⭐ Transportation ↑ 4% growth · Average

Port & Dock Worker / Longshoreman

Longshoremen and dock workers load and unload cargo ships at ports — some of the highest-paid blue-collar jobs in America when union-affiliated. ILWU and ILA members earn exceptional wages with overtime, and port jobs offer a pathway into maritime careers like harbor pilot or port supervisor.

$56,890 Median Salary
68K US Jobs
1–12 months Training
$0–$1,000 (union dues) Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$38,000
Median
$56,890
Experienced
$95,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

4%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
68K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
ILWU/ILA Union Membership + TWIC Card
Required Credential
ILWU/ILA Union Membership + TWIC Card

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Union Hall Training + On-the-Job
Program Length
1–12 months
Typical Tuition
$0–$1,000 (union dues)
Work Setting
Sea ports, container terminals, bulk cargo terminals
🏆 Credential Required: ILWU/ILA Union Membership + TWIC Card

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Port & Dock Worker / Longshoreman involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Sea ports environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Port & Dock Worker / Longshoreman by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC