Your all-in-one maritime companion

Filipino seafarer salary is among the most searched topics in maritime career research — and for good reason. The Philippines is the world’s largest supplier of seafarers, with over 500,000 Filipinos working at sea at any given time. Whether you are a cadet planning your career or an experienced officer evaluating a new contract, understanding what Filipino seafarers earn by rank is essential.

Additionally, this guide breaks down typical Filipino seafarer salary ranges by rank, vessel type, and employer — drawing on ITF wage scales, POEA data, and current crewing agency benchmarks. All figures are indicative. Actual pay varies by employer, vessel type, and collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Why Filipino Seafarers Dominate the Global Workforce

The Philippines has built the world’s most structured maritime training and deployment system. The MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) oversees accreditation, STCW compliance is enforced rigorously, and POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) regulates manning agencies. Filipino seafarers are recruited by virtually every major shipping company globally — from Maersk and MSC to cruise lines and LNG operators.

Furthermore, this demand means Filipino seafarers generally earn competitive wages — often matching or exceeding peers from other nationalities at equivalent ranks, particularly on vessels covered by ITF-approved CBAs.

Filipino Seafarer Salary by Rank (2025 Estimates)

The table below reflects approximate monthly gross earnings in USD for Filipino seafarers on internationally trading vessels. These figures are based on ITF minimum wage scales and typical CBA rates. Actual salaries vary significantly by vessel type, flag state, and employer.

Deck Department

• Captain / Master: $7,500 – $14,000/month
• Chief Officer: $5,500 – $9,000/month
• Second Officer: $3,500 – $6,000/month
• Third Officer: $2,800 – $4,500/month
• Officer of the Watch (OOW): $2,800 – $4,500/month
• Bosun: $2,000 – $3,500/month
• Able Bodied Seaman (AB): $1,200 – $1,900/month
• Ordinary Seaman (OS): $700 – $1,100/month
• Deck Cadet: $400 – $800/month

Engine Department

• Chief Engineer: $7,000 – $13,000/month
• Second Engineer: $4,500 – $8,000/month
• Third Engineer: $2,800 – $5,000/month
• Fourth Engineer: $2,200 – $3,800/month
• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO): $3,000 – $5,500/month
• Oiler / Motorman: $1,000 – $1,700/month
• Engine Cadet: $400 – $800/month

Disclaimer: Figures are indicative — actual pay varies by employer, vessel type, and CBA. For authoritative minimum wage scales, refer to the ITF Seafarers’ Minimum Wage scales.

How Vessel Type Affects Filipino Seafarer Salary

Vessel type is one of the biggest determinants of seafarer pay. Filipino seafarers working on LNG carriers, cruise ships, or large container vessels typically earn 20–40% more than those on bulk carriers or general cargo ships at equivalent ranks.

• LNG / Gas Carriers: Highest paying — Chief Engineers can earn $12,000–$15,000/month
• Cruise Ships: High base pay plus tip income for hotel/hospitality crew; officers earn $5,000–$12,000/month
• Container Vessels (large): Strong CBA rates; Masters earn $10,000–$14,000/month
• Tankers (oil/chemical): Hazard premiums apply; Chief Officers earn $6,000–$9,000/month
• Bulk Carriers: More competitive market; Masters earn $7,000–$10,000/month
• OSVs / Offshore: Variable; rotational schedules often improve work-life balance

ITF CBAs and What They Mean for Filipino Seafarers

In addition, many Filipino seafarers are employed under ITF-approved Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which set minimum wage floors above the standard ITF scale. A ship covered by an ITF CBA guarantees that Filipino crew members are paid at least the agreed minimum — regardless of the flag state.

“The ITF CBA has made a real difference for Filipino seafarers on FOC vessels,” notes a maritime union representative with 18 years of experience. “It ensures they’re not undercut simply because of their nationality.”

Importantly, the ITF minimum wage scale is updated annually. As of 2024, the ITF minimum for an AB was approximately $1,384/month. Filipino seafarers on ITF-covered vessels typically earn above this floor, especially under company CBAs from major operators.

POEA Standard Employment Contract

All Filipino seafarers deployed through POEA-licensed agencies must be covered by a POEA Standard Employment Contract (SEC). This contract sets minimum terms including basic salary, overtime pay, vacation leave pay, sickness benefits, and death/disability compensation.

Key provisions of the POEA SEC that affect take-home pay:

• Basic monthly salary — the base figure stated in the contract
• Overtime pay — minimum 30% on top of basic for OT hours
• Vacation Leave With Pay (VLWP) — typically equivalent to 5 days per month of contract duration
• Allotment — mandatory remittance of at least 80% of basic salary to the seafarer’s family in the Philippines
• PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG — contributions deducted from pay; employer co-contributes

Career Progression and Salary Growth for Filipino Seafarers

Notably, the path from cadet to senior officer is well-structured for Filipino seafarers, with clearly defined STCW certification milestones at each stage. Salary roughly doubles between entry-level ratings and officer ranks, and doubles again between junior and senior officer grades.

• Cadet / OS / OS: $400 – $1,100/month — accumulate sea time, complete STCW Basic Safety Training
• AB / Motorman / Oiler: $1,000 – $1,900/month — STCW ratings certificate required
• Junior Officer (3rd/4th): $2,200 – $4,500/month — OOW or engineer watchkeeper certificate
• Senior Officer (Chief/2nd): $4,500 – $9,000/month — management-level STCW II/2 or III/2
• Master / Chief Engineer: $7,000 – $14,000/month — full command certificate

Specialisation accelerates salary growth. Filipino seafarers who obtain additional STCW endorsements — such as GMDSS, tanker training (BOCT/AOBT), or dynamic positioning (DP) certification — typically command 15–30% higher salaries at equivalent ranks.

Tax Treatment of Filipino Seafarer Income

In practice, filipino seafarers who qualify as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are exempt from Philippine income tax on income earned abroad. To qualify, a seafarer must work on a vessel engaged in international trade and have a valid POEA-processed contract. This tax exemption is a significant financial benefit — effectively increasing take-home pay compared to land-based equivalents.

However, mandatory contributions (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG) still apply. Some companies cover these on behalf of the seafarer; others deduct them from salary. Always clarify this before signing a contract.

How to Maximise Your Filipino Seafarer Salary

• Aim for ITF or CBA-covered vessels — these guarantee above-minimum rates
• Specialise early — tanker, LNG, or DP endorsements open higher-paying sectors
• Work with reputable manning agencies — Magsaysay, Bernhard Schulte, V.Group and similar companies have established CBAs
• Progress to management level fast — the biggest salary jump is from watchkeeper to Chief/Master
• Compare contracts carefully — basic salary is only part of the package; OT, VLWP, and benefits matter
• Build a track record on one vessel type — consistency leads to repeat employment and better rates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Filipino seafarer salary?
The average varies widely by rank. An AB earns approximately $1,200–$1,900/month, while a Master on a large vessel can earn $10,000–$14,000/month. Mid-career officers (2nd/3rd Officer or Engineer) typically earn $3,000–$6,000/month. All figures are indicative — actual pay depends on vessel type, employer, and CBA.

Are Filipino seafarers well paid compared to other nationalities?
Yes. Filipino seafarers are generally paid at internationally competitive rates, especially when employed under ITF CBAs. Some flag states or non-CBA operators may offer lower rates, which is why union coverage matters.

Do Filipino seafarers pay income tax?
OFW seafarers working on international trade vessels are exempt from Philippine income tax. Mandatory contributions (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG) still apply, though some employers cover these.

What is the POEA standard salary?
The POEA Standard Employment Contract sets minimum salary floors, but actual salaries negotiated by manning agencies and shipowners are usually higher. The POEA SEC is a floor, not a ceiling.

How do I find the official ITF minimum wage for my rank?
Visit the ITF seafarers minimum wages page for the current year’s scale, broken down by rank. These are updated annually after negotiations between the ITF and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) of shipowners.

Which vessel type pays the most for Filipino seafarers?
LNG carriers and large cruise ships consistently pay the highest salaries. LNG Chief Engineers and Masters can earn $12,000–$15,000/month on the top end. Cruise ships also offer additional income through gratuities for hotel and catering crew.

Conclusion

In particular, filipino seafarer salary reflects both the global demand for Filipino maritime professionals and the strong regulatory framework that governs their deployment. From OS through to Master, the earning potential is real — and it grows significantly with rank, specialisation, and the right employer.

If you are ready to find your next contract or take your career to the next level, start by browsing opportunities matched to your rank and certifications. Looking for your next maritime role? Browse current opportunities at Seaplify.

For official maritime standards and further information, visit the International Maritime Organization (IMO).