Home > Salary > South Africa > Ordinary Seaman
An ordinary seaman is an entry-level position in the maritime industry, typically found on cargo ships, tankers, or passenger vessels. They assist in various deck operations and perform general maintenance tasks onboard. Their responsibilities include cleaning and painting the ship, handling mooring lines during docking and undocking, operating deck machinery, and assisting with cargo loading and unloading. Ordinary seamen also stand watch, ensuring the safety and security of the vessel, and may be assigned to helmsman duties.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 113,174 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,431 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,176 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,115 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,103 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 53 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,660 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 472 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 109 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 113,174 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,431 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,176 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
By working as Ordinary Seaman a person can save up to 200 USD per month or 2,406 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Ordinary Seaman
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Ordinary Seaman salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Ordinary Seaman in South Africa is approximately 113,174 ZAR (5,660 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Ordinary Seaman do?

Skills: Ordinary Seaman, Maritime Industry, Cargo Ships, Tankers, Passenger Vessels, Deck Operations
Job industry: Maritime
Job industry: Maritime
How much does Ordinary Seaman make?
Salary details
How much does Ordinary Seaman make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 113,174 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,431 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,176 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 109,380 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 9,115 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,103 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 53 ZAR per hour
Ordinary Seaman estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,660 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 472 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 109 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Ordinary Seaman job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Ordinary Seaman in South Africa earns on average:
0.89 times the average salary (or 89% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Ordinary Seaman job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Ordinary Seaman in South Africa earns on average:
0.89 times the average salary (or 89% of average salary).
Is Ordinary Seaman a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Ordinary Seaman is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Ordinary Seaman?
High salary for Ordinary Seaman would be somewhere between 124,491 ZAR and 164,102 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Ordinary Seaman in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 113,174 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,431 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,176 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
By working as Ordinary Seaman a person can save up to 200 USD per month or 2,406 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Ordinary Seaman
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
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