Sailor and Marine Oiler
Impact: Operational
Operate and maintain engines, boilers, and other mechanical equipment aboard ships or other vessels. Perform routine maintenance, lubrication, and repair of machinery. Stand watch and assist in navigation and cargo operations.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- Team-oriented
- Client facing
- Never
- Impact visibility
- Low
- Travel
- Extensive
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 60+
- Stress level
- High
At a glance
- Median salary
- $55,000
- Entry-level
- $35,000
- Senior
- $75,000
- Growth by 2033
- 5%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- 35%
- Typical student debt
- $0 - $10,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Engine Maintenance
- Welding
- Navigation
- Safety Procedures
- Mechanical Repair
Soft skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Communication
Technical complexity: Moderate
How to get there
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma or GED
- Licensing
- Yes
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Oiler
- Assistant Engineer
- Chief Engineer
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- Medium
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 3.5/10
- Meaning
- 3.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 3/10
- Prestige
- 5.5/10
- Social perception
- High