Longshoremen — also called dock workers or stevedores — load and unload cargo ships at ports across the United States. It is a physically demanding career with strong union protections and competitive compensation.
Salary and Benefits
Longshoremen earn between $35 and $60 per hour depending on port location and experience. With overtime and premium pay for night and weekend work, experienced longshoremen can earn $100,000–$150,000 annually. Benefits typically include comprehensive health insurance, pension plans, and paid time off through union contracts.
How to Become a Longshoreman
The path to becoming a longshoreman involves joining the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) on the West Coast or the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) on the East and Gulf Coasts.
Apprenticeship programs — Begin as a casual worker and accumulate hours. After meeting requirements, you become eligible for full union membership. Apprenticeship typically takes 2–3 years.
Union hiring halls — Ports use seniority-based dispatch systems. New workers start with less desirable shifts and gradually earn seniority for preferred assignments.
The Work
Longshoremen operate heavy equipment including cranes, forklifts, container movers, and tractor-trailers. They also perform manual labor like lashing cargo, securing containers, and handling break-bulk freight. Physical fitness is essential.
Job Outlook
Automation is changing port operations, but demand for skilled longshoremen remains strong at major U.S. ports. The job offers stable employment, union protection, and a clear pathway to high earnings without a college degree.