Let’s be honest. Working at sea isn’t for everyone. Long hours, heavy equipment, dangerous weather — it’s a tough world. But here’s the part most people miss:
Advertisements
Houston maritime jobs pay extremely well, offer long-term career growth, and provide opportunities you won’t find in regular 9–5 jobs on land.
Advertisements
If you’ve ever looked at someone earning $80,000+ a year offshore and thought, “How did they get in?”, you’re not alone.
Most beginners feel lost because the maritime industry sounds complicated.
Send in Application
Today, I’m sharing a simple, friendly guide based on real experience.
No jargon. No confusing legal talk. Just the truth — how Houston maritime jobs work, how much they pay, and how you can get started.
Advertisements
WHY HOUSTON IS THE MARITIME CAPITAL OF THE U.S.
Houston isn’t just a big city. It’s a global maritime powerhouse.
Advertisements
Here’s why:
- It hosts one of the busiest ports in America (Port of Houston).
- Offshore drilling companies, oil refineries, supply vessels, tugboats, and shipping fleets are based there.
- The Gulf of Mexico provides thousands of offshore job opportunities every year.
Whether you’re experienced or starting from zero, Houston maritime jobs always need workers — especially after storms, seasonal demand, or new offshore projects.
THE BEST PAYING MARITIME JOBS IN HOUSTON
Below are the roles that almost always have openings — and great pay.
Deckhand
A starting point for many offshore careers.
- What you do: basic labor, equipment checks, cleaning, assisting engineers.
- Pay: $45,000–$65,000/year
- Good for beginners? Yes. Certifications help but aren’t mandatory for entry-level.
Able Seaman (AB)
One step above deckhand.
- Pay: $60,000–$85,000/year
- Bonus: overtime + hazard pay
- Great job if you enjoy hands-on work.
Motorman / Oiler
Mechanical support roles for ship engines.
- Pay: $70,000–$95,000/year
- Best part: fast path to becoming an engineer.
Ordinary Seaman (OS)
This one is perfect if you have zero experience.
- Pay: $40,000–$55,000/year
- Requirement: TWIC card
- You learn everything on the job.
Roustabout (Offshore Oil Rigs)
A famous Gulf of Mexico job.
- Pay: $55,000–$80,000/year
- Extra: offshore bonuses + rotation schedule
- Great for strong, motivated workers.
Crane Operator
High-demand and high-responsibility.
- Pay: $100,000–$150,000/year
- Needed: experience + certification
- One of the best-paying jobs offshore.
Marine Engineer
Technical, high-value, long-term career.
- Pay: $120,000–$160,000/year
- Ideal For: people good with machinery and troubleshooting.
Welder / Pipefitter
Heavy industry roles needed in shipyards and offshore.
- Pay: $60,000–$110,000/year
- Tip: underwater welders can earn over $200,000.
Safety Officer (HSE)
Companies take safety seriously — and they pay for it.
- Pay: $75,000–$120,000/year
- Good for: people with safety training or OSHA certifications.
REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSTON MARITIME JOBS (BEGINNER-FRIENDLY)
Here’s what companies usually ask for — especially for entry-level roles:
- TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
Apply here: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic - Basic water survival training
- Valid passport (for international vessels)
- Ability to pass a drug test
- Physical fitness
- No serious criminal history
That’s it.
You don’t need a college degree. You don’t need 10 years of experience.
Many workers started with no background at all.
HOW TO GET HIRED FAST (THE SIMPLE METHOD)
1. Get Your TWIC Card First
This is the #1 thing recruiters ask.
Without it, you can’t enter ports, vessels, or secure facilities.
2. Take Basic Maritime Safety Training
BOSIET or HUET training makes you 5x more hirable.
It shows you’re serious and ready for offshore work.
3. Build a Simple, Clear Resume
Maritime recruiters hate long resumes.
Use short lines:
- Experience
- Certifications
- Skills
- Availability
Done.
4. Apply to Houston Shipyards and Port Companies
Here are real companies hiring (external links):
- Port of Houston: https://porthouston.com
- Edison Chouest Offshore: https://www.chouest.com
- Kirby Inland Marine: https://kirbycorp.com
- Crowley Maritime: https://www.crowley.com
5. Stay Available for Fast Deployment
Offshore projects often need workers within 24–72 hours.
Being ready means you get selected first.
WHAT MAKES MARITIME JOBS WORTH IT?
Many people join for one reason: the money.
But here’s what keeps them:
- Rotational schedules (work 14 days, rest 14 days)
- Overtime + bonuses
- International travel
- Job stability
- Career growth
And the biggest benefit: you learn skills that pay for life.
RISKS YOU SHOULD KNOW (AND HOW TO REDUCE THEM)
Maritime jobs pay well because they’re dangerous.
But most risks are manageable with training:
- Slips and falls
- Equipment accidents
- Fatigue
- Bad weather
- Mechanical failures
Tip: Always follow safety protocols, even when coworkers rush you.
Your paycheck isn’t worth an injury.
REAL-LIFE STORY FROM HOUSTON
A 27-year-old started as an Ordinary Seaman. No degree. No experience.
After one year:
- Got AB license
- Tripled his salary
- Started working offshore
- Earned over $88,000 in his second year
He said:
“The hardest part was getting started. After that, everything was step by step.”
FAQ — HOUSTON MARITIME JOBS
1. Do I need experience to work offshore?
No. Many jobs hire beginners, especially OS, deckhand, and roustabout roles.
2. How long are offshore rotations?
Common schedules are 14/14, 21/21, or 28/28.
3. Can immigrants get maritime jobs in Houston?
Yes, but you need work authorization or a maritime visa.
4. Are maritime jobs safe?
They come with risks, but modern training + safety standards reduce danger effectively.
FINAL CHECKLIST
Before applying, make sure you have:
- TWIC card
- Updated resume
- Basic safety training
- Passport
- Clean drug test
- Availability for fast deployment
That’s all you need to get started!
WRAP-UP: YOUR TURN NOW
Houston maritime jobs may look complicated from the outside…
but once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the best-paying blue-collar careers in America.
Now it’s your move.
If you have questions, need resume help, or want tips based on your situation — drop your question and I’ll help you personally!
