Able Seaman — AB for short — is the most in-demand deck rating on merchant ships. So it’s no surprise that “how much does an Able Seaman earn per month?” is one of the most-searched questions among seafarers. The short answer: it depends on the ship type, but there is a global minimum figure you must know.
Minimum Basic Pay for an AB: US$690 per Month
The International Labour Organization (ILO) sets the global minimum wage for seafarers at US$690 per month from 2026 for the AB rank. This is the basic wage — before overtime, leave pay, and other allowances. Bottom line: any AB offer with a basic wage below US$690 is a red flag — do not sign it.
AB Salary by Ship Type (2026 Estimates)
The figures below are estimated total monthly earnings (basic wage + average overtime). Actual pay varies with the company, trade route, and your experience:
| Ship Type | Estimated per Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tankers (oil/chemical/gas) | $1,400 – $2,000 | Highest among ratings; risk allowances common |
| Container ships | $1,300 – $1,900 | Busy routes = big overtime |
| Bulk carriers | $1,300 – $1,800 | ITF/IBF scales sit in this range |
| Cruise ships (deckhand/AB) | $1,000 – $1,500 | Plus tips in some positions |
| Offshore (OSV/AHTS) | $1,800 – $2,500 | Short contracts, high intensity |
| Domestic Indonesian vessels | IDR 4 – 8 million | Generally below ITF scales |
AB Pay Structure: More Than One Number
An AB’s pay is never a single “monthly salary” figure. Its components:
- Basic wage — the base pay, minimum US$690 (2026).
- Overtime — hourly overtime pay; on busy ships it can add 30–60% on top of basic.
- Leave pay — compensation for leave days accrued during the contract.
- Bonuses/allowances — e.g. tanker allowances or end-of-contract bonuses at some companies.
Example: an offer of $1,200 all-in is different from $1,200 basic + overtime. The second can pay out far more in total. Always get the full pay breakdown in writing before signing the contract.
4 Factors That Make AB Pay Vary
- Ship type and trade. Tankers and offshore pay more because of the risk and extra certification required.
- Flag and CBA. Ships under ITF/IBF collective bargaining agreements generally pay above the ILO minimum.
- Experience and certificates. An experienced AB with extra tickets (e.g. crane operator) has stronger bargaining power.
- Company and crewing agent. Large international operators tend to follow ITF scales; small domestic vessels often pay below them.
How to Check Whether Your Offer Is Fair
- Compare against the ILO minimum: a basic wage below US$690/month is not acceptable.
- Get it in writing: basic wage, overtime rate per hour, leave pay, and bonuses must all appear in the Seafarer Employment Agreement.
- Watch for vague deductions: a contract allowing one-sided deductions with no clear mechanism is a danger sign.
- Check the ship’s flag: understand what flag states and flags of convenience mean for you before you sign on.
Get your CV ready before applying: read our guide to writing a seafarer CV that crewing agencies notice.
Sources: ILO — global minimum seafarer wage 2026 (US$690/month); ITF/IBF — merchant-ship rating wage scales; 2026 crewing-market estimates.
