ETO Salary in 2026: What Has Changed Compared to 2025

The role of an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) continues to gain importance across the maritime industry. With increasing automation, digitalization, and reliance on complex electrical systems onboard, ETOs are no longer just support engineers — they are critical to vessel operations.

As a result, 2026 has brought noticeable changes to salary levels and market dynamics compared to 2025.

Who Is an ETO and Why Demand Is Growing

An Electro-Technical Officer is responsible for maintaining and operating all electrical and electronic systems onboard a vessel. This includes:

• Power generation and distribution systems
• Navigation and communication equipment
• Automation and control systems
• High-voltage installations

Modern vessels are becoming increasingly “smart,” which makes the ETO’s role more complex — and more valuable.

Tips on how to get cadetship on board the ship as Marine Engineering Student (Engineers & Electricians)

Getting a cadetship on board the ship as a marine engineering student is a critical step toward becoming a licensed engineer officer. Here are some practical and effective tips to help you secure one:

1. Target the Right Companies

Focus your search on companies that offer structured cadetship programs:

• International shipping companies (e.g., Maersk, NYK, MOL, Wilhelmsen, Anglo-Eastern, Bernhard Schulte).
• Crewing agencies that manage cadet placements.
• Localregional shipping companies (especially if you’re in a maritime nation like the Philippines, India, Indonesia, etc.).

Tip: Visit the official websites of these companies and check their “Careers” or “Cadet Programs” section. You will find a list of such companies below in the article.

How to Write a CV for a Marine Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)? Example Resume and Tips

Searching for a job in the maritime industry requires a well-prepared resume that clearly presents your qualifications, experience, and technical skills. For an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), this is especially important, as employers rely heavily on your documentation to assess whether you're suitable for the role. In this article, you’ll learn how to write a professional CV/resume for a marine ETO, see a sample resume, and understand what a CV actually is.

What is a CV and how is it different from a resume?

CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that outlines your professional background, education, certifications, and work experience in detail. In maritime practice, the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference in general job-hunting contexts:

• A CV is more detailed and often used in academic or research fields.
• A resume is a concise, job-specific summary — usually 1–2 pages.
• As a marine professional, your goal should be to keep your resume concise, relevant, and focused on sea service, qualifications, and specific technical skills.

What is the salary of an ETO? Salary of electricians on different vessels in 2025

The salary of Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) varies significantly based on vessel type, job specifics, and the specialist's qualification level. As of 2024, the average income of deep-sea sailors largely depended on the vessel type and position. For instance, salaries on tankers (oil) or in offshore operations were typically 1.5 to 2 times higher than those on bulk carriers transporting dry cargoes like grain or coal.

Salary Trends from 2010 to 2025:

According to MaritimeZone, over the six years from 2014 to 2020, the salaries of merchant fleet sailors remained relatively stable, while earnings in the offshore segment initially rose but then sharply declined alongside oil prices.

Minimum and Maximum Salaries:

On offshore vessels such as Pipelaying Vessels (PLVs), salaries ranged from $65 to $900 per day, depending on the position. Captains earned $900 daily, their chief mates $463, and second mates (including ETOs) $280 per day. Consequently, an ETO's daily wage could vary between $75 and $280, influenced by the vessel type and job specifics.