Longshore Workers

(NOC 7451)

in All Trades and Transportation

Longshore workers transfer cargo throughout dock area and onto and from ships and other vessels. They work for marine cargo handling companies, shipping agencies and shipping lines.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate Stable employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 30 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2019

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate 205 employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 4385 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Longshore Workers most commonly work full-time hours.

The median employment income for 44% of Longshore Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $89,522. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$16.00

Minimum

$26.00

Median

$40.15

Maximum

Annual Pay

$10,401

Minimum

$50,979

Median

$116,101

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$13.50

Minimum

$27.25

Median

$35.50

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Longshore workers transfer cargo throughout dock area and onto and from ships and other vessels. They work for marine cargo handling companies, shipping agencies and shipping lines.

Job duties

Longshore workers:

Use industrial trucks, tractors, and other mobile equipment to transfer cargo like containers, crated items, automobiles, and pallet-mounted machinery around dock to within range of cranes and hoists.
Use winches or other hoisting devices to load and unload cargo onto and from ships and other vessels.
Use mechanical towers to load vessels with materials like coal and ore.
Use equipment to transfer bulk materials like grain to hold of vessels.
Connect hoses and use equipment to transfer liquid materials into storage tanks on vessels.
Carry out other activities like lashing and shoring cargo aboard ships, opening and closing hatches, cleaning holds of ships, and rigging cargo.

Sample job titles

boat loader
dock hand
dockworker
longshore worker
ship loader operator
stevedore
tanker loader
wharfman/woman - marine cargo handling

Skills

You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.

Job requirements

Some high school education may be required.
On-the-job training is provided.

Other considerations

Movement to foreman/woman or supervisor of longshore workers is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

545

employed in 2016

73.1%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

6.5%

93.5%

52.8

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

49.5%

Halifax

20.7%

Cape Breton

13.5%

North Shore

9.0%

Annapolis Valley

7.2%

Southern

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

100.0%

Transportation and warehousing

What is the age of Employment?

33.0%

55-64

23.0%

45-54

18.0%

35-44

11.0%

25-34

10.0%

65+

5.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

30.3%

High school

$41,040 median annual income

23.9%

Less than high school

$46,661 median annual income

20.2%

College Diploma

$51,838 median annual income

20.2%

Apprenticeship

$59,436 median annual income

4.6%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Apprenticeship

$46,494 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income

22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income

18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income

2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca