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MARITIME

AT A GLANCE

Maritime is one of the oldest industries in Seattle-King County. It incorporates a variety of land-based occupations in design, manufacturing, and boat repair, along with roles on the water, from engineering to vessel operations. The importance of maritime for both commercial trade and tourism results in stable, well-paying jobs, and an increase in retirements due to an aging workforce creates new career opportunities.

Maritime Overview

OPPORTUNITY IN MARITIME

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NOW

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830

businesses in Seattle-King County

19,500

jobs in Seattle-King County

$82,800

average annual earnings

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2027

Plus
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41%

retirement from maritime branches

42%

Support Activities for Water Transportation

plus
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plus

40%

Deep Sea & Coastal Water Transportation

plus

35%

Fishing

plus

34%

Ship & Boat Building

MARITIME PROPERTIES

WORK AREAS

Cruises & ferries

Commercial fishing

Private/recreational boats

Science & research

Shipping & transportation

Shipyard

Port

Passion for water/outdoors

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Safety
oriented

Working with hands

Adaptable to rapid change

POPULATION BASICS

MARITIME WORKERS BY AGE

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2017

19-24 (1%)

25-34 (20%)

35-44 (23%)

45-54 (27%)

55-64 (23%)

65+ (5%)

MARITIME WORKERS BY EDUCATION

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Less than HS (12%)

HS or equivalent (28%)

Some college or Associate's (33%)

Bachelor's or Advanced (27%)

2017

Maritime Map

CAREER MAP

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This map includes some of the most in-demand maritime jobs in Seattle-King County, divided between working on a boat (shipside) and working on land (shoreside). Whether you’re at sea or in a shipyard, hands-on experience is essential to career advancement. Career pathways are well-defined by government regulations, particularly for jobs at sea.

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Construction

Manfacturing

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TRANSFER SKILLS TO

- Operator
- Helper

- Deburrer

- Production Operator

- Inventory Clerk

$18 - $36

Refrigeration Tech

$24 - $39

LESS THAN ASSOCIATE'S OR SOME EXPERIENCE

ASSOCIATE'S OR BACHELOR'S OR MODERATE EXPERIENCE

ADVANCED DEGREE OR SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE

SHIP & BOAT BUILDING, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
(SHORESIDE)

MARITIME SHIPPING, COMMERCIAL FISHING & WATER TRANSPORTATION
(SHIPSIDE)

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START

ENTRY-LEVEL
(MAY REQUIRE CERTIFICATION

Credential may be required!

  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) - Transportation Safety Administration

  • Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) 
    United States Coast Guard

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Engineering

Deck

Sheet Metal Worker

$17 - $38

Marine Carpenter

$18 - $35

Machinist

$19 - $40

Rigger

$26 - $33

Electrician

$20 - $41

Composite Technician

$21 - $26

Painter

$15 - $25

Electronics

 Technician

$21 - $28

Mechanic

$16 - $29

Welder/ Pipefitter/ Shipfitter

$17 - $28

 Upholsterer

$16 - $28

Boilermaker

$26 - $30

Operating Engineer

$23 - $38

Stationary Engineer

$26 - $40

Oiler

$20 - $26

Junior Engineer

$21 - $27

Designated Duty Engineer

$19 - $31

Third Engineer

Second Engineer

First

Engineer

Chief

Engineer

Able-bodied Seaman

$20 - $33

Bosun

$17 - $32

Third Mate/ Officer

Second Mate/ Officer

Chief Mate/ Officer/ First Mate

Captain/ Master

$33 - $57

Range of hourly wages from entry-level to experienced (2017), Emsi

Port of Seattle

This map sponsored by

$25 - $58

$27 - $40

Worforce Development Council of Seatle-King County logo

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Telecommunications Relay Service 7-1-1.

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