Merchant Navy Salary in India - After 12th, Per Month, Top Companies, Based on Experience

Merchant Navy Salary in India - After 12th, Per Month, Top Companies, Based on Experience

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on May 21, 2025 03:28 PM IST

The merchant navy fulfils an integral role in international trade by transporting cargo and passengers by sea. These professionals are also responsible for overseeing a ship's entire machinery, navigating using satellite and radar systems, monitoring weather conditions, ensuring safe loading, storage, and unloading of cargo. They also ensure passenger care and safety during voyages.

This Story also Contains
  1. How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer After 12th
  2. Step 1: Clear 10+2
  3. Step 2: Clear Entrance Exams
  4. Skills Required for a Merchant Navy Career
  5. Merchant Navy Salary in India After 12th
  6. Understanding the Salary of Merchant Navy Per Month: What to Expect
Merchant Navy Salary in India - After 12th, Per Month, Top Companies, Based on Experience
Merchant Navy Salary in India - After 12th, Per Month, Top Companies, Based on Experience

If you are passionate about joining the Merchant Navy, especially right after the 12th, this article can be a complete guide for you. Here, we will provide you with a detailed analysis of merchant navy salary in India after 12th, career pathways, job roles and eligibility requirements to help you make a wise and calculated career decision.

How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer After 12th

Becoming a merchant navy officer after the 12th requires vision, commitment, along the right educational background. With proper qualifications, candidates can join the merchant navy as deck cadets, marine engineers and more.

Step 1: Clear 10+2

Candidates who aspire to become a merchant navy officer must study Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent in 12th from a certified board and score at least a 50% aggregate. The Minimum age limit to join the merchant navy is 17 to 25 years. It is highly beneficial for candidates to start early, as it allows them to pursue various merchant navy courses after 12th salary in the industry.

Step 2: Clear Entrance Exams

To build a career as a merchant navy officer, students must qualify for the required entrance exams, such as:


Step 3: Merchant Navy Courses after 12th salary

Once qualified, candidates can go for various merchant navy courses after 12th salary programs. Depending on the institution, admission is offered based on entrance exam scores or merit. The following are some examples of popular bachelor's degree options for aspirants:

Step 4: Pursue Higher Studies (Optional)

Candidates can pursue postgraduate programs to boost the expected salary of merchant navy per month and become qualified for managerial or senior positions in the industry. Some popular courses candidates can consider for further studies include,

  • M.E/M.Tech in Naval Architecture

  • M.E/M.Tech Marine Engineering

  • M.E/M.Tech Offshore Engineering

  • M.E/M.Tech Dredging and Harbour Engineering

Also Read - How to Become a Merchant Navy

Skills Required for a Merchant Navy Career

Students who aspire to earn a higher salary of merchant navy per month, must learn specific abilities and skills such as,

  • Navigation and Engineering Knowledge

  • Physical Fitness and Swimming

  • Leadership and Decision-Making

  • Mechanical and Electrical Troubleshooting

  • Teamwork and Adaptability


Merchant Navy Salary in India After 12th

The merchant navy salary in India varies according to experience, rank, and skill set of the candidate. On average, a Merchant Navy officer earns around Rs. 2.8 Lakhs - 20 Lakhs per year, which translates to a monthly salary between Rs. 38,000 - 39,000. The table below lists the key merchant navy job roles and their average salary range in India.

Job Profile

Average Annual Salary

Marine Engineer

Rs. 3 Lakhs - 36 Lakhs

Chief Officer

Rs. 4 Lakhs - 50 Lakhs

Electro-technical officer

Rs. 3 Lakhs - 32 Lakhs

Indian Navy Captain

Rs. 1.2 Lakh - 12 Lakhs

Catering Assistant

Rs. 6.4 Lakhs - 8.2 Lakhs

Navigation Officer

Rs.3 Lakhs - 38 Lakhs

Deck Cadet

Rs. 0.8 Lakh - 7 Lakhs

(Source: Ambition Box)


Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Experience

The Merchant Navy Salary in India is largely based on the experience level. The table below shows merchant navy salary per month based on the professional's years of sailing experience.

Based on Experience

Average Annual Salary

Entry Level

Rs. 0.5 Lakh - 18 Lakhs

1 year

Rs. 1 Lakh - 8 Lakhs

2 year

Rs. 1 Lakh - 6.5 Lakhs

3 year

0.5 Lakh - 13 Lakhs

4 year

2 Lakhs - 12 Lakhs

5 year

0.9 Lakh - 14 Lakhs

6 year

2 Lakhs - 15 Lakhs

7 year

2 Lakhs - 10 Lakhs

8 year

1.7 Lakh - 16 Lakhs

9 year

2 Lakhs - 25 Lakhs

10 year

1.4 Lakh - 30 Lakhs

(Source: Ambition Box)


Merchant Navy Engineer Salary and Other Designations

The merchant navy engineer salary heavily depends on a candidate’s rank, and designation. The table below highlights some of the key designations along with the respective merchant navy salary after 12th.

Designation

Average Salary

Mechanical Technician

Rs. 1.2 Lakh - 5 Lakhs

Electrician

Rs. 5.8 Lakhs - 7.4 Lakhs

Fitter

Rs. 2.4 Lakhs - 3.1 Lakhs

Operations Manager Salary

Rs. 18 Lakhs - 28 Lakhs

(Source: Ambition Box)


Merchant Navy Salary Per Month By Industry

The salary of merchant navy per month is often higher in offshore oil and LNG shipping compared to logistics or cruise sectors, due to the nature of work and technical demands. The table below shows the average salary of the merchant navy per month by top-paying industries.

Top Industries

Salary

Logistics

Rs. 1.8 Lakh - 7 Lakhs

Defence & Aerospace

Rs. 3.5 Lakhs - 17 Lakhs

Urban Transport

Rs. 1.5 Lakh - 10 Lakhs

Ports & Shipping

Rs. 1.1 Lakh - 15 Lakhs

Oil & Gas

Rs.1 Lakh - 10 Lakhs

(Source: Ambition Box)


Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Top Paying Cities

The merchant navy engineer salary varies by location and state. Check out the list of salary of merchant navy per month in the top-paying cities.

Top Cities

Average Salary

New Delhi

Rs. 1 Lakh - 8 Lakhs

Kolkata

Rs. 2 Lakhs - 10 Lakhs

Patna

Rs. 4 Lakhs - 10 Lakhs

Mumbai

Rs. 0.7 Lakh - 15 Lakhs

Lucknow

Rs. 1 Lakh - 12 Lakhs

(Source: Ambition Box)


Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Top Companies

Many Indian merchant navy professionals are recruited by both Indian and international shipping companies with strong operations in India. The list below displays the most competitive merchant navy salary per month packages for the top companies.

Top Companies

Average Salary

Maersk Line

Rs. 43.2 Lakhs - 55.2 Lakhs

Synergy Maritime

Rs. 7.7 Lakhs - 9.8 Lakhs

BSM Ship Management

Rs. 1 Lakh - 10 Lakhs

Anglo-Eastern Group

Rs. 18 Lakhs - 23 Lakhs

Shipping Corporation of India

Rs. 3.6 Lakhs - 7 Lakhs

TRIO

Rs. 11.7 Lakhs - 14.9 Lakhs

(Source: Ambition Box)

(Note: These salary figures are for reference purposes and may vary depending on various factors, such as designation, experience, skills, and job location.)


Understanding the Salary of Merchant Navy Per Month: What to Expect

The merchant navy salary in India varies based on rank, industry, location, and designation. With specialised training and commitment, candidates can kickstart their journey as early as the 12th. Whether you are interested in technical posts or navigation roles, the merchant navy engineer salary offers some of the highest in the maritime sector.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Merchant Navy a full-time profession?

No, you work on a contract basis for shipping businesses in the Merchant Navy. You are not required to work for a corporation for a set amount of years.

2. What is the merchant navy salary in India after 12th?

Candidates who join the Merchant Navy immediately after passing their class 12 board examinations can earn an average yearly income of Rs. 3 Lakhs - Rs. 7.20 Lakhs.

3. What is the monthly salary of a Merchant Navy officer?

A merchant navy officer earns typically between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 90,000 per month. The maximum compensation could vary between Rs. 8 Lakhs and Rs. 20 lakhs.

4. What is the minimum age limit for the merchant navy?

The Minimum age limit for the merchant navy is 17 years and a maximum of 25 years.

5. Is the merchant navy a government position?

The merchant navy is both a government and a private sector job. If You are a government employee you work for the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). Aside from SCI, the vast majority of other enterprises in this industry are privately held.

6. Can someone join the merchant navy after finishing 12th grade?

To enter the Merchant Navy after graduating from high school, individuals must complete courses such as BSc Nautical Science or Diploma Nautical Science.

7. What are the three kinds of sailors?

The job of sailors in the merchant navy is primarily separated into three categories: deck, engine, and catering divisions.

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Have a question related to ?

Hello,

Here is the list of some top companies

• APM - MAERSK

• MSC - Mediterranean Shipping company

• COSCO - China ocean shipping company

• CMA CGM

• HAPAG - LLOYD

• ONE - One network express

• Evergreen line

• Yang ming marine transport

• Hyundau merchant marine

Thanks

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