Merchant Navy Salary in 2025: Ranks, Roles, & Future Earnings Decoded

The merchant navy has always been a symbol of adventure, prestige, and, most importantly, lucrative paychecks. 

Whether you’re considering joining after high school or aiming for higher ranks, understanding the merchant navy salary structure is essential to planning your maritime career.

In this 2025 guide, we break down everything from merchant navy starting salary to merchant navy highest salary, covering ranks, roles, and monthly pay scales.

What Is the Salary of Merchant Navy Professionals?

Let’s start with the most searched question—what is the salary of merchant navy officers and crew?

The salary of merchant navy per month varies based on your rank, experience, vessel type, and employer. In 2025, a beginner can earn between ₹30,000 to ₹60,000/month, while senior officers make upwards of ₹10 lakhs per month. Sounds exciting? Let’s dive deeper.

Merchant Navy Ranks and Salary Structure in 2025

Understanding the merchant navy ranks and salary helps you visualize your earning trajectory. Here’s a 2025-updated merchant navy salary chart based on current trends and industry insights:

Let’s explore each role’s salary in more detail in the next section. So, stay tuned!

Merchant Navy Starting Salary in India

Freshers often ask: What is the merchant navy starting salary in India?

• After completing training, a merchant navy deck cadet’s salary ranges between ₹30,000 to ₹50,000/month.
  
• The merchant navy GP rating salary starts at ₹25,000/month but increases significantly with experience and certifications.

These are excellent starting points, especially when compared to onshore jobs for similar education levels.

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th & 12th

Yes, you can join the merchant navy after Class 10 or 12. Here’s what you can expect:

• Merchant navy salary after 10th (via GP Rating course): ₹20,000–₹45,000/month
• Merchant navy salary after 12th (via Deck Cadet/B.Sc. Nautical Science): ₹30,000–₹60,000/month initially

These are rare opportunities where individuals can start earning at 18 and scale their income exponentially within 5–7 years.

Merchant Navy Officer Salary

Once you rise to officer-level positions, pay jumps significantly.

• The merchant navy officer salary begins at ₹1 lakh/month for junior officers
  
• The deck officer salary in merchant navy typically ranges between ₹1.5 to ₹4 lakhs/month, depending on rank and vessel

Let’s explore specific officer-level salaries.

Merchant Navy 3rd Officer Salary & Responsibilities

• 3rd officer salary in merchant navy: ₹1–2 lakhs/month
  
• Merchant navy 3rd officer salary per month depends on ship type (container, bulk carrier, oil tanker) and years of service

They handle safety drills, life-saving equipment, and navigation assistance.

Merchant Navy 2nd Officer Salary

• Merchant navy 2nd officer salary: ₹2–3.5 lakhs/month
  
• Also referred to as the Navigation Officer, they’re responsible for route planning and safety systems

The merchant navy second officer salary is a significant step-up from junior ranks.

Merchant Navy Deck Officer Salary

The cumulative merchant navy deck officer salary can range from ₹1 lakh for juniors to ₹5+ lakhs/month for senior ranks.

Merchant Navy Captain Salary in 2025

This is the pinnacle.

• Merchant navy captain salary per month: ₹6–10 lakhs+
  
• The merchant navy captain’s salary varies based on the size of the vessel, type of cargo, and the shipping company
  

Captains also receive benefits like international travel, tax exemptions, and extended paid leaves.

Merchant Navy Engineer Salary

Engineers are crucial for ship operations. Here’s how they fare:

4th Engineer

• 4th engineer salary in merchant navy: ₹90,000–₹1.8 lakhs/month

Chief Engineer

• Salary of chief engineer in merchant navy: ₹5–10+ lakhs/month
  
• Equivalent in authority to a ship’s captain

ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)

• ETO salary in merchant navy: ₹1.2–3 lakhs/month, with faster promotions due to tech-driven ships in 2025

Marine Engineers

• Salary of a marine engineer in merchant navy: ₹3–6 lakhs/month
  
• Includes both onboard engineers and shore-based maritime engineers

Merchant Navy Salary in India vs Abroad

A common question: What is the merchant navy salary in India vs foreign vessels?

• Merchant navy salary per month in India ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹2 lakhs for junior ranks
  
• On foreign vessels, salaries can be 1.5–2x higher, with dollar-based pay and tax benefits
  

That’s why many Indian seafarers aim to work with global shipping giants.

Merchant Navy Salary After 5 Years

Your experience pays off!

• Merchant navy salary after 5 years often lands you in officer-level roles earning ₹3–6 lakhs/month
  
• Some reach Chief Officer or Second Engineer level by then
  

This makes merchant navy one of the fastest-growing career paths for salary hikes.

Factors That Affect Merchant Navy Salary

While the base salary is attractive, multiple factors can boost or reduce your income:

• Type of ship (Tanker pays more than cargo)
  
• Flag of the ship (Indian vs foreign-flagged)
  
• Company policies
  
• Rank and experience
  
• Contract duration (Shorter contracts may pay higher daily wages)

Bonus, Perks, & Tax Benefits

• Foreign ship sailors often get tax exemptions under Section 6 of the Indian Income Tax Act
  
• Free lodging and meals onboard
  
• Travel perks for family and paid vacations between contracts
  
• Yearly bonuses for long-serving officers

Merchant Navy Highest Salary in 2025

What’s the top figure?

The merchant navy’s highest salary goes beyond ₹10 lakhs/month for Captains and Chief Engineers on large international vessels. Some offshore vessels, LNG tankers, and cruise ships offer packages exceeding ₹2 crore annually.

Merchant Navy Salary Chart Summary (2025)

Here’s a visual breakdown for quick reference:

Is Merchant Navy Worth It in 2025?

If you’re looking for:

• High earnings from a young age
  
• Tax-free international income
  
• Fast promotions
  
• Travel and adventure

Then, yes, it’s a career like no other. With the rise of AI-based ship tech, green fuels, and smart logistics, merchant navy engineer salaries, ETO salaries, and navigation officer pay are expected to grow even further in the coming decade.

Final Thoughts

From your first job as a GP Rating to becoming a ship’s captain, the merchant navy salary structure offers unmatched growth and global exposure. Whether you’re joining after 10th, 12th, or through maritime colleges, this path promises both prestige and prosperity.

With strategic career planning and the right certifications, your merchant navy salary per month could rival some of the highest-paying careers in the world by 2030.

Ready to set sail? 

Start your journey with a merchant navy training program today and explore a career that pays well, travels far, and rises fast.