Salaries & Jobs in the Cruise Ship Industry
Traveling on a cruise ship can take you to exotic locales, although you probably won't have an extended cultural immersion experience. As Capt. Juraj Boroš notes in his message for job seekers at the Cruise Ship Jobs website, you are "applying for a job, not a holiday." However, you can opt for cruise lines that give guests a sense of the local flavor through performances and food. Some travel lovers also work for a period of time on a cruise ship, stop and linger in one place, then look for another cruise ship job.
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Officers
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All ships need captains and mates (often called officers) to guide the ship and keep it safe. They must develop navigational charts, steer the ship and determine its speed. In May 2008, median salaries of captains and mates averaged $69,960, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Officers typically begin in entry-level deckhand positions, keeping watch, helping to steer and making sure all equipment is safe for use.
Engineers
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Ship engineers operate engines, boilers and other machinery and keep them in working order. A ship typically has a chief engineer and several subordinates. Engineers might start out as marine oilers, performing more basic tasks like oiling equipment. Engineers earned an average salary of $60,690 in 2008, according to the BLS.
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Entertainers
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Cruise ships usually hire entertainment staff. Cruise lines specializing in family cruises hire people to dress up in costume to entertain kids. Cruises hire DJs, dancers and musicians as well. According to David J. Hahn in "Average Pay for Cruise Line Musicians," performers can make between $450 and $2,000 per week, depending on experience and reputation.
Spa Staff
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Many cruises have spas where they pamper their guests. They need massage therapists, cosmetologists, hair dressers and fitness instructors to staff them. The spa or salon typically has a manager, who may earn $2,400 to $3,800 per month, according to the Cruise Line Jobs website. The massage therapist may earn up to $3,600 per month, partly from tips, and a fitness instructor may earn up to $2,200.
Food Staff
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Cruise lines always need cooks, chefs, dishwashers and wait staff. An executive chef manages and directs the kitchen, and may earn between $4,500 and $7,800 per month, according to Cruise Ship Jobs. The sous-chef assists the executive chef, prepares meals, makes choices about the menus and trains staff, and may earn between $3,400 and $5,800. Entry-level food service staff often earn minimum wage.
Cleaning Staff
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All cruise lines need housekeeping staff to clean the guests' rooms and public areas. The head housekeeper can earn between $3,000 and $3,800 per month, and the assistant laundry supervisor can typically earn up to $1,200. The cabin attendant, who cleans the guests' quarters, may earn between $1,800 and $2,200.
Medical Staff
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Cruise lines must have medical staff like doctors and nurses on board. Typically they treat minor health issues for passengers and crew, but they must have experience with emergency care so they can respond to serious issues. A cruise ship doctor may make between $4,000 and $6,400 per month, and a nurse may make up to $2,900, according to the BLS.
Interns
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Some cruises focus on teaching people to dive or spotting whales and other sea life. They may offer internships (often unpaid) in which students can gain valuable skills and knowledge. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, for instance, offers an internship program for people with a background in biology who plan to study or work with marine life. Students receive free accommodations during the internship.
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- Photo Credit cruise ship image by palms from Fotolia.com
