Port and Dock Worker (Stevedore)

Impact: Keeping global trade flowing by loading and unloading the ships that carry the world's goods

Load, unload, and move cargo at a port, dock, or container terminal, operating cranes, reach stackers, and other port handling equipment to move containers, bulk cargo, and general cargo. Conduct safety checks; secure cargo; manage container movements; and work as part of a ship's gang to meet vessel turnaround targets. Develop expertise in a specific cargo type such as containers, bulk cargo, Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off), or break bulk.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing
Rarely
Impact visibility
Low
Travel
None
Schedule flexibility
Structured
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
42-56 hours/week
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$48,000
Entry-level
$28,000 - $38,000
Senior
$70,000+
Growth by 2033
3% (automated terminals growing but skilled operators remain in demand for complex cargo)
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
High -- 80-170% growth from dock worker to crane operator or port supervisor
Typical student debt
$0 - $5,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Container crane operation
  • Reach stacker operation
  • Cargo securing and lashing
  • Container terminal operating systems (TOS)
  • Vessel planning
  • Dangerous goods handling (IMDG Code)

Soft skills

  • Safety awareness
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness
  • Reliability
  • Spatial awareness

Technical complexity: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education
High School Diploma
Licensing
Yes
Years to mid-career
3-5 years
Years to senior
7-12 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

  • Warehouse Operative
  • HGV Driver

Where you can go from here

  • Container Crane Operator
  • Port Supervisor

Typical progression

  1. Dock Worker
  2. Senior Dock Worker
  3. Crane Operator
  4. Port Supervisor
  5. Port Manager

Future outlook

Automation probability
35% -- automated container terminals are growing but skilled operators remain in demand
AI disruption risk
Low
Demand trend
Stable

How people feel about it

Overall satisfaction
7/10
Meaning
6.5/10
Work-life balance
6/10
Prestige
6/10
Social perception
Low

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