What is the salary of an ETO? Salary of electricians on different vessels in 2025

The salary of Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) varies significantly based on vessel type, job specifics, and the specialist's qualification level. As of 2024, the average income of deep-sea sailors largely depended on the vessel type and position. For instance, salaries on tankers (oil) or in offshore operations were typically 1.5 to 2 times higher than those on bulk carriers transporting dry cargoes like grain or coal.

Salary Trends from 2010 to 2025:

According to MaritimeZone, over the six years from 2014 to 2020, the salaries of merchant fleet sailors remained relatively stable, while earnings in the offshore segment initially rose but then sharply declined alongside oil prices.

Minimum and Maximum Salaries:

On offshore vessels such as Pipelaying Vessels (PLVs), salaries ranged from $65 to $900 per day, depending on the position. Captains earned $900 daily, their chief mates $463, and second mates (including ETOs) $280 per day. Consequently, an ETO's daily wage could vary between $75 and $280, influenced by the vessel type and job specifics.

Highest Paying Sectors:

The most lucrative salaries for ETOs were observed on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers, offering average monthly earnings between $5,000 and $7,000. Additionally, offshore vessels like PLVs provided daily rates up to $280 for ETOs, amounting to approximately $8,400 monthly. Thus, LNG carriers and specialized offshore vessels such as PLVs offered the highest salaries for ETOs.

ETO Salaries on Bulk Carriers:

In 2024, ETO salaries on bulk carriers varied based on vessel size, employer, and operational region, ranging from $4,700 to $5,000 per month. However, 2025 job listings indicate higher wages. For example:

• Alpha Navigation offered $5,500 per month for an ETO position on a bulk carrier starting March 11, 2025.
• Danica Crewing Services sought an ETO for a bulk carrier with a salary between $5,500 and $6,300 per month, starting March 30, 2025.
• Alpha Navigation advertised $6,500 per month for an ETO on a bulk carrier commencing March 15, 2025.

Thus, in 2025, ETO salaries on bulk carriers ranged from $5,500 to $6,500 per month, depending on the specific offer and contract terms.

ETO Salaries on Container Ships:

Similarly, ETO salaries on container ships varied based on vessel size, employer, and operational region. In 2024, salaries ranged from $5,100 to $5,500 per month. However, 2025 job listings indicate higher wages. For example:

• UNIVIS offered $6,600 per month for an ETO position on a container ship starting March 25, 2025.
• Genco South Group sought an ETO for a container ship with a salary between $6,000 and $6,500 per month, starting March 31, 2025.
• UNIVIS advertised $6,500 per month for an ETO on a container ship commencing March 23, 2025.

Therefore, in 2025, ETO salaries on container ships ranged from $6,000 to $6,600 per month, depending on the specific offer and contract terms.

LPG and LNG Vessels

• LPG Tankers: Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) on LPG tankers can expect salaries ranging from $6,500 to $7,300 per month. (maritime-zone.com)
• LNG Tankers: According to Ukrainian Shipping Magazine, ETOs on LNG tankers can earn up to $7,500 per month. (maritime-zone.com)

Thus, the salary of ETOs on LNG and LPG tankers varies between $5,200 and $7,500 per month, depending on the vessel type and job specifics.

What Are Permanent Contracts?

Permanent contracts are long-term employment agreements between a shipping company and a seafarer for an indefinite period. Unlike standard short-term contracts (typically 3–9 months), a permanent contract means that the seafarer works continuously for the same employer, with regular rotations and paid leave periods.

Key Features of a Permanent Contract:

• Guaranteed employment within one company.
• Regular rotations (e.g., 3 months on duty – 3 months off).
• Stable salary even during leave periods.
• Social benefits (insurance, pension contributions, etc.).
• Career growth opportunities within the company.

Salaries Under Permanent Contracts

Salaries on vessels with permanent contracts may be slightly lower than those on one-time contracts but are compensated by job stability and additional benefits.

Average Salaries by Vessel Type with Permanent Contracts:

• Bulk Carriers: $4,500 – $5,500/month
• Container Ships: $5,500 – $6,500/month
• Tankers (Oil, Chemical): $5,500 – $6,500/month
• LPG Tankers: $6,500 – $7,500/month
• LNG Tankers: $7,000 – $8,000/month
• Offshore Fleet (Supply Vessels, Drilling Platforms): $6,000 – $9,000/month

Salary levels depend on the shipping company, the seafarer’s qualifications, and the vessel type. Permanent contracts are most commonly offered by large shipping companies seeking to retain experienced professionals.

Salary of Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) on Different Types of Vessels

The salary of shipboard Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) varies depending on vessel type, size, employer, and operational region. Below are the approximate minimum and maximum salary ranges for ETOs on different types of vessels:

1. Container Ships:

   • Minimum Salary: $5,000 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $7,000 per month

2. Bulk Carriers (Dry Bulk Ships):

   • Minimum Salary: $4,500 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $6,500 per month

3. Oil Tankers:

   • Minimum Salary: $6,000 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $7,500 per month

4. Chemical Tankers:

   • Minimum Salary: $6,000 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $7,500 per month

5. LPG Tankers (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Carriers):

   • Minimum Salary: $7,500 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $9,000 per month

6. LNG Tankers (Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers):

   • Minimum Salary: $8,000 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $13,500 per month

7. Offshore Vessels (e.g., Drilling Platforms):

   • Minimum Salary: $10,000 per month
   • Maximum Salary: $20,000 per month

It is important to note that these figures may vary based on experience, qualifications, and specific employer conditions. Additionally, on offshore vessels like Pipelaying Vessels (PLVs), ETOs can earn up to $280 per day, which amounts to approximately $8,400 per month for a full work schedule.

ETO salaries in 2025 are influenced by vessel type, job specifics, and individual qualifications. Notably, LNG carriers and specialized offshore vessels like PLVs offer the most competitive compensation packages.