Your all-in-one maritime companion

Indonesian seafarer salary is an important benchmark for the thousands of Indonesian maritime professionals working on international vessels. Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest seafarer-supplying nations, with a growing workforce of deck officers, engineers, and ratings employed by global shipping companies. As Indonesia’s maritime training infrastructure continues to expand, understanding what Indonesian seafarers earn is essential for career planning.

Additionally, this guide covers typical Indonesian seafarer salary ranges by rank and vessel type, drawing on ITF wage scales and industry benchmarks. All figures are indicative. Actual pay varies by employer, vessel type, and collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Indonesia’s Growing Maritime Workforce

Indonesia’s maritime sector is supported by a network of maritime academies including STIP Jakarta (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran), PIP Semarang, and PIP Makassar. The Ministry of Transportation through DIKLAT oversees training standards and STCW implementation. Indonesian seafarers are employed across bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and increasingly in the offshore sector — both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, indonesian seafarers are particularly strong in the ratings segment and are growing their share of junior officer positions. Major operators including NYK, MOL, K-Line, and regional Asian shipping companies regularly recruit Indonesian crew.

Indonesian Seafarer Salary by Rank (2026 Estimates)

The figures below reflect approximate monthly gross earnings in USD for Indonesian seafarers on internationally trading vessels. All figures are indicative — actual pay varies by employer, vessel type, and CBA. For official minimum rates, see the ITF Seafarers’ Minimum Wage scales.

Deck Department

• Captain / Master: $6,000 – $11,000/month
• Chief Officer: $4,500 – $7,500/month
• Second Officer: $2,800 – $5,000/month
• Third Officer: $2,200 – $3,800/month
• Bosun: $1,500 – $2,800/month
• Able Bodied Seaman (AB): $950 – $1,600/month
• Ordinary Seaman (OS): $600 – $950/month
• Deck Cadet: $300 – $600/month

Engine Department

• Chief Engineer: $6,000 – $11,000/month
• Second Engineer: $4,000 – $7,000/month
• Third Engineer: $2,500 – $4,500/month
• Fourth Engineer: $1,800 – $3,200/month
• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO): $2,500 – $4,500/month
• Oiler / Motorman: $850 – $1,500/month
• Engine Cadet: $300 – $600/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.

Domestic vs International Contracts

Indonesian seafarers can work under domestic (cabotage) contracts or international contracts. The salary difference is significant — international contracts governed by ITF CBAs or major operator agreements typically pay 2–4x more than domestic Indonesian shipping contracts, which are regulated by national labour law and Indonesian wage standards.

In addition, for Indonesian seafarers targeting international employment, working through BPJS-registered manning agencies that place crew with international operators is the clearest path to higher earnings and better STCW compliance infrastructure.

ITF CBAs and Indonesian Seafarers

Indonesian seafarers on ITF-covered vessels benefit from CBA wage minimums that apply regardless of the vessel’s flag state. This is particularly important for Indonesian crew on Asian-flagged FOC vessels where national protections would otherwise not apply.

“Indonesian ratings are reliable, hardworking, and increasingly technically qualified,” notes a crewing manager at a major Asian tanker operator. “We’ve been growing our Indonesian crew intake year on year.”

The ITF minimum wage scale is updated annually and provides the floor for what Indonesian seafarers on covered vessels must be paid. Most major operators pay above these minimums, especially for officer grades.

Career Progression and Salary Growth

• Cadet / OS / Oiler: $300 – $950/month — sea time and STCW BST
• AB / Motorman: $850 – $1,600/month — ratings certification
• Junior Officer (3rd/4th): $1,800 – $4,500/month — OOW or EOOW certificate
• Senior Officer (Chief/2nd): $4,000 – $7,500/month — management level certificate
• Master / Chief Engineer: $6,000 – $11,000/month — command certificate

How to Maximise Your Indonesian Seafarer Salary

• Target international contracts — far higher earnings than domestic Indonesian shipping
• Work through reputable manning agencies — agencies with strong relationships with Japanese, European, and Korean operators provide best CBA rates
• Specialise in tankers or chemical carriers — strong demand in Asian tanker fleet for Indonesian crew
• Fast-track your certificates — officer CoC progression is the fastest path to higher salary
• Maintain STCW compliance — renewals and endorsements keep you eligible for premium operators

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Indonesian seafarer salary?
An AB earns approximately $950–$1,600/month on international vessels, while a Master or Chief Engineer earns $6,000–$11,000/month. Mid-career officers typically earn $2,500–$5,500/month. Figures are indicative — actual pay varies by employer, vessel type, and CBA.

Do Indonesian seafarers earn more on international or domestic contracts?
International contracts pay significantly more — typically 2–4x domestic Indonesian shipping rates. International contracts governed by ITF CBAs provide the strongest wage protections.

Which vessel types pay the most for Indonesian seafarers?
Tankers (VLCC, LNG, chemical) and large container ships pay the highest rates. Japanese-operated bulk carriers and tankers are also known for competitive pay and good working conditions for Indonesian crew.

Where can I find the ITF minimum wage for my rank?
Visit the ITF seafarers minimum wages page for the current annual scale, updated each year after negotiations between the ITF and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) of shipowners.

How does an Indonesian seafarer get international employment?
Work through a BPJS-registered manning agency that places Indonesian crew with international operators. Building a track record on internationally-certified vessels and maintaining up-to-date STCW certificates is essential for accessing premium international contracts.

Conclusion

Indonesian seafarer salary on international contracts offers genuine earning potential — particularly at officer grades — that far exceeds domestic employment options. With the right certifications, the right vessel type, and employment through quality operators, Indonesian maritime professionals can build competitive, well-compensated careers at sea.

Looking for your next maritime role? Browse opportunities matched to your rank and experience at Seaplify.

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