Merchant Navy Salary in India: The Merchant Navy is one of the best ways to make money if you want to work at sea. Among its perks are competitive pay, exciting travel, and the chance to see the world. It depends on your rank, experience, and the type of ship you work on to figure out how much you get paid in the Merchant Navy. Based on rank and experience, the average monthly income in the Merchant Navy varies greatly, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000,000.
Entry-level employment, such as Deck Cadets, earn from ₹25,000 to ₹60,000, while higher roles like Chief Engineers and Captains may have pay ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per month. Officers’ salaries tend to be greater on international routes compared to domestic ones, while specialist ships tend to pay more overall.
Various posts in this blog will go into the Merchant Navy compensation scale in depth, as well as the variables that go into determining a salary, potential avenues for advancement, and more.
Merchant Navy Rank-wise Salary Structure
Personnel compensation in the Merchant Navy is contingent upon their rank and level of experience. For each rank, the monthly salary is delineated in the following manner:
| Rank | Salary (Per Month) in India | Salary (Per Month) in International Shipping |
| Deck Cadet | ₹25,000 – ₹85,000 | $500 – $2,000 |
| Third Officer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Second Officer | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Chief Officer | ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Captain | ₹7,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Junior Engineer | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 | $800 – $3,000 |
| Third Engineer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Second Engineer | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Chief Engineer | ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Electrical Officer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Able Seaman | ₹40,000 – ₹90,000 | $800 – $2,000 |
| Oiler | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 | $600 – $1,500 |
📌 Note: Salaries depend on the company, ship type, and experience.
Factors Affecting Merchant Navy Salary
Several factors influence the salary of Merchant Navy officers, including:
- Rank and Experience: Pay is better for people with higher ranks and more experience the job.
- Type of Ship: Bulk carriers pay the lowest rates, while ships carrying LNG/LPG, oil tankers, and containers pay the most.
- Business: Salary scales differ for public and private shipping companies.
- Duration of Contract: Higher salaries and additional benefits are typically associated with longer contracts.
- International Shipping vs. Domestic Shipping: Companies that do international shipping pay in USD, which means they make more money.
Additional Benefits in Merchant Navy
Apart from high salaries, Merchant Navy personnel receive several benefits and perks, such as:
✔️ Tax-Free Income (for those working outside India for more than 183 days)
✔️ Free Accommodation & Food on the ship
✔️ Medical Insurance & Health Benefits
✔️ Family Sponsorship Benefits for senior officers
✔️ Retirement Benefits & Pension Plans (for government shipping employees)
Merchant Navy Salary Based on Ship Type
The salary also varies depending on the type of ship a seafarer is working on:
| Ship Type | Salary (Per Month in INR) |
| Oil Tankers | ₹2,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 |
| LNG/LPG Carriers | ₹2,50,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
| Container Ships | ₹1,50,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
| Bulk Carriers | ₹1,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Cruise Ships | ₹50,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
📌 Note: Tankers and LNG ships pay higher due to increased risk factors.
Career Growth in the Merchant Navy
With the right education and skills, a career in the Merchant Navy may lead to rapid advancement. Below is a typical career progression path:
| Deck Department | Engineering Department |
| Deck Cadet | Junior Engineer |
| Third Officer | Third Engineer |
| Second Officer | Second Engineer |
| Chief Officer | Chief Engineer |
| Captain | – |
Promotions occur more quickly and pay rises are a direct result of experience and further credentials.
Conclusion
Thanks to its tax-free wages, international exposure, and promising career prospects, serving in India’s Merchant Navy is among the country’s highest-paying occupations. The most paid positions in the navy are chief engineers and captains, however, salaries may range widely depending on experience, ship type, and rank.
Merchant Navy is the optimal choice for individuals who are enthusiastic about a demanding yet fulfilling vocation at sea.
For more details, visit: Merchant Navy Salary in India