Wiper is the most junior engine-department rating on a ship — the engine-room counterpart of the OS on deck. While the Oiler is the engineers’ “hands” in the engine room, the Wiper is the “feet” that keep it clean and tidy: wiping oil, cleaning machinery, carrying spare parts, and assisting Oilers and Fitters with daily maintenance. The good news: Wiper is the easiest rating to get into — most positions require no sea experience at all. Here is the Wiper salary breakdown per month for 2026.
Minimum Basic Pay for a Wiper: US$690 per Month
The International Labour Organization (ILO) sets the global minimum seafarer wage at US$690 per month from 2026. Strictly speaking, that figure is set for the AB rank, and Wipers as entry-level ratings are usually pegged slightly below AB — but US$690 remains the red-flag line: a Wiper offer with a basic wage far below it is not acceptable. Do not sign it.
Wiper Salary by Ship Type (2026 Estimates)
The figures below are estimated total monthly earnings (basic wage + average overtime) based on 2026 vacancy data:
| Ship Type | Estimated per Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LNG/LPG carriers | $1,000 – $1,400 | Highest in the Wiper class; gas endorsement required |
| Tankers (oil/chemical) | $800 – $1,200 | Stricter cleanliness standards |
| Offshore (OSV/AHTS) | $800 – $1,200 | Short contracts, high-speed engines |
| Cruise ships | $700 – $1,100 | Cleanest working environment |
| Container ships | $600 – $1,000 | Stable routine, good for a first contract |
| Bulk carriers | $600 – $1,000 | Largest segment for beginners |
| Ro-Ro / general cargo | $600 – $1,000 | Mid-range junior rating |
| Domestic Indonesian vessels | IDR 3.5 – 6 million | Generally below ITF scales |
For comparison, aggregated vacancy data from Maritime Zone (October 2026) shows average Wiper offers on the merchant fleet at around US$1,400/month (September 2026 average: US$1,524). Individual ranges can be very wide — from $800 on container ships to over $1,600 on passenger vessels and chemical tankers — depending on the company and experience.
Compare with other ratings in our seafarer salary guide 2026 and the Able Seaman salary breakdown.
Why Wipers Are Easiest to Hire — and the Career Path Is Clear
Wiper pay is the lowest in the engine room, but it is the official entry gate to an engineer officer career:
- No sea experience needed. Most basic Wiper positions only require Basic Safety Training (STCW VI/1) plus a seafarer medical certificate.
- STCW III/4 (RFPEW) = 20–30% higher pay. Holders of the Rating Forming Part of Engineering Watch certificate with 6+ months of engine-room service immediately command more than a basic Wiper.
- Clear career ladder: Wiper → Oiler → Junior Engineer → 4th Engineer → 3rd → 2nd → Chief Engineer.
- Shore experience counts. A background as a diesel mechanic, fitter, or industrial technician is a major advantage when applying.
Wiper Pay Structure
- Basic wage — the base pay; Wipers sit at the bottom of a company’s scale.
- Overtime — hourly overtime; overhauls, dry-docking, and tank cleaning can add significant overtime hours.
- Leave pay — compensation for leave days accrued during the contract.
- Bonuses/allowances — tanker allowances or end-of-contract bonuses at some companies.
Always get the full pay breakdown in writing before signing — never judge an offer by a single “monthly salary” figure.
4 Factors That Make Wiper Pay Vary
- Ship type. Gas carriers and tankers pay the most in the Wiper class because of extra certification and standards.
- Certificates held. A basic Wiper versus a STCW III/4 holder can differ by 20–30% — the fastest-returning certificate investment at this level.
- Flag and CBA. Ships under ITF/IBF agreements generally pay above the minimum.
- 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 minimum benchmark: a Wiper basic wage far 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.
- Beware of job scams: Wipers are prime targets for fake agents because so many beginners apply — our Indonesian-language guide to spotting fake seafarer job ads lists the red flags.
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); jobmarineman.com — Wiper jobs page (per-ship-type pay ranges, STCW III/4 requirement, career ladder); Maritime Zone — Wiper salary data October 2026 (~US$1,400/month average from vacancy data).
