Ship's Master
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$121,600
Full-time annual
People employed
3,700
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Controls and manages the operations of a ship or boat.
Alternative titles
Ship's Captain
Specialisations
Scope note: Marine Pilots are excluded from this occupation. Marine Pilots are included in Occupation 313432 Marine Pilot.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Manages and controls the movement of a vessel
- Oversees the interpretation of navigational instruments to ensure a vessel's course is maintained
- Adjusts a vessel's course according to weather conditions
- Communicates with port authorities
- Plans and schedules a vessel's route, considering factors such as weather, tides and cargo requirements
- Oversees the loading and unloading of cargo and/or passengers
- Implements emergency procedures in case of accidents, storms or unforeseen events
- Ensures compliance with maritime laws, regulations and safety procedures
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
26%
Female rate
5%
Median age
48
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+5%
554 projected jobs
to 2035
+12%
1,265 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 2
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing is required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Maritime Operations
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal)
Progression pathway
Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)
Progression pathway
Diploma of Maritime Operations
Specialised training
Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited)
Specialised training
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
18
ACT · May 2026
0
VIC · May 2026
5
NT · May 2026
6
SA · May 2026
4
NSW · May 2026
6
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Ship's Master.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Perth - South West
517 estimated employed
- 1
Perth - South West
517 employed
WA
-23.18%
year on year
- 2
Gold Coast
490 employed
QLD
+9.13%
year on year
- 3
Cairns
487 employed
QLD
-2.21%
year on year
- 4
Perth - North West
453 employed
WA
-22.56%
year on year
- 5
Brisbane - East
450 employed
QLD
+19.36%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
2,660
Moved in from another occupation
365
Moved to another occupation
235
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
4
points
- 2
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 313435
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate. A missing CSOL flag is not a finding of visa ineligibility; check the current Home Affairs list.