It’s not often you hear about jobs offering six-figure salaries, free food, private rooms, and the chance to travel the world—with the added bonus of ocean views and starlit nights. But that’s exactly what’s on offer for commercial sailors in the United States. Despite the generous perks, America is grappling with a severe shortage of seafarers, a problem that’s now raising alarms not just in the shipping industry, but at the highest levels of government.
According to The Wall Street Journal, new graduates from U.S. maritime academies can earn more than $200,000 a year as commercial sailors. These jobs come with free food, private accommodations, and the opportunity to see the world. While at sea, sailors typically work every day, sometimes with overtime, but they also get to enjoy about six months of vacation each year—a benefit that’s hard to match in most professions.
Yet, even with these strong incentives, shipping companies are struggling to find enough workers. The U.S. currently employs about 10,000 commercial sailors, a figure that’s a mere fraction of what it was in previous decades. The decline has been so steep that the federal Maritime Administration stopped publishing sailor data after 2000, but industry estimates show the number has dropped from tens of thousands to just 10,000 today.
This shortage has become more than just an economic inconvenience—it’s a national security concern. The Pentagon relies heavily on commercial sailors and private cargo ships to move military equipment around the world. In 2024, the U.S. Navy was forced to mothball 17 supply ships because there simply weren’t enough commercial crews available to operate them. As The Wall Street Journal reported, the Navy itself operates only a small number of supply vessels, making the country’s dependence on civilian mariners even more pronounced.
Retired Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, put it bluntly: “Even if we build more ships, can we staff them? I don’t think so without major changes.” His words echo the growing concern that, in the event of a conflict, the U.S. could struggle to transport and resupply its forces overseas—a scenario that could have serious consequences for national defense.
The roots of the problem are complex. For decades, the U.S. has outsourced much of its shipping needs to China and other countries, leading to a steady decline in the number of American-flagged ships and, consequently, American sailors. Now, as the U.S. looks to rebuild its maritime sector and counter China’s dominance in ocean shipping, the shortage of trained crews has become a major stumbling block.
President Donald Trump responded to the crisis by issuing an executive order aimed at growing the U.S. cargo fleet and revitalizing the maritime industry. Bipartisan legislation is also being discussed in Congress, targeting everything from shipbuilding and ship ownership to staffing. The goal is clear: rebuild a robust American maritime sector capable of meeting both commercial and military needs.
But legislation alone won’t fill the empty berths. Shipping companies have ramped up their efforts to attract new talent, offering large signing bonuses, bigger salaries, and a host of onboard improvements. Gyms, improved internet access, better food options, and upgraded living quarters are now part of the package, all designed to make life at sea more appealing.
Despite these efforts, many young Americans remain unaware that such careers even exist. John Salkeld, who graduated in June from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, told The Wall Street Journal that when he mentioned his studies to students at other colleges, he was often met with blank stares and questions like, “Wait—this is a real job? Do you actually cross oceans?”
Noah Lastner, another recent graduate, shared a similar experience. “You find out after you went to normal college and you’re sitting in this cubicle and you’re trying to find another option,” he said. Lastner, who previously worked in real estate, added, “Once I went to sea, I realized how hard it would be to give up that lifestyle and transition back to an office job.”
Charles Wahlin, also a June graduate, summed up the appeal: “I don’t think sailing is that hard to sell. I mean—money, six months vacation, live wherever you want. And you’re serving the nation. What other job allows that much flexibility?”
But for many, the maritime world remains hidden in plain sight. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy—known as King Point for its location on New York’s Long Island Sound—is one of only five federal service academies. It enrolls about 975 students and is widely regarded as the nation’s premier institution for training commercial sailors. Yet, even this storied academy has struggled with funding in recent years.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the issue directly in April, stating, “This academy has been neglected for way too long.” Since then, the academy has released a campus modernization plan, aiming to address both the executive order and the need for updated training facilities.
The push to modernize and expand the Merchant Marine Academy is seen as a critical step in reversing the decline of America’s maritime workforce. As the country tries to reassert itself in global shipping, the hope is that more young people will discover the opportunities—and the adventure—that come with a career at sea.
There’s also a broader shift underway in how young Americans view work. With growing concerns about artificial intelligence replacing office jobs, hands-on careers like sailing are starting to look more attractive to those who prefer working with machines and crave a sense of purpose. The allure of travel, flexibility, and national service may just be the combination needed to draw a new generation to the docks.
Still, the challenge remains steep. The U.S. must not only rebuild its fleet but also convince thousands of young people that a life at sea is not only viable but rewarding. As America faces off against global competitors and grapples with its own security needs, the future of its maritime workforce hangs in the balance. Whether the promise of high pay, open horizons, and a vital role in national defense will be enough to turn the tide is a question only time—and perhaps a few adventurous souls—can answer.
