 | 6,900-7,100 | 5,500-7,750 | 5,500-8,670 |
| 3rd Engineer | 2,700-4,000 | 2,700-4,300 | 3,200-4,500 | 2,500-4,500 |
| 4th Engineer | 2,200-3,000 | 2,000-3,200 | 2,200-3,200 | 2,500-3,150 |
| Electrician | 4,000-5,600 | 3,400,5,000 | 2,000-5,600 | 2,700-5,040 |
| Bosun | 1,600-1,900 | 1,600-1,900 | 1,600-2,000 | 1,600-1,800 |
| AB(Able Seaman) | 1,387-1,400 | 1,300-1,672 | 1,300-1,672 | 1,100-1,600 |
| OS (Ordinary Seaman) | 900-1,220 | 910-1,285 | 900-1,200 | 1,131-1,400 |
| Fitter/Welder | 1,650-1,900 | 1,636-1,850 | 1,600-2,000 | 1,636-2.201 |
| Oiler | 1,387-1,400 | 1.300-1,672 | 1,300-1,672 | 1,100-1,600 |
| Wiper | 900-1,220 | 910-1,285 | 900-1,220 | 1,141-1,400 |
| Cook | 1,600-1,988 | 1,632-1,900 | 1,600-2,000 | 1,400-2,600 |
| Messman/2nd Cook | 500-1,400 | 900-1,446 | 900-1,446 | 900-1,446 |
| Cadet | 200-750 | 400-650 | 400-650 | 250-700 |
The data for both tables are taken from:
Seamanâs Salary Per Monthly on International Ships – Seamansmemories.com (1)
The sources of these figures are from various online communities, conversations and collective bargaining agreements found in web and company websites. The wages may change anytime.
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Seaman Salary at Different Companies in Manila, Philippines
Below are total pay estimates for seaman monthly salary at some companies located in Manila. The (AB) term after the companies means that the salary is for an able seaman.
| List of companies in the Philippines | Monthly salary per month |
|---|---|
| Marlow Navigation | Php 20,000 |
| TORM | USD 1,070 |
| Government of Canada (AB) | Php 25,000 |
| Kestrel Maritime (AB) | Php 50,000 |
| Prime Software Technologies (AB) | Php 25,000 |
| Southeast Asia Shipping (AB) | Php 25,000 |
| United Philippine Lines | Php 60,000 |
| Yes Marketing | Php 20,000 |
Who Sets the Minimum Wage for Seamen?
The Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 provides that the basic pay or wages of an able seafarer for a calendar month of service should be no less than the amount periodically set by the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) which is a bipartite standing body that provides advice to the Governing Body on maritime questions including standard setting for the shipping industry, or by another body authorized by the Governing Body of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
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Salary Increase of Seamen
Salary increases include a 3% on wages and compensation from January, 2022; 1.5% from January 1, 2023; and an increase in JNG membersâ rebate from the ITF Welfare Fund to contribute 20% to the IBF Seafarers Support Fund. This salary increase agreement was made between the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) (2) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) (3) last 2021.
Seamanâs Benefits in The Philippines
Aside from the high salary being offered to seamen in the Philippines, here are some benefits you can enjoy along with your job.
â Tax-Free
The Philippine government has given a guarantee that it will not take any tax from any remittance and salary from seamen. What you earn will be one hundred percent yours.
â Opportunities to travel
Be a seaman and see the world. A seamanâs job affords you to travel to different countries, and for free. For every port your ship will dock, you will be given the chance to disembark for rest and recreation. This benefit is called shore leave. This short leave is good for morale and to re energize especially when you are on board for a long while. This also gives you the chance to meet people, immersed in different cultures and experience interesting places.
â Generous leave or holiday periods
As seafarers are away from home for extended periods, they can also enjoy extended stay when they come home.
â Transferable sea-gained skills
There are many career opportunities for shore-based management jobs which require people with seafarerâs experience.
â Favorable long-term prospects
There is a predicted massive shortage, so the demand for more qualified shipâs officers to meet the skills required by international shipping companies will increase.
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Tips: How To Get a Job as A Seaman
Here are suggested steps on how to become a Filipino seaman. You will start as an ordinary seaman and work up your way to an able seaman and make more money.
First, take the basic safety training (BST) course. This training includes training on fire prevention and firefighting, social and personal safety responsibility, first aid, and sea survival techniques. A certificate will be given after passing the training course.
It is recognized worldwide and allows you to work on ships. Some important documents to prepare include the seamanâs book and the Philippine passport. File your application through shipping agencies. Many agencies are recruiting and hiring seamen, so make sure to choose an agency that is licensed by POEA or the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Even after employment, it is advisable to continue your training in order to grow in your job.
FAQ
-
How much is the average seaman salary per month in the Philippines?The average seaman salary per month in the Philippines is around PHP 45,000 to PHP 50,000 (approximately $900 to $1,000).
-
What is the average salary of an ordinary seaman in the Philippines?The average salary of an ordinary seaman in the Philippines is around PHP 25,000 to PHP 30,000 (approximately $500 to $600) per month.
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How much does a senior-level ordinary Filipino seaman earn annually?A senior-level ordinary Filipino seaman can earn around PHP 60,000 to PHP 70,000 (approximately $1,200 to $1,400) per month.
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In what sector do most women work as seawomen, and how much do they earn compared to men?Most women work as seawomen in the cruise ship sector, and they earn similar salaries as men with the same experience and rank.
SUMMARY
The Philippines is one of the countries that offer the best seamen. About one-fourth of seamen across the world are from the Philippines. Keep yourself informed and get details about the requirements of becoming a seaman. You also need to know about a seamanâs salary and benefits.
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