Shipping: Average salary three times higher than in the private sector

While salaries in Greece’s private sector remain a critical issue for both workers and policymakers, the shipping industry stands out as a remarkable exception. Annual earnings in the sector reach €65,000 for seafarers and approximately €55,000 for shore-based staff—nearly three times the average private-sector salary in Greece—making it a key pillar of well-paid employment in the national economy.

Greek shipping, in addition to its international prominence, plays a significant domestic role as an employer.

According to a McKinsey & Company study, the shipping industry is responsible for 10% of all private-sector salaries in Greece, and it accounts for 6% of total private-sector employment.

In total, the sector directly provides around 47,000 jobs:

• 20,000 in ship