The Merchant Navy is one of the most rewarding and adventurous careers for individuals who aspire to travel across the world while earning a handsome salary. Unlike traditional desk jobs, merchant navy professionals work on commercial ships such as cargo carriers, oil tankers, passenger ships, bulk carriers, and container ships.
One of the biggest attractions of this career is the lucrative salary packages, along with additional perks like free accommodation, tax exemptions (in certain cases), and international exposure. In this article, we will explore Merchant Navy salaries in India and abroad, rank-wise pay scales, benefits, and growth opportunities.
Merchant Navy Salary Structure (2025)
Merchant Navy salaries vary depending on rank, experience, type of vessel, and company. Generally, officers and engineers earn significantly higher salaries compared to cadets and ratings.
1. Entry-Level Salaries
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Deck Cadet / Engine Cadet: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per month
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Trainee Marine Engineer: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per month
At this stage, cadets undergo training and gain practical experience onboard ships.
2. Officer-Level Salaries
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Third Officer / Fourth Engineer: ₹1.2 – ₹2.5 lakh per month
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Second Officer / Third Engineer: ₹2 – ₹3.5 lakh per month
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Chief Officer / Second Engineer: ₹4 – ₹6 lakh per month
3. Top-Rank Salaries
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Captain (Master): ₹7 – ₹12 lakh per month
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Chief Engineer: ₹7 – ₹12 lakh per month
These are the highest-paid positions in the Merchant Navy, offering both responsibility and prestige.
Factors Affecting Merchant Navy Salaries
Merchant Navy professionals’ pay scales depend on multiple factors:
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Rank & Experience: Senior officers earn 5–10 times more than entry-level cadets.
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Type of Vessel: Oil tankers and LNG carriers usually pay higher salaries compared to passenger ships or cargo vessels.
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Company Profile: International shipping companies often offer better pay and perks.
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Voyage Duration: Longer voyages usually come with higher allowances.
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Nationality & Location: Salaries may differ depending on whether one is working for an Indian or foreign shipping company.
Merchant Navy Salaries in India vs. Abroad
In India:
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Cadets: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per month
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Officers: ₹1.5 – ₹4 lakh per month
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Captains/Chief Engineers: ₹7 – ₹12 lakh per month
Abroad:
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Cadets: USD 500 – 1,000 per month (₹40,000 – ₹80,000)
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Officers: USD 3,000 – 8,000 per month (₹2.5 – ₹6.5 lakh)
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Captains/Chief Engineers: USD 10,000 – 15,000 per month (₹8 – ₹12 lakh)
Thus, salaries abroad are often higher due to currency exchange rates and global shipping demand.
Benefits Apart from Salary
Working in the Merchant Navy is not just about the paycheck. Professionals also enjoy several additional benefits:
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Tax-Free Income (if sailing for 183+ days outside India).
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Free Accommodation & Meals onboard.
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International Travel Opportunities while working.
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Shorter Working Periods – typically 6–9 months on duty, followed by months of paid leave.
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Family Benefits & Insurance provided by companies.
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Career Growth Opportunities – Promotions based on performance and experience.
Career Growth in the Merchant Navy
The career path in the Merchant Navy is well-structured and hierarchical. For example, in the deck department, a student starts as a Deck Cadet → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain (Master). Similarly, in the engineering department, the journey begins as an Engine Cadet and progresses up to Chief Engineer.
With every promotion, salary and responsibilities increase significantly, making it a highly rewarding career in the long run.
Challenges in the Merchant Navy
While salaries are attractive, life at sea comes with its own challenges:
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Staying away from family for long durations.
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Physically and mentally demanding work.
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Adapting to different weather conditions and time zones.
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Strict discipline and safety protocols.
Conclusion
The Merchant Navy offers one of the highest-paying career opportunities in India and abroad. Starting salaries may be modest at the cadet level, but within a few years, officers and engineers can earn in lakhs per month. With added perks like tax benefits, free accommodation, global exposure, and structured promotions, it is an excellent choice for those passionate about the sea and adventure.
If you’re looking for a career that combines high salaries, travel opportunities, and prestige, the Merchant Navy is a path worth considering.