Merchant Navy Salary in India - After 12th, Per Month, Top Companies, Based on Experience
Merchant navy sails the ship using satellite and radar systems and equipment. Merchant navy checks the weather conditions and navigates the information and takes necessary action, as well as arranges the safe loading, storage, and unloading of cargo and oversees passenger care and safety. In a merchant navy career, an employee is responsible for ensuring that everyone onboard follows strict health and safety requirements, as well as monitoring and maintaining life-saving equipment that includes fire fighting equipment and life-saving boats.

The Merchant Navy's mission is to monitor the ship's whole machinery for daily use, as well as inspect the mechanical and electrical equipment on board for proper operation. Merchant navy keeps all of the ship's legal and operational records, examines the weather, navigates reports, and takes appropriate steps. Merchant Navy salaries in India range from 0.3 Lakhs to 18 Lakhs per year, with an average yearly income of Rs. 3 Lakhs. The merchant navy salary in India after 12th is Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000.
How to Become a Merchant Navy
Step 1: Clear 10+2
Candidates who want to become merchant navy must have completed 10+2 in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent from a certified board with at least a 50 per cent aggregate. Students must enrol in undergraduate engineering programmes by passing the entrance exam and take admission to the bachelor's degree programme. The Minimum age limit for the merchant navy is 17 years and a maximum of 25 years.
Step 2: Qualifying Examination
Students must pursue a bachelor's degree to pursue entry-level employment, and they can also earn a master's degree if they want to advance in their careers. The entrance examinations for engineering programmes for both UG and PG courses are listed below:
MERI Entrance Exam | HIMT-OET |
TMI-BITS-EE | AIMNET |
Step 3: Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 60 per cent in 10+2. Aspirants must have completed their 12th grade in the science stream, with topics such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Depending on the institution, admission is offered based on entrance exam scores or merit. The following are some examples of bachelor's degrees:
BBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management | B.Tech in Offshore Engineering |
Step 4: Master’s Degree
Candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 60 per cent in their previous bachelor's degree programme. Students must have a bachelor's degree in marine engineering or technology. Depending on the institution, admission is offered based on entrance exam scores or merit. The following are some master's degrees:
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 |
Check in details - How to Become a Merchant Navy
Skills Required for Merchant Navy
Aspirants who aspire to become merchant navy must learn particular merchant navy abilities and the knowledge of swimming, and water adventures. Below are some of the skills that are required for a merchant navy:
Engineering designs | Problem-solving skills |
Mathematical and Physics Ability | Decision-making skills |
Maritime & Nautical Science and Engineering | A passion for sailing |
Inherent liking for water adventures | Exceptional teamwork skills |
Merchant Navy Salary in India
The merchant navy salary in India varies according to the candidate's skill and level of experience. In India, the average salary for a Merchant Navy officer is Rs. 3 lakh per year and their monthly salary is Rs. 25,000. The table below lists the merchant navy job descriptions and their average salary.
Job Profile | Average Salary |
Engineer | Rs. 4.0 LPA |
Chief Officer | Rs. 18.0 LPA |
Electro-technical officer | Rs. 14.8 LPA |
Captain | Rs. 2.2 LPA |
Catering Assistant | Rs. 3.2 LPA |
Navigation Officer | Rs. 9.2 LPA |
Deck Cadet | Rs. 2.2 LPA |
Source: Ambition Box
Note: These salary figures are for reference purposes and may vary depending on various factors, such as designation, experience, skills, job location.
Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Experience
The salary of a Merchant Navy Salary in India based on experience is listed below. Salary varies by location and state, based on the candidate's skills, and experience level. The table below shows the amount of experience of the merchant navy and their average salary.
Based on Experience | Average Salary |
Entry Level | Rs. 0.3 Lakhs per year |
Mid Level | Rs. 3.0 Lakhs per year |
Top Level | Rs. 18.0 Lakhs per year |
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.
Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Designation
The salary of a Merchant Navy Salary in India based on the designation is listed below. The salary was offered to the candidates based on the candidate's skills, experience level, and the location and state they choose to work. The table below shows the designations of the merchant navy and their average salary.
Based on Designation | Average Salary |
Mechanical Fitter Salary | Rs. 0.2 Lakhs to Rs. 15.8 Lakhs |
Electrician Salary | Rs. 0.2 Lakhs to Rs. 4.1 Lakhs |
Deck Cadet Salary | Rs. 0.2 Lakhs to Rs. 6.5 Lakhs |
Rigger Salary | Rs. 0.2 Lakhs to Rs. 7.7 Lakhs |
Operations Manager Salary | Rs. 2.7 Lakhs to Rs. 18.7 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.
Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Top Paying Industries
The salary may differ by the region and state in which candidates choose to work and depend on the skills and experience level. The table below shows the average merchant navy salary in India by top-paying industries.
Top Paying Industries | Average Salary |
Logistics | Rs. 5.3 Lakhs per year |
Defence & Aerospace | Rs. 1.5 Lakhs per year |
Urban Transport | Rs. 4.6 Lakhs per year |
Ports & Shipping | Rs. 7.9 Lakhs per year |
Oil & Gas | Rs. 3.4 Lakhs per year |
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.
Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Top Paying Cities
Salary varies by location and state, based on the candidate's skills, experience level, and location of the particular city and state. The table below shows the merchant navy salary in India by the top-paying cities and their average salary.
Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
New Delhi | Rs. 6.8 Lakhs per year |
Kolkata | Rs. 4.4 Lakhs per year |
Patna | Rs. 6.2 Lakhs per year |
Mumbai | Rs. 5.1 Lakhs per year |
Lucknow | Rs. 9.1 Lakhs per year |
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.
Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Top Companies
The table below displays the average merchant navy salary in India for the top companies. Salary varies by area and state, and is decided by the candidate's talents and amount of experience.
Top Companies | Average Salary |
Shipping Corporation Of India | Rs. 1.2 Lakhs to Rs. 7.0 Lakhs |
Indian Navy | Rs. 0.1 Lakhs to Rs. 0.4 Lakhs |
Ocean Sparkle | Rs. 1.0 Lakhs to Rs. 3.5 Lakhs |
Anglo-Eastern Group | Rs. 1.1 Lakhs to Rs. 9.0 Lakhs |
BSM Ship Management | Rs. 1.0 Lakhs to Rs. 10.0 Lakhs |
Executive Ship Management | Rs. 0.4 Lakhs to Rs. 14.0 Lakhs |
Essar Shipping | Rs. 1.8 Lakhs to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs |
Maersk Line | Rs. 0.5 Lakhs to Rs. 27.6 Lakhs |
TRIO | Rs. 11.7 Lakhs to Rs. 15.0 Lakhs |
Synergy Maritime | Rs. 0.5 Lakhs to Rs. 11.5 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.
Merchant Navy Salary in India Per Month
The merchant navy starting salary in India is Rs.0.3 Lakhs per year and the merchant navy highest salary for Rs. 18.0 Lakhs per year. The below table shows some of the job roles and their average salary per month for the Merchant Navy Salary in India.
Job Profile | Average Salary |
Chief Officer | Rs. 33,300 per month |
Electro-technical officer | Rs. 24,200 per month |
Captain | Rs. 18, 300 per month |
Navigation Officer | Rs. 76,700 per month |
Deck Cadet | Rs. 18,300 per month |
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.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - Merchant Navy Salary in India - After 12th, Per Month, Top Companies, Based on Experience
Question: What are the three kinds of sailors?
Answer:
The job of sailors in the merchant navy is primarily separated into three categories: deck, engine, and catering divisions.
Question: Can someone join the merchant navy after finishing 12th grade?
Answer:
To enter the Merchant Navy after graduating from high school, individuals must complete courses such as BSc Nautical Science or Diploma Nautical Science.
Question: Is the merchant navy a government position?
Answer:
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.
Question: What is the minimum age limit for the merchant navy?
Answer:
The Minimum age limit for the merchant navy is 17 years and a maximum of 25 years.
Question: What is the monthly salary of a Merchant Navy officer?
Answer:
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.
Question: What is the merchant navy salary in India after 12th?
Answer:
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.
Question: Is the Merchant Navy a full-time profession?
Answer:
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.