Life As a Sailor or Marine Oiler
Occupation Description Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Daily Life Of a Sailor or Marine Oiler
- Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship’s path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
- Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.
- Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
- Maintain a ship’s engines under the direction of the ship’s engineering officers.
- Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
- Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Sailor or Marine Oiler?
Sailors and Marine Oilers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Sailor or Marine Oiler Jobs
- Floater
- Float Tender
- Captain’s Assistant
- Marine Firefighter
- Boat Deckhand
Job Outlook for Sailors and Marine Oilers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 33,800 jobs in the United States for Sailor or Marine Oiler. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,600 new jobs for Sailor or Marine Oiler by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Sailor or Marine Oiler are Idaho, Tennessee, and Minnesota. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, Indiana, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Sailors and Marine Oilers Salary
The salary for Sailors and Marine Oilers ranges between about $23,880 and $72,510 a year.

Sailors and Marine Oilers who work in Michigan, Minnesota, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Sailors and Marine Oilers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $38,890 |
Alaska | $43,120 |
Arkansas | $31,810 |
California | $44,960 |
Connecticut | $42,040 |
Delaware | $40,140 |
Florida | $64,300 |
Georgia | $34,040 |
Hawaii | $39,550 |
Illinois | $48,060 |
Iowa | $36,740 |
Kentucky | $40,640 |
Louisiana | $46,430 |
Maine | $32,450 |
Maryland | $50,110 |
Massachusetts | $36,190 |
Michigan | $53,450 |
Minnesota | $52,430 |
Mississippi | $39,890 |
Missouri | $50,720 |
New Jersey | $36,750 |
New York | $48,740 |
North Carolina | $33,020 |
Ohio | $40,070 |
Oregon | $50,580 |
Pennsylvania | $38,960 |
South Carolina | $35,270 |
Tennessee | $31,110 |
Texas | $40,210 |
Virginia | $44,060 |
Washington | $51,720 |
West Virginia | $48,770 |
Wisconsin | $45,370 |
What Tools do Sailors and Marine Oilers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Sailors and Marine Oilers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Log book software
- KNMI TurboWin
How to Become a Sailor or Marine Oiler
Learn what Sailor or Marine Oiler education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Sailors and Marine Oilers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Sailor or Marine Oiler might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Sailor or Marine Oiler sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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